On tour Norway recommends: Top 5 mountain hikes in Vaksdal
Vaksdal is a mountain municipality in Vestland between Bergen and Voss. The municipality's highest peak is Skjerjavasshovden (1264 m). Here are five suggestions for mountain hikes with great views!
Annonse
Nesheimsnipa (1036 m) – 'Stairway to Heaven'
Spectacular summit hike from Yksendalen via Yksendalsstølen to Nesheimsnipa. The route is well marked, and along the way, you will encounter the famous 'Stairway to Heaven' – stone steps in three sections (the start, just after the cabin, and in the last steep climb to the top). The project was completed in 2024 and consists of around 1000 steps, built with local stones for safe and lasting passage. At the top stands a large cairn. Return the same way.
Bogafjellet (633 m) – via Bogavatnet
From Bogaveien, follow the construction road up the valley past the waterfall and 'Monsterbakken' to the dam at Bogavatnet (benches and nice resting place). Cross the dam and take a clear path in a northwestern direction towards Bogafjellet. At the cabin, the path becomes weaker, but red-painted sticks show the way to the top (small marked stone pile). The view stretches towards Sørfjorden; for a 'grand view' you take a short detour westward to the edge – with Hananipa to the left and Bruviknipa/Olsnesnipa to the right. Return the same way, or a steep path with stone steps down from Bogavatnet.
Panorama hike along Veafjorden
Long and varied fjord trip: Steep start up Kalddalen to about 500 m, then an unmarked section over Hestafjellet past small mountain lakes towards Fylenipa and further to Bergsnipa. Here the large panoramic view opens up – a full 600 meters straight down to Veafjorden. The route continues north along the fjord to Oksla (cabin), before a marked path under Borgafjellet leads down Vardadalen past Ulevikhytta and further to Hetlevikjæ parking. Some sections are unmarked and airy. Study the map carefully and bring navigation.
Read more about the panorama hike
Bjødnanebbet (675 m)
Popular viewpoint. The trail climbs steeply up to Javnasåta (625 m) before you get easier terrain towards the red cabin. Then you follow a clearly marked path northward and take a left towards Bjødnanebbet. Here, a wide view awaits over the fjord and mountains around Vaksdal. The trip is well-suited for an afternoon hike – return the same way. It can also be combined with nearby hills for a longer round in easy terrain.
Storafjellet (641 m) from Stanghelle
From Stanghelle, you cross the railway crossing and follow the road up on the side of the railway to the turnaround. Here starts a steep, rocky path up Kalddalen (rope/steps in some places). Follow the markings to Helleskart (about 500 m) and take a left at the trail junction. The ridge towards Storafjellet offers open mountains and easy terrain all the way to the summit cairn. The view down towards Stanghelle and Veafjorden is beautiful – best at the lowest cairn. Return the same way.
These are five sure favorites for you planning mountain hikes in Vaksdal – from stone steps to panoramic ridges by Veafjorden.
