Outdoor life Explorer 360

Join us and experience the best and rawest that western Norway's nature has to offer, while also getting a trip abroad to tropical islands in the Pacific Ocean!

Three guys are practicing surfing on the beach in Hoddevika. One guy is standing on his head on the board and the other two are holding his feet.
An adventurer with a backpack looks out over a beautiful landscape of mountains and fjords
Two smiling students stand on a mountain peak with skis in their hands raised in the air
Through the opening of a tent we see a beautiful view of mountains and forests.
A climber wearing a Viking shirt and climbing equipment sits on a climbing platform and enjoys the view of the fjord and mountains

Experience raw nature

Do you want to surf in Hoddevika, climb Hornelen and climb Skåla? All of these places are right around the next bend from Fjordane Folk High School ! No matter where you look, you will get great nature experiences, whether it's surfing waves in the west, climbing in the south, glaciers in the east and mountains in the north.

On the line Outdoor life Explorer 360 lets you experience raw nature up close, feel excitement, mastery and togetherness!

You can take part in small and large experiences throughout the year. Some days we climb at Beachen in Loen. Other days we paddle on Northern Europe's deepest lake or go on summit hikes on foot, skis or snowshoes.

Get close to nature and try lots of different things!

🏄‍♂️ Surfing in Hoddevika

We try surfing, kayaking and diving in Hoddevika, Ervik and other nice places.

🏕️ Sleep under the stars

We spend the night in tents, snow caves, hanging huts, bungalows and under the open sky.

🧗‍♂️ Climb where the view takes your breath away

We test our fear of heights in beautiful outdoor bouldering and climbing areas such as "Beachen", Via Ferrata Loen and Hornelen.

🎿 Top tours

We go on mountain tours both summer and winter. Here you can try everything from cycling, telemark skiing, snowboarding and randonee.

🧊 Glacier course, ice swimming and ice climbing

We climb Supphellebreen glacier and take a refreshing swim in the middle of winter. Preferably followed by a warm sauna or campfire.

🌪️ Stormy night at Stadt

West by the sea, you will experience the forces of nature as we hunt for autumn storms and spend the night at Kråkenes Lighthouse.

The picture is taken from a kayak out on the lake. We also see another person in a kayak in beautiful nature.

What you will learn

This is the year to become confident in nature. Here you will have the chance to take several courses and certificates:

  • Climbing pass : Learn belaying, buddy checks and climbing techniques, and get proof that you can climb with ropes and belay at an approved level.

  • Wet card : Learn paddling techniques, self-rescue and safe water travel. With this foundation, you can take courses from the Norwegian Paddling Association, which shows that you have basic knowledge of safety, technique and risk assessment.

  • Introduction to avalanche safety : Learn how to identify avalanche hazards, use an avalanche transceiver, and how to move safely in snowy and mountainous terrain.

  • Introduction to glacier hiking and buddy rescue : You will gain basic skills in glacier travel, rescue and buddy responsibility.

  • Basic first aid : Learn first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), wound care, and splinting.

A climber with climbing equipment climbs up a steep mountainside

The goal of the year on the line Outdoor life Explorer 360 will leave you with a stronger self-confidence and sense of mastery in nature, and that you will be challenged in new activities! At the same time, you will gain useful experiences and knowledge that you can use in education, work and life in general. Here you will get a good foundation for education in sports, Outdoor life , rescue, police, fire, or you can use your expertise towards the tourism industry

Who is the line suitable for?

The line is suitable for those who love being outdoors all year round. You like to be on the move and are happy to take on a challenge.

What we expect from you

  • You like to be active and try new activities, even if it's a little outside your comfort zone.

  • You have a positive attitude.

  • You show up, do your best and show respect for people and nature.

  • You take responsibility and want to contribute to a good community, both on trips and at school.

Four girls take a selfie in the ski goggles of a smiling girl

Check out @friluftslivfjordanefhs on Instagram!

Teacher at Outdoor life Explorer 360

Emilie has always had nature as her playground and workplace. She is an adventurer, dog walker and outdoor enthusiast, and has worked with Outdoor life and animals for as long as she can remember.

Over the years she has been a guide, a hiker and worked at a tourist cabin on the Hardangervidda plateau. She has also worked at the outdoor store Revir in Oslo and has even been a chef at a restaurant!

Emilie has a degree in nature and adventure tourism in Sogndal and has lived in both Australia and Costa Rica. She loves to travel, live simply and be outdoors, whether she's skiing, sleeping under the open sky or daydreaming about long expeditions in the ice with her seven polar dogs.

Meet Emily

Meet Kjartan

Teacher at Outdoor life Explorer 360

Kjartan loves to challenge the elements found in nature, year-round. He climbs everything from pebbles to larger mountains, goes to mountain peaks with both skis and bikes, and enjoys exploring the ocean, both above and below, in the wind and on the waves.

He is a qualified outdoor education teacher at the University of Southeast Norway, and has experience as an instructor and guide within a wide range of outdoor activities.

Meet Ida

For Ida, the transition to higher education was challenging. She decided to attend a year at a folk high school instead, a choice she doesn't regret.

– I am left with the thought that folk high school is the best money I will ever spend. I have developed as a person, regained my motivation, met new people, tried new things and had a break from the pressure of grades, says Ida.

Ida | Student 2023-2025

Life at Fjordane

How to apply

1. Fill out the application form

It's completely non-binding and not complicated. We need to know a little about who you are, your interests and why you want to become a student with us.

2. Your application is being processed.

First, you will receive confirmation that we have received your application. After November 15, admissions are ongoing and you will receive a possible offer of a place as soon as possible.

3. Answer yes or no to the space

You have 10 days to answer yes/no if you have been offered a place. If you say yes, you must pay a registration fee of NOK 2,900.

What do our students say?

Get to know us on Instagram