Discover Vartdal

The hiking destinations in Vartdal differ in access: a blue-marked trail leads to Risanakken through woodland, while the approach to Bergehornet crosses a bridge and follows a gravel road. The gradient, possible wet conditions and views also differ, giving you specific points to consider when planning your hikes.

Hiking around Risanakken

The Vardehornet via Risanakken route starts at a junction in Sætrefeltet in Vartdal and passes over Risanakken, a popular hiking destination. Risanakken can also be reached from Sætre or Sætrefeltet via a blue-marked trail through deciduous and spruce forest. At Risanakken, there is a rest area with views over Vartdal. The Vardehornet via Risanakken route also offers views of the entire fjord.

The terrain around Risanakken can be wet in places; higher up, the trail is in good condition. As terrain conditions vary seasonally, check the conditions on the day of your visit before setting out. This will help you account for changing trail conditions when planning your hike.

The approach to Bergehornet

Access to the hike up Bergehornet starts from Vartdalsvegen near Vartdal and follows the signposted turnoff to the shooting range, then crosses a bridge and continues along a gravel road to the power station at Fosshola. The hiking trail starts there. Check local road conditions before your hike.

The hike to Bergehornet is quite steep, but has no exposed sections. From Bergehornet, you look directly down over Vartdal. By comparison, the Vardehornet via Risanakken route offers views of the entire fjord, so the two hiking destinations offer different kinds of scenery. Even without exposed sections, the gradient is still a separate point to consider when planning your hike.

Church and altarpiece in Nordre Vartdal

Nearby, in Nordre Vartdal, is Vartdal Church (Vartdal kyrkje). The wooden long church was consecrated on 8 April 1877. Its altarpiece was painted by Lars Kinsarvik in 1907. The dates are around three decades apart: the painting dates from a later period than the church’s consecration. For travellers who want to include a cultural and historical stop alongside their hikes, this nearby church offers a point of interest in its own right.

Cross-country skiing and getting there

In Vartdal, cross-country ski trails are maintained by dedicated volunteers. Trail conditions vary seasonally, so check their current condition before planning to ski.

During the day, FRAM routes 100/101 run through Vartdal hourly. If you are planning to travel by bus, check the current timetable before departure. The stated frequency applies to daytime services and does not replace checking specific departure times.

Discover more destinations: Øye, Sætre, Norangsfjorden, Ørsta, Sæbø, Bjørke, Barstadvik, Storestandal

Back to the main travel overview: Ørsta.