Røldal: Skiing, Hiking Trails and Cultural History

Røldal offers several distinct highlights to consider when planning a stay: winter sports at the Røldal Ski Centre, hiking routes with varying levels of difficulty, and trails through the village’s history. The season and activities can help you assess what the village offers and decide which interests suit your trip.

Winter Sports at the Røldal Ski Centre

The Røldal Ski Centre has 15 downhill runs with a total length of 15 kilometres and a vertical drop of 650 metres. These figures may change if the centre is redeveloped. In addition to skiing on downhill runs, the centre also offers off-piste skiing and freeriding.

The upper lift station is a popular starting point for numerous ski tours on randonnée or cross-country skis. This means that both downhill skiing and tours are among the winter sports described in Røldal. You can choose an activity based on the type of skiing you prefer.

Hiking in Different Seasons

The existing Røldal–Austdalen–Bråstøl circular hiking trail starts in the village centre and is designed as a moderately difficult day hike. It passes through a historic landscape with a summer pasture and dairy-farming setting. The best time for this loop is from June to October.

The existing Røldal–Grøndalen hiking trail also starts in the village centre, but differs in its route and difficulty: it is moderate to challenging and follows an out-and-back route through the terrain, climbing to a summer pasture area. In winter, it is also suitable for ski touring from January to May. If you are planning a ski tour, check the seasonal route conditions in advance.

The main factors to consider when choosing between the two hiking trails are difficulty, route type and season: one is a moderately difficult loop, best hiked from June to October; the other is a more challenging out-and-back route that is also suitable for ski touring in winter.

Local History and Culture

Røldal Stave Church is in the village centre. It was built between 1200 and 1250 and is particularly well known as a pilgrimage site. The Røldal Rural Museum is located at the Hauge farm, also in the village centre. Its four buildings are the main building, the barn, the smokehouse or bakehouse, and Rabbastova, described as the oldest farm building in Røldal.

The museum’s exhibitions feature typical architecture, furnishings and tools from the period represented. Opening hours vary by season, so bear this in mind when planning your visit. The church and museum thus offer two different ways to explore the village’s history: through a pilgrimage destination and through historic buildings and everyday objects.

The Village Loop runs through the village centre and connects small stories, art, architecture, nature and cultural history along the route. You can get the puzzle for the trail from places including the Røldal tourist information office, Hordatun Hotel, Seim Camping and Skysstasjonen. The loop draws attention to the different themes you encounter along a route through the village centre.

Year-Round Trails and Activities Nearby

The centre has a well-developed walking and cycling route that can be used year-round. It connects to a lit cross-country ski trail or running track and provides access to an activity park. There are also places to eat near the route.

You can fish with a rod in Røldalsvatnet without a permit. Good shore fishing spots are at the canal outlet by the power station, about one kilometre south of Røldal village centre. Check the applicable fishing rules and licence requirements before your trip.

A construction or service road about 10 kilometres long runs from the power station at Røldalsvatnet to the dam in Blåbergdalen and can be cycled. The surface and access conditions may vary, so check them before setting out.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Tyssedal, Skare, Odda.

Return to the main travel overview: Odda.