Hiking tips in Fjærland: 5 mountain hikes in 5 days
Fjærland is the gateway to Jostedalsbreen and one of the Sognefjord's most atmospheric fjord villages.
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The place is surrounded by steep mountain slopes that rise to over 1600 meters and offer panoramic views down to the Fjærlandsfjord. The village is known as the Norwegian Book City, with charming second-hand bookstores in historic houses along the fjord. Travel time: From Bergen it normally takes 4–5 hours by car or bus.
In this travel article, we have selected five local mountain hikes spread over five days – varied, airy and with breathtaking views. The hikes are best suited in the season from summer to autumn.
Between the steep days, it's good to have a rest day by the fjord to gather strength - and we highly recommend it. Fjærland Fjord Stoves as a base for your stay.
Facts about the trips
- Format: 5 x day trips in the mountains around Fjærland
- Trip length: 10–15 km
- Difficulty levels: Medium - extra demanding
- Season: Summer and early fall
- For whom: Experienced mountain hikers in good physical shape
- View: Panoramic view of Fjærlandsfjord and Jostedalsbreen
Experiences in Fjærland
- Accommodation at Fjærland Fjord Stoves
- Brævasshytta in Fjærland – dining with a glacier view
- Steam – floating sauna in Mundal
- Bøyabreen and Supphellebreen
- The Norwegian Book City – second-hand books in the fjord area
- Norwegian Glacier Museum
- Kayaking on the Fjærlandsfjord
Hiking tips day by day
Day 1: Mountain hike to Flatbreen and Flatbrehytta (994 m above sea level)
Photo: Chris Almeland
From the parking lot, cross the road and follow the signs for "Flatbrehytta". A forest road with a steady incline turns into a path along Tverrdøla (bridge when the water is flowing heavily). For the wildest experience: take a right at the crossroads, down to the river (difficult crossing when the water is flowing heavily), then up the valley. At approx. 700 m above sea level, follow north, possibly taking a detour to Vetla Supphellenipa. Continue towards Brefallet and the ridge along the glacier arm to Flatbrehytta - spectacular views. Return on the "normal" path.
Distance: approx. 9 km (round trip) | Time: approx. 4-6 hours | Grade: Demanding
Day 2: Middagshaugen (1030 m above sea level)
Photo: Johan Solberg
From Fjærland, drive towards Horpedalen and park just past the last farm. Cross the bridge and follow the path to Endrestølen. From here the route towards Middagshaugen (1030 m) is unclear and very steep/rocky. Along the way the view opens up towards Fjærland and the glaciers; at the top you see towards Jostedalsbreen.
Distance: approx. 6.6 km (round trip) | Time: approx. 3-5 hours | Grade: Medium
Day 3: Mountain hike to Nesahaugen (665 m)
Photo: Chris Almeland
The top offers great views inland towards Fjærland, Jostedalsbreen and several glacier arms. Start from Fjærland or drive to Homrane (parking lots). Follow the marked path from the gate through the pasture and up the forest via Osloplass and Hamrastølen. At the crossroads keep right; the path curves towards the fjord before leading up to the tree line. Go past the mailbox and further up the hill behind – here is the viewpoint. Return the same way.
Distance: approx. 5 km (round trip) | Time: approx. 3 hours | Grade: Medium
Dag 4: Lundeskaret til Tuva & Søgnesandsnipa (1548 moh)
Photo: Johan Solberg
Demanding and spectacular day trip: From Lundebotn you follow the steep, historic path up Lundeskaret (sometimes steep—best in dry weather) to the edge at approx. 1000 m. Further over rocks and ridges to Tuva (~1304 m.) and Søgnesandsnipa (1548 m.) with magnificent views of Kjøsnesfjorden, Marabreen and Jostedalsbreen. It is up in this area that the "Glacier Gondola" from Lundebotn to Tverrfjellet is planned.
Distance: approx. 10 km (round trip) | Time: approx. 6–7 hours | Rating: Extra demanding
Day 5: Short mountain hike to Besshovden (592 m above sea level)
Photo: Reidun Kristiansen
Short and nice view hike over the Fjærlandsfjord. From Berge (approx. 200 m above sea level) you follow a tractor road to a red cabin; from there the path is marked to Besshovden (592 m above sea level). Steady climb through heather and birch, and at the top is a flat plateau with a wide view over the Fjærlandsfjord. The hike is suitable for most people; allow approx. 2–3 hours round trip at a leisurely pace
Distance: approx. 4.5 km (round trip) | Time: approx. 2-3 hours | Grade: Medium
- Check the weather, snow and any glacier conditions; bring wind/rainproof outerwear and warm clothing – even in the middle of summer.
- Use sturdy hiking boots; several routes have rocks/ridges and a steady incline.
- Download GPX and have a map/compass; coverage may be uneven in the side valleys.
- Planlegg ankomst kvelden før første tur – kjøretiden fra Bergen/Oslo is long.
Keywords: Hiking tips in Fjærland, Mountain hikes in Fjærland, Accommodation in Fjærland, experiences Fjærland.
