The Suldal water system and the wild salmon

The Suldal Watercourse is the longest and most water-rich river system in Rogaland. The upper source of the watercourse is from the Solfonn Glacier in the Hardangervidda plateau, where the Storelva River flows southwest to Røldalsvatnet. From here, the water flows into Suldal municipality through Brattlandsdalen down to Suldalsvatnet, where Suldalslågen River carries the water further down to Sandsfjorden. Suldalsvatnet and Suldalslågen offer a range of magnificent natural experiences, with Suldal's own Atlantic salmon symbolizing life in the river.

Suldalsvatnet

Suldalsvatnet is the largest lake in Rogaland and one of the deepest in Norway, stretching 28 km in length and reaching a depth of 376 meters. Historically, the lake has been of great importance to the municipality, as it has connected the farms along the Suldal Valley in many ways. For many centuries, one would often enter Hylsfjorden and cross over Hylsskardet before taking a boat to Nesflaten in the north and embarking on the journey over the mountain. Along the way, you encounter Suldalsporten, one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the municipality. Today, the National Tourist Route Ryfylke/RV13 runs along the lake, providing an excellent starting point for hikes and fishing.

Suldalslågen

Suldalslågen is the most water-rich river on the west coast of Norway, flowing calmly and powerfully for 22 km from Suldalsvatnet near Suldalsosen down to Sand and Sandsfjorden. Here, the river concludes with a broad five-meter waterfall known as Sandsfossen. The Atlantic salmon has remained faithful to Suldalslågen throughout the ages, repeating the same cycle each year of migrating up its home river after spending several years at sea. In fact, the Suldal salmon travels as far as Greenland, Canada, and the British Isles. Today, Suldalslågen is one of the best salmon rivers in the country, attracting hundreds of sports fishermen each year. It is also possible to float down the lower part of the river on a salmon safari or in a boat on a river expedition. At Sandsfossen, you can visit Norway's first salmon studio during the summer season.

Learn more about Suldalslågen and fishing at suldalslagen.no.

Hydropower

Water power is also the reason why Suldal became home to the largest hydropower project in Northern Europe in the 1980s: the Ulla-Førre development. This project is most visible in the Suldal Mountains with the Blåsjø reservoir, which stores 6 percent of Norway's annual power needs at an elevation of 1000 meters above sea level. During the summer season, you can reach this area by car via the construction road named Blåsjøvegen. The Ulla-Førre development consists of 6 power plants/pumping stations, 28 reservoirs, and 100 km of transmission cables. Suldal is also involved in other major power projects such as the Røldal-Suldal Power Plant and the North Sea Link.

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