Five great hikes to summer mountain farms
Old summer mountain farms in beautiful western Norway are great destinations for the whole family. In and around Myrkdalen, there are many splendid summer mountain farms, and we have selected five easy and varied hikes in the area. Four of the hikes start from Myrkdalen Hotel, and the hike to Vetle Grungen is just a short drive away.
Mørkvesstølen
Mørkvesstølen is beautifully situated by a small river west of the ski center. You can walk to the mountain farm from Myrkdalen Hotel or you can take the chairlift and start your hike from the top station. Start from the top of the chairlift, and follow the gravel road towards Storhaugekspressen.
About 50 meters before you reach the top station, turn right and walk beside a small pond before you descend down the valley to the left. Further on, you cross both riverbeds and follow the sheep track/ path on the right side of the river down to Mørkvestølen.
Svoleset
Svoleset is located southeast of Myrkdalen Hotel, on the other side of RV13. Follow the gravel road for 600 meters to Helgatun. Cross the ski bridge over RV13, then over the bridge at Myrkdalselva and follow the marked trail to Bygdastølen. You cross the bridge over the river Kvanndøla and follow the blue-marked trail for 4 km to the mountain farm. The hike has approximately 450 metres of elevation in total.
Vetlebotn
The mountain farms in Vetlebotn are situated right in the heart of the ski resort, next to the base stations of the Kari-Traa and Kråni lifts. Here, you'll also find our new mountain lodge, offering ice cream, coffee, and homemade pancakes all summer long.
From Myrkdalen Hotel, follow the gravel road for 600 meters to Helgatun and then continue upwards on a trail for 1.1 kilometres. At the trail junction, turn right and walk 300 meters up to the cabins in Vetlebotn. Take the chairlift to the top, and follow the road one kilometer down to the cabins.
Revhaugen
The summer mountain farms in Revhaugen are located east of Myrkdalen Hotel, on the other side of RV13. Follow the gravel road for 600 meters to Helgatun. Cross the ski bridge over RV 13, then the bridge over the Myrkdalselva river and then follow the newly marked trail to Bygdastølen. At Bygdastølen, follow the tractor road for 1.5 kilometers to the mountain farm houses.
Vetle Grungen
The trip to Vetle Grungen starts at Holo, about a 10-minute drive from Myrkdalen Mountain Village towards Vik. Just before the hairpin bends, park your car and follow the path that goes northward. The hike initially ascends steeply (approximately 200 meters in elevation) to Vetla Grungavatnet. From there, the terrain levels out for the last kilometer to the mountain pastures.
Show consideration
- Show consideration for the mountain farming activities
- Close the gates behind you
- Show consideration for other users of the wilderness
- Do not disturb animals and birds
- All wildlife is protected except for legal hunting
- There is a leash law from 1st April and as long as the livestock are grazing
- Motor vehicle traffic is prohibited without special permission
- Free movement should not cause harm or inconvenience to others, or to plant and animal life
- Show consideration for nature
- It is forbidden to litter in nature
- Everyone must comply with the demands of the supervisor in the area
