The Salmon Festival in Lærdal
Join an exciting and activity-filled festival weekend celebrating the wild Atlantic salmon and life in and around the Lærdal river! The Salmon festival combines nature experiences, culture, local food, and activities for the whole family. Over the course of three days, you can take part in everything from fly-fishing workshops, inspiring talks, and guided spawning walks to yoga, climbing, concerts, dancing, and pizza buffets. Whether you want to learn something new, stay active outdoors, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere by the river, there is something for both children and adults.
Join an unforgettable Salmon Festival weekend
The festival offers everything from talks and author conversations about wild salmon and local gin, to unique nature experiences along the Lærdal river. Join guided spawning walks where you can observe salmon during the spawning season, or take part in fly-fishing workshops suitable for both children and adults. Here, you can learn how to cast a fly rod or improve your technique. If you are eager to prepare for your next fishing trip, Saturday’s fly-tying workshop gives you the chance to create your own salmon flies.
On Saturday evening, the festival continues with concerts, great food, and the opportunity to hit the dance floor during the Salmon Festival party with DJ Trym. The festival concludes on Sunday with a relaxing yoga session led by Anne Marie Torheim from Fjordyoga, followed by brunch at Laksen Kafé & Bakeri and another guided spawning walk.
Most of the programme is free and open to everyone. However, entry to the evening events (18+ age limit) requires either a day pass or a festival pass.The entire festival programme is suitable for both locals and visitors with an interest in nature, wild salmon, and local food traditions.
Admission to the exhibitions at the Norwegian Wild Salmon Centre is free throughout the weekend. Laksen Kafé & Bakeri will also offer a special festival menu during the weekend, featuring fish soup and baked potatoes.
Program
Location
Øyraplassen 14, 6887 Lærdal
Daniel Kvammen to Perform at This Year's Gytefestival
Since his debut in 2015, Daniel Kvammen has established himself as one of Norway's most distinctive voices in contemporary pop music. With more than 45 million streams, a Spellemann Award (Norway's Grammy), the prestigious Målprisen, and numerous radio hits, he has become renowned for his deeply personal songwriting and his signature blend of pure pop performed in the Halling dialect.
From his breakthrough single "Du fortenar ein som meg" ("You Deserve Someone Like Me") to the critically acclaimed album "Guta som gret" ("The Boys Who Cried"), Kvammen has consistently created songs that resonate emotionally while captivating audiences across Norway.
In Daniel Kvammen's musical universe, rural roots, city life, and the emotions of youth come together in a poetic and irresistibly melodic sound. He has collaborated with celebrated Norwegian artists including Lars Vaular, Gabrielle, Eva Weel Skram, and Hellbillies, creating music that balances vulnerability with grandeur.
With his authentic stage presence, heartfelt storytelling, and unmistakable voice, Daniel Kvammen has become one of Norway's most beloved artists. His songs invite audiences to sing along, reflect, and connect—making his concert at this year's Gytefestival an unforgettable experience.
Lars & Lars
Lars & Lars Bring Their Best Fishing Stories to Gytefestival
Do you have a great fishing story—or would you like to hear a few unforgettable ones? This year's Gytefestival welcomes Lars & Lars, the popular duo from the hit Norwegian series Fiskekrigen on VGTV, for an evening filled with laughter, adventure, and a shared passion for fishing.
Join them as they present a selection of memorable highlights from the films and TV series they have created together. The journey spans from the early NRK series Bård og Lars på Fisketur, through the acclaimed Tørrfluelandet trilogy, to their latest productions as Lars & Lars on VGTV.
Lars Nilsen will also share brand-new footage of magnificent brown trout spawning in the small forest streams of Nordmarka—a rare and fascinating glimpse into one of nature's most spectacular annual events.
Whether you're an experienced angler or simply enjoy a great story, this promises to be an entertaining evening packed with humour, breathtaking nature, and unforgettable fishing adventures. Don't miss it!
The Salmon Festival in Lærdal is a weekend of activities and fun for the whole family
Practical information
Most events and activities are free and open to everyone. However, admission to the evening events (18+ only) requires either a Day Pass or a Festival Pass.
All festival activities are conducted in Norwegian and are perfect for both local residents and visitors with an interest in nature, wild Atlantic salmon, and authentic local food.
Throughout the festival weekend, admission to the Norwegian Wild Salmon Centre exhibitions is free of charge, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of wild salmon and Norway's rivers.
For the duration of the festival, Laksen Café & Bakery will serve a special festival menu featuring freshly made pizza, traditional fish soup, and baked potatoes - the perfect way to enjoy local flavours between festival events.
Explore Lærdal
Historic Guided Walk in Old Town Lærdal
Join a guided tour through the charming streets of Old Lærdalsøyri and learn about the towns interesting history.
Wild Salmon Visitor Centre in Lærdal
Get to know wild salmon through an immersive exhibition. Explore their anatomy, senses, diet, and life cycle. Follow their journey from the river to the ocean and back again to the fjord and river. Along the way, learn about salmon ecology, the challenges they face, and their importance to people - past and present.
Borgund Stave Church and guided walk on the King's Road
Borgund Stave Church, dating back to the 12th century, is one of the best-preserved stave churches in Norway.
Laksen Bakery and Café
A rich variety of freshly baked goods based on local produce with local and international flavour.
Scenic day trip to Lærdal & Stegastein
Join a day trip to Lærdal filled with beautiful nature, interesting history and Norwegian salmon.