Hiking routes in Oppstryn
Around Lake Oppstrynsvatnet, we find these mountain farm valleys: Skaardalen, Furedalen, Flofjellet, Glomsdalen, Skjerdingsdalen, Sunndalen, Erdalen, Fosdalen, Brekkedalen, and Rjupedalen.
Traditional mountain farming came to an end before 1960—and at some of the farms, long before that. However, the farm buildings still stand as witnesses to a different era in Norwegian agriculture. Many farmers are diligent in maintaining both the buildings and the cultural landscape. Some of the farms are remotely located and exposed to the forces of nature; here, only the stone walls remain as reminders of the past.
Many of these mountain farms are nestled between mountains reaching up to 1,850 meters above sea level. The landscape is magnificent, with glaciers sending arms down the mountainsides. Hiking in these valleys offers great nature experiences. Several of the farms are located within Jostedalsbreen National Park.
Here you will find an overview of some of the most popular hikes, which are also signposted and maintained. Some peak hikes are also included.
Trail descriptions can be found below.
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Skaardalen
Skaardalen is a rather steep and short valley that stretches for 2 km in a northwesterly direction from Veslebygda. It offers a unique view of Oppstryn.
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Furedalen
In Furedalen you will find Furesetra, and at the end of the valley lie the two Botnevatna lakes. Several idyllically situated cabins have been built by the first lake.
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Flofjellet
The hike follows an old travel route between the village of Vollset in Sunnylven municipality and Flo.
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Segestad
The trail to Segestad winds its way up the mountainside beside the mighty Glomnesfossen waterfall. The farm gives you unique insight into how mountain farmers lived just a few generations ago. Information boards tell the story.
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Glomsdalen
In Glomsdalen there are several summer mountain farms, cultural heritage sites, an old mountain farm, and the possibility of enjoying fantastic views over Oppstryn.
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Skjerdingsdalen
When you emerge from the first tunnel on the road across Strynefjellet, you will see this idyllic mountain pasture farm not far from Route 15. There are many hiking options here.
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Sunndalen
Sunndalen is a lush valley, flanked by high, steep mountains on both sides. The hike to Sunndalssetra (summer farm) works well as a round trip. The old mountain pass over Kamperhamrane runs east from Sunndalen, leading through Rauddalen to Skjåk.
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Erdalen
In Erdalen you reach two summer mountain farms: Erdalssetra and Vesledalssetra. Vesledalssetra has for a long time been the starting point for trips onto the Jostedalsbreen glacier. Here you will also find the PDF for the nature trail in Erdalen.
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Fosdalen
A beautiful mountain pasture valley with a long history and magnificent natural surroundings. Up in the valley you will find Fosdalssetra (summer farm), and deeper into the valley you will find an ancient hunting and trapping site.
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Brekkedalen and Rjupedalen
Brekkedalen and Rjupedalen are situated in such a way that it can be natural to do a circular hike through both valleys.
Map Showing Hiking Destinations in Oppstryn
There are ten mountain pasture valleys in Oppstryn, and several hikes have been described in each of them. The hiking destinations are numbered on the map, and the colours indicate the difficulty level of the hike.
Green – Easy Blue – Moderate Red – Challenging Black – Very Challenging
