Jølster was located at the centre of the old Sogn og Fjordane county and was known for its rich cultural traditions in home crafts, folk music, song, dancing, and creative arts.

The principal attraction in Jølster was the scenery, with easy access to the glaciers Grovabreen, Jostedalsbreen, and Myklebustbreen.

Jølster was home to part of the largest glacier of continental Europe, the Jostedalsbreen as well as a clear green lake named Jølstravatnet.

The original municipality was identical to the Jølster parish (prestegjeld) with the sub-parishes (sokn) of Ålhus and Helgheim.

The official blazon is "Gules, a cross fleury Or" (Norwegian: På raud grunn ein gull liljekross).

The cross has a tincture of Or which means it is commonly colored yellow, but if it is made out of metal, then gold is used.

The modern arms were designed by Elsa Norunn Håheim Nydal who based it off an idea by Magnus Hardeland.

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Jølster was made up of 25 representatives that were elected to four year terms.

Jølster is bordered to the north by the municipalities of Stryn and Gloppen, to the east by Luster, to the southeast by Sogndal, and to the south and west by Førde.

Tourism is one of the largest industries in Jølster, and there are hotels, campsites, and a number of tourist facilities in each centre of the municipality.

The gallery has permanent exhibitions of Astrup's work such as paintings, graphics, wood-engraving plates and sketches.

Astrup often is regarded as the artist of Western Norway, as he found virtually all of his motives in his home surroundings.