Fosdalen is a short valley shaped by glaciers and rivers. Snow and rock avalanches are common on the steep mountainsides. Nevertheless, the valley has been used for summer farming and grazing, particularly for sheep.
Fosdalssetra is situated at 379 meters above sea level. It lies on the edge of avalanche danger, and some mountain huts have succumbed to the snowdrifts over time. Originally, there were six huts at the summer farm – three belonging to Sandvik and three to Fosnes.
Cows were milked at the summer farm until 1935. Until 1970, cows grazed in Fosdalen, but since then, only sheep have been grazing there.
The valley is lush with alder forest, along with some rowan and birch trees. Fosdalen is one of the places in Strynedalen where foxglove and monkshood grow together.
On the hike to Fosdalssetra, you will have a beautiful view over Oppstrynsvatnet towards Hjelledalen and Glomsdalen.
The nature trail in Fosdalen starts at the Jostedalsbreen National Park Center. See the dedicated information board about the nature trail at the center.
This nature trail has ten posts covering themes such as history, cultural landscape, geology, and botany. The trail leads to Fosdalssetra, and the hike up takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Follow the directional signs and look for ten numbered signs along the trail.
At each post, you will find information texts. The return trip follows the same path and takes approximately one hour back to the center.
Livestock graze in Fosdalen, and we encourage hikers to be considerate of the animals – for instance, by not feeding them.
For more information about nature and culture, visit the Jostedalsbreen National Park Center.

Gates should be closed, and dogs must be kept on a leash.

We wish you a great trip!