On a trip Norway recommends: Top 5 mountain hikes in Kvam

Chris A. | Published: 19/12/2023

På tur Norge anbefaler: Topp 5 fjellturer i Kvam

In the heart of Western Norway lies Kvam herad – a mountainous region with views of fjords, glaciers and high mountains. Varied mountain hikes await you in Kvam all year round, from family-friendly peaks to airy randonee routes.

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Ski trip to Tveitakvitingen (1299 m) from Furedalen

Skitur til Tveitakvitingen 1299 moh fra Furedalen på Kvamskogen – fjellturer i Kvam

The most popular peak in Kvamskogen – just as nice on foot as on skis. In winter you can go on mountain skis or with randonee equipment. The conditions often change throughout the season, from wet snow at lower altitudes via blown-off sections over Stuveggen to snow near the summit. The descent is easy on randonee skis, but can be more demanding on mountain skis. In summer the route is cairned all the way to the summit.

Mountain hike to Vesoldo (1046 m) in Kvam

Fjelltur til Vesoldo 1046 moh i Kvam – utsikt mot Hardangerfjorden — Photo: Johan Solberg

Vesoldo offers magnificent views of the Hardangerfjord, Kvamskogen and Folgefonna – with Tørviknuten as the nearest neighboring peak. The most common start is from Byrkjenesvatnet north of Strandebarm. The trail is approximately 4.5 km from the parking lot, red-marked and good all the way. Above 500 m above sea level, the terrain opens up to easy-to-walk high mountains. Feel free to combine with Tørviknuten for an extra peak.

Scrap (1320 m) from Fitjadalen in Øystese

Fjelltur til Skrott 1320 moh fra Fitjadalen i Øystese – fjellturer i Kvam

A short but steep classic. The trail is approx. 4.5 km, but rises around 1000 metres in altitude. Follow the sign "Skrott/Breidablikk" from the parking lot. The route goes up quickly through spruce forest and further into open terrain. Above the tree line it flattens out at Håsete before the last steep bend. The markings follow the DNT's red crosses. Just before the summit cairn you get to a viewpoint with perhaps the best panoramic view of Hardanger of the trip.

If you want to extend the hike, continue inland to the DNT cabin Breidablikk and circle back.

Fuglafjellet (1334 m) from Kvamskogen

Topptur til Fuglafjellet 1334 moh fra Kvamskogen – fjellturer i Kvam

Kvam's highest peak is rugged and wild – perfect for those who like less traveled routes. The mountain has many cliffs and can be demanding in fog, but offers several exciting route options. The usual access is from Steinskvanndalen in Kvamskogen, but you can also walk from Hamlagrø (via Vending) or from Øystese via Vossadalen/Fugladalen. The view is wide, and with a little luck you can see reindeer on the high mountain.

Fotasperrnuten (1194 m) from Kvamskogen

Fotasperrnuten 1194 moh fra Kvamskogen – sti via Steinskvanndalen

From the parking lot, cross the bridge and follow the gravel road up to Steinskvanndalen. Continue inland along Steinskvanndalsvegen on the right side of Steinskvanndalsvatnet, cross the bridge and keep right towards the cabins. After a new bridge over the mouth of the Stølso River, there is a sign for Fotasperrnuten. Follow the red-marked path across the field and further towards the foot of the mountain.

The ascent is steep on a good path with some airy sections along the river. Higher up it flattens out a bit before a new steep section. The last part of the path winds in a zigzag between striking rock formations. At the top is a small cairn, and the view of the neighboring peaks is first-class. Return the same way. In case of high water flow – choose safe fording places, and avoid the trip in dense fog.

Five sure favorites for those planning mountain hikes in Kvam.