Jølster

Jølster is a municipality in Vestland county, Norway. It is part of the traditional district of Sunnfjord. The administrative centre is the village of Skei i Jølster. The municipality lies along the eastern shores of the lake Jølstravatnet and includes several other settlements, such as Vassenden.

The landscape consists of forests, valleys and hills surrounding the central lake, with opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year. Jølstravatnet is the principal geographic feature and supports fishing, boating and scenic recreation. The local economy is based on agriculture, forestry and small-scale industry, with tourism growing through hiking, fishing and other nature-based activities.

Historically, Jølster was established as a municipality in the 1830s under the formannskapsdistrikt system. The name derives from the old Jølster farm, itself linked to the lake that dominates the area’s geography. The cultural and religious infrastructure in the municipality includes local churches and community facilities that serve residents and visitors.

Transportation within and to Jølster is mainly by road, with regional bus services connecting the area to neighboring municipalities. The locality is characterized by a rural, scenery-rich environment that reflects its agricultural heritage and natural resources.