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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Sunndalen and Kamperhamrane
The old travel route over Kamperhamrane runs eastward from Sundalen and through Rauddalen to Skjåk. Parts of the route cross a steep mountain section called Kamperhamrane. In the steep mountainside there are old, stone-built steps that were restored by trail builders from Nepal in 2015. The most common hike, however, is the one from Sundalen to Sundalssetra, which can be done as a round trip.
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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 lovely hike to a summer mountain farm in beautiful surroundings, entering Jostedalsbreen National Park. The farm lies at about 380 metres above sea level. The hike starts at the Jostedalsbreen National Park Centre, first along a gravel road and then onto a steep and somewhat demanding trail.
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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.