Sogndal folkehøgskule
- Helgheimsvegen 9 , Sogndal
- Telephone: 57 62 75 75
- E-mail: sogndal@sogndal.fhs.no
- Number of students: 104
- Hours of tuition per week: 33One tuition hour is 45 minutes.
- Start-up date: 22.08.2027
- Location: Sogndal
A year at Sogndal folkehøgskule gives you the opportunity to grow as a person and develop practical skills through exciting and challenging activities. Sogndal is a lively student town, surrounded by spectacular nature. Jotunheimen, Jostedalsbreen and the Sognefjord are all right on our doorstep.
At Sogndal Folk High School, we focus on outdoor life, skiing, climbing and sports. One of the best things about the school community is that there’s always someone ready to join in, whether it’s a mountain hike, a night in a tent, a dip in the fjord or a volleyball game. Here, you’ll find others who share your interests.
Our programs are led by skilled teachers with many years of experience in folk high schools. They know the local area well and know how to create experiences and learning opportunities you wouldn’t get on your own.
Sogndal Folk High School is beautifully located, with the fjord right outside the door and easy access to mountains, glaciers, climbing areas and sports facilities. The school is centrally located in Sogndal, where most things are only five minutes away.
We also have several international students, creating an exciting and diverse environment.
Here, you’ll meet people who share an interest in activities and nature.
This is what we’re proud of:
Our programs are well established and have been developed over many years.
Our teachers are highly qualified in their fields and receive great feedback every year.
Our dormitories are bright and welcoming, and students live in smaller groups that create a friendly sense of community.
Our kitchen focuses on nutritious, tasty and environmentally conscious food.
We offer a wide range of electives, and you might even discover a new talent during the year!
Welcome to a school where you’ll be met with warmth, care and a friendly push to challenge yourself.
In this video, Lenja, one of our second-year students, answers some of the most common questions we get from international applicants. She talks about what to bring, visas, language and what life in Sogndal is like.
information on our website: https://www.sogndal.fhs.no/information-for-foreign-students
Mandatory: Yes
Price: Included in course price
Duration: 2
The whole school travels to Aurlandsdalen, a valley known for its beautiful scenery.
We stay at the mountain lodge at Østerbø, where we enjoy good food, spend time together and have plenty of opportunities to get to know each other.
During the trip, we practise kayak rescue and navigation. There is time to learn basic outdoor skills, try new things and develop the skills you already have.
The next day, we hike together through Aurlandsdalen. This is one of our first trips of the school year and a great opportunity to get to know your fellow students, teachers and the area around the school.
The trip is all about outdoor life, learning and community, and getting the school year off to a great start.
Mandatory: Yes
Price: Included in course price
Duration: 3 days
In week 3, the whole school travels across the mountains to Hemsedal. We stay right by the slopes, with ski-in, ski-out access.
We have three full days of skiing, with plenty of time to develop your skiing skills and learn something new. Students are divided into small groups based on experience and ability, and you can choose between cross-country mountain skis, telemark and alpine or touring skis. Our own teachers provide instruction, together with a few external instructors.
Each day, we have two instruction sessions, and the rest of the time is yours for free skiing.
In the evenings, we gather for a good dinner and time together in the common room. The Hemsedal trip is a great winter experience and gives the whole school a few fun days together.
Mandatory: Yes
Price: Included in course price
Duration: 2 days
Towards the end of the school year, the whole school goes on a two-day boat trip on the Sognefjord. We have the entire boat to ourselves and sail into the Aurlandsfjord and onwards into the Nærøyfjord.
In Dyrdal, a small roadless hamlet, we dock for the night. There are opportunities for outdoor activities and mountain hikes. We sleep on board the boat, in the local schoolhouse or, for those who want to, in tents. In the afternoon, we barbecue on the quay, and in the evening we gather around the campfire.
The next day, we hike along the north side of the Nærøyfjord on the historic postal road to Styvi. We stop for lunch, and those who want to can also take a swim in the fjord.
A great way to end the school year.
Normally, you must be 18 years old by the start of the school year to apply. We also accept applicants under the age of 18 based on an individual assessment.
There are no requirements regarding specific grades or previous education. You must be able to participate actively in the school’s classes and community.
When we receive a large number of applications, we consider factors such as motivation, interest in the course, and the overall composition of the student group.
You apply through the school’s application form. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and you will receive a response by email once your application has been assessed.
We have modern, high quality dormitories where every room is bright and welcoming.
Fjellinternatet: Consists of four dormitory units. All rooms have a private bathroom.
Hageinternatet: Consists of eight dormitory units with shared bathrooms. Seven students share one bathroom with two showers and two toilets.
Jotunheimen and Stjernehimmelen: Each accommodates 12 students in double rooms with private bathrooms. Each dormitory also has its own shared kitchen.
Most students choose to share a room, but it is possible to request a single room if you have special needs.
There is plenty of storage space for bikes, skis and other equipment.
All dormitories have a cosy common room
Pier where students swim all year round
Bright and spacious dining hall overlooking the Sognefjord
Apple orchard with space for hammocks and slacklining
New and newly renovated dormitories
Gymnasium with a stage
Strength and fitness rooms
Artificial turf football pitch with floodlights. When it is cold enough, we turn it into an ice rink in winter
Beach volleyball court
Boathouse with canoes and kayaks
Ski workshop
Bike workshop
Band room where students are free to use the instruments
Sewing room with new sewing machines
Modern, well equipped kitchen
Fireplace lounge
Vegetable garden
The schedule varies from week to week. Your main course runs throughout the year. In the fall, much of your time is spent on your main course, with study trips in October. From November to January, the focus shifts to electives and school projects. From February, the focus returns to your main course, with study trips in April.
Sogndal is located in the heart of Sogn, surrounded by fjords, mountains and glaciers. The village is known for its active outdoor lifestyle, whether you want to hike in the mountains, climb, ski or paddle on the fjord. Many people here share an interest in outdoor life, activities and nature, and Sogndal also has a large and vibrant student community.
It is about 3.5 hours to Bergen by car and around 5.5 hours to Oslo. Sogndal Airport Haukåsen is about 20 minutes away, and you can also travel to and from Sogndal by bus and express boat.
One of the great things about living here is that most things are close by. From the school, you can easily walk or cycle to the town centre, sports facilities, the climbing centre and nearby hiking areas.
Sogndal Ski Centre, Hodlekve, 15 km
Sports centre and climbing centre, 2 km, 8 min by bike
Kvam outdoor climbing area, 4 km, 15 min by bike
Cinema, 650 m
Shopping centre, 700 m
Cafés 950 m
Bus stop by the school is called Helgheim
We explore grind size, the differences between various coffee beans, and—most importantly—brewing the perfect espresso. We visit the local coffee roastery for an introduction to coffee roasting.
The goal is to develop technical and tactical skills while increasing knowledge through structured training and different forms of gameplay. We have our own sand-volleyball court on campus.
We road-trip around the region in search of the best bouldering spots, both outdoors and indoors. In Sogndal, we also have a state-of-the-art bouldering gym that we use extensively.
Freeride is about skiing outside the groomed slopes. You’ll learn technique, safe travel, and how to choose good lines while exploring and enjoying natural terrain.
First aid is an essential skill no matter what stage of life you’re in. We combine theory and hands-on practice to handle everything from minor injuries to serious accidents.
This is a beginner’s guitar course for those who love leading sing-alongs or simply enjoy strumming in a quiet moment. The school provides several guitars.
Avoid living off junk food during your studies—save your money for more fun things! We make simple, tasty, and nutritious meals that are quick and affordable.
Want to try hunting, or do you already have some experience? This elective is for you! With excellent hunting terrain near the school, you’ll get to try clay pigeon shooting and rifle use.
We paddle on the world’s longest fjord—Sognefjorden! You’ll learn basic kayaking techniques and rescue skills while enjoying spectacular fjord landscapes.
Learn belaying and climbing techniques for both toprope and leading. We cover basic climbing skills, equipment choice, and history. It concludes with a “Brattkort” certification. Equipment loan.
Create your own knife—complete with a sheath! Choose from different types of wood for the handle and design it to fit perfectly in your hand. You can also personalize the sheath.
Design and craft your own high-quality longboard for asphalt surfing! Not only is longboarding fun to make, but it's also an eco-friendly and exciting way to get around.
Work with acrylic paints on canvas! We create large-scale paintings, and you’ll learn painting techniques, color theory, and end up with beautiful artwork to display.
We prepare delicious meals that are easy to bring along on a hike. How about campfire-baked cake, warm cinnamon rolls, or a stuffed flatbread?
Lactic acid and burning muscles—will be worth it when winter comes and your legs are ready for powder ski and mountain descents! Expect stair running and high-intensity training before the snow comes
Learn how to make traditional holiday foods like homemade sausages, cured meats, and locally sourced delicacies!
We repurpose old climbing ropes into custom chalk bags. Learn sewing techniques, explore upcycling, and create high-quality products with a cool, personal touch!
Pack your bags—we’re heading to the coast! Depending on the destination, expect fishing, great vibes, maybe a crab feast, or just enjoying a beautiful sunset together.
Learn to knit beautiful, traditional Selbu mittens! Beginners will master the basics, while experienced knitters can experiment with patterns and even create their own designs.
Sharpen your turns or learn to ski from scratch! Lessons take place at Sogndal Ski Center, and you can use your preferred skis—telemark, alpine, cross-country, or touring skis.
Make your own skis from scratch! We have a dedicated woodworking workshop and an experienced "ski maker" who will guide you through the process.
Ski technique on slope focuses on becoming more confident and skilled on groomed runs. You practice turning, balance, and control to ski more smoothly and efficiently.
We visit the organic farm Bøtun in Indre Hafslo, where we gain hands-on insight into food production. Expect an enjoyable experience—with a bit of physical work included.
In the workshop, you’ll work with various types of wood on projects big and small. Sketch your idea, make a plan, and get building! We’re excited to see your results.
Learn content creation, improve your photography skills, and work with video editing.
Make your own clothes! You’ll learn how to follow sewing patterns and upcycle existing garments. Our sewing room is well-equipped for all your creative projects, from jackets to formal gowns.
Ski touring offers breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks and valleys. If you’ve never tried it before, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sogndal is a paradise for ski touring!
Prepare for fast-paced action with technical drills, exercises, and exciting matches. Smashes, blocks, and plenty of energy!
Yoga focuses on strengthening and making both body and mind more flexible. This is achieved through physical postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama).
We brew our own beer and even create our own malt! You'll experiment with different types of beer while learning about brewing history and traditions.
The yearbook team writes, designs, and assembles the school's yearbook. You’ll gain experience in basic photo editing, article writing, and proofreading—all fueled by plenty of coffee!