- Sogndalsdalen has it all
The outdoor life around Sogndalsdalen is probably still best known for large mountainsides and steep forest slopes. Where dedicated skiers come thundering down, with wild cheers in self-produced snowflakes.
But for hikers and mountain lovers who know the Sogndalsdalen valley, this is a truth with some modifications.
From Tylderingen, Dalavatnet leads the way towards the majestic Sogndalsdalen valley (Photo: Morten Hagen)
You don't have to challenge the steepest routes to get high up in the mountains.
During the summer season, it is probably still the north side of the Sogndalsdalen valley that is most used for hiking, as opposed to the more alpine southwest side and the bottom of the valley.
- The north side is very easily accessible. There are large hilly expanses and flat areas, and you can save time by using prepared roads and parking lots to make your trips shorter. This means that young children don't have to struggle with too many vertical meters, the threshold is lower and well-being is higher," says Morten Hagen from Sogndal.
The close trips. Short distances make it easy to get to the mountains after school and work (Photo: Hagen)
With a father who is an above-average hiking enthusiast and mountain water, Morten has enjoyed hiking since childhood. Many of his childhood hikes are the ones he still enjoys the most today.
- Take Nuken, for example. The mountain plateau between Sogndal and Hafslo. At 919 meters above sea level, it's well above the tree line. But it's still an easy hike. For example, if you start from Årvollsåsen, it's no more than three kilometers each way and just over two hundred vertical meters up. Simple outdoor life with "world-class" fishing, easily accessible and popular hike. The view is absolutely nothing to sneeze at, and on clear days it offers first-class views of, for example, Hurrungane. Everyone should take a trip to Nuken.
This area is an easy terrain to walk in. For example, to Nuken, Halsavatnet or Tylderingen.
- Tylderingen, at 1104 meters above sea level, is another classic that offers incredible views in relation to how easy the hike is. You get to the top with about 500 meters of hiking from the parking lot at Fretland. Halsavatnet is located midway between Nuken and Tylderingen, an eldorado. These hikes go well without too many vertical meters, and you get a lot out of the day.
Frudalen, a mighty valley. One of its secrets is Frudalsvatnet (Photo: Hagen)
When Hagen wants to highlight the easiest trips to the mountains, he chooses the north side of the valley
- "This side of Sogndalsdalen is more summer-oriented, I think. The other, where the ski center, Togga and Blåfjell are located, is more designed for skiing and winter. But you'll find lots of great hikes there too, of course. The same goes for Frudalen and Langedalen too. The valleys are great and moderate to walk in, so you can make it as challenging as you're able to," he explains.
"Sogndalsdalen has everything," is a statement many people make. Also Hagen:
- All year round, you'll find something unique in our valley. Exquisite areas for mountain skiing tours and photography at a moderate pace, with wide and open terrain, steep and majestic mountains, Ski touring and loose snow on the widest skis. Glaciers, beautiful rivers, fishing lakes, alpine heights and a rich view. Great wildlife and a well-maintained cultural landscape
- Because it's absolutely true, Sogndalsdalen has everything, concludes Morten Hagen
A beautiful view from Stepin into Laugadalen. Here you can dream away to the big ski lines down from Nonsholten, or to the Japanese pillows in Toggaskogen. Free choice from the top shelf (Photo: Hagen)