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10 hiking favourites in Ål

Welcome to Ål in Hallingdal - midway between east and west, surrounded by beautiful nature and large mountain areas. Here you'll find hikes suitable for the whole family, all year round. From pram-friendly trails to summit hikes with magnificent views - these are our hiking favourites!

The tips are not ranked, but follow the festival programme chronologically - we start with the first event and end with the last.

1. River lengths

Sundre / Ål city centre

Season: All year round
Length: 7.6 km round trip
Height metres: 96 vertical metres in total
Time: 2 h, 30 min
Difficulty level: Easy hiking
Start page: Tingstugu, Ål Centre

Elvelangs (by the river) is an idyllic hiking trail that follows the Hallingdalselva river through Ål town centre. It's perfect for a leisurely walk, jog or stroll with a pram. Along the route, there are several benches, small art features and great vantage points. The route is organised with gravel and asphalt, and is suitable for all ages.

Hike description

From Tingstugu, head east on Sundrevegen, past the shops and out of the town centre. Follow the footpath for approximately 2 km. Just after Sundrevegen no. 155, you need to cross the road and you will enter a wide tractor road/trail. Follow this until you reach Ål Camping. From there, follow Elvelangs westwards to Topcamp Hallingdal. To get back to the town centre, follow Myrovegen - turn right out of Topcamp. Then turn right again onto Sundrevegen, walk past the schools and back to the car park.

Benches, shelters and fire pits have been set up along the way. There are also football pitches and various fitness equipment along the trail. There are organised swimming areas and fishing spots. The universally designed trail means that this is a hiking trail that should suit most people. The mailbox is located by the shelter about 200 metres west of Ål Camping.

If you don't want to walk all the way to Topcamp Hallingdal, you can walk back to the city centre from Bråta Idrettsanlegg, or you can walk under Stasjonsbrua and follow the footpath back to the city centre.

Tips

We recommend that you start the tour in Ål town centre, so you can end the day at Ål bakery for freshly baked buns or Bear House Burger, a popular burger restaurant in the centre of Ål. Here you get tasty burgers, good coffee and a cosy atmosphere - a perfect place to end your trip.

Map

  • UT.no
  • Cycling and hiking map Hemsedal, Gol and Ål 1:60 000.

2. Ål Bygdamuseum

Sundre / Ål Sentrun

Season: May - October
Length: 2.6 km, round trip
Height metres: 165 vertical metres in total
Time: 1 h
Difficulty level: Moderately demanding hike
Start page: Topcamp Hallingdal

This trip to Ål Bygdamuseum gives you a perfect combination of culture and nature. In a short space of time, you'll go from modern everyday life to a beautiful cultural landscape and a historic collection of old buildings with a real village idyll. The tour is suitable for most people and offers great views, varied terrain and good opportunities for both tranquillity and adventure. The museum also has a small nature trail and many nice stops along the way - a great trip for the whole family.

Hike description

From the car park at Topcamp Hallingdal, turn right and go through the tunnel under Rv7. Follow Myrovegen to the first crossroads, and then turn left up the hill, past the Solhov community centre. Eventually you'll come to a clear path that leads uphill towards Ål Bygdamuseum. The path is steep and a little rocky in places, but well organised.

At the museum, you can take a short walk on the nature trail, which is great to combine with a visit to the museum. You'll find the letterbox with guest book by a stone bench on the way to the homestead.

You can either go back the same way or follow Øvre-Ålsvegen (county road 2934) down to the school grounds. From there, turn right past the schools and the sports hall, before turning onto Myrovegen and following it back to the car park.

Tips

Take your time at the museum - the area has many beautiful old buildings with information posters. During the summer, guided tours are also offered for those who want a deeper insight into the village's history.

After the tour, we recommend a visit to Tid Café in the centre of Ål. This is a cosy café with a focus on local flavours, home-cooked food and baking. Here you can enjoy everything from fresh cakes and bread to hot dishes made with locally sourced ingredients - in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Map

  • UT.no
  • Cycling and hiking map Hemsedal, Gol and Ål 1:60 000.

3. Sundreberget

Sundre / Ål Sentrun

Season: May - October
Length: 4.8 km, round trip
Height metres: 190 vertical metres in total
Time: 1 h 30 min
Difficulty level: Moderately demanding hike
Start page: The car park at the top of Sundrevegen, at the top of the hill west of Ål church

Sundreberget is one of the most popular local hikes in Ål - easily accessible, yet with a good climb and a fantastic view as a reward. The hike is suitable for most people and provides both a nature experience and knowledge along the way, with information signs on geology, forestry and local flora. A perfect hike for those who want a shorter but eventful hike straight from the city centre.

Hike description

From the car park, walk approx. 200 metres along Øvre-Ålsvegen. At the junction with Orelivegen, you'll find a sign pointing the way to Sundreberget. Follow the path - it is well marked and easy to walk.

Approximately 20 metres before the viewpoint itself, you'll find a mailbox with a guest book. Along the way, you'll pass information boards telling you about the area's nature, geology and former forestry operations. You'll also pass through Forest park, operated by Ål Rotary - here you can see traces of old coal pits.

You can choose to walk back the same way, or take a short loop via the tractor road from Skogparken that goes down to Øvre-Ålsvegen. From there, follow the road back to the school area. If you want a slightly longer hike, you can continue over Sundreberget in the direction of Øvre-Ål and follow a circular trail back to the lookout point.

Map

  • UT.no
  • Reineskarvet 1:50 000

4. Buhovda

Øvre-Ål / Kvinnegardslia

Season: May - October
Length: 2.8 km, round trip
Height metres: 96 vertical metres in total
Time: 2 t
Difficulty level: Moderately demanding hike
Start page: The car park at Halle (Hallestølen) on Hevjanåsen, by the information board

The hike to Buhovda is an easily accessible and family-friendly round trip that offers impressive views of both Hallingskarvet and Ålingsfjella. This is the highest point along the marked trails in Øvre Ålsåsen, and is suitable for both children and adults who are looking for a leisurely hike with great benefits. From the top, there are several opportunities to extend the hike, depending on time and fitness.

Hike description

From the car park at Halle, follow the path that runs along the ridge up to Buhovda. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. At the top you get magnificent panoramic views in all directions - a perfect place for a break. From Buhovda you can choose between various return options, both short and longer tours.

Map

  • UT.no
  • Map: Reineskarvet 1:50 000

5. Rødungsberget

Bergsjø area

Season: June - October
Length: 3.3-4 km, round trip (round trip possible)
Height metres: 216 vertical metres in total
Time: 3 h
Difficulty level: Moderately demanding hike
Start page: Car park at Rødungstøl Høyfjellshotell or large car park along Tovikvegen

The hike to Rødungsberget takes you up into the high mountains of the Bergsjø area, through varied terrain and with fantastic views as a reward. This is a medium-demanding hike with both historical artefacts and nature experiences along the way. At the summit - 1248 metres above sea level - a formidable view of Hallingdal and Skarvheimen awaits. This tour is suitable for those who want a classic high mountain experience without going too far.

Hike description

From the car park, follow Tovikvegen in the direction of Rødungstøl Høyfjellshotell. The trail starts just behind the hotel and winds its way up the hillside. There may be some wet sections early in the trail. After about a kilometre you'll come to a junction - turn right here.

Eventually, the terrain flattens out and you will see Bukketjørn on your right. Rødungsberget rises in front of you to the left. Take the path to the left and follow it straight up to the summit at 1248 metres above sea level. Here you get a panoramic view that is well worth the hike.

You can return the same way, or turn the hike into a round trip by returning to the junction and following the path further west. You will then enter a cabin area west of Rødungstøl and can follow the mountain road back to the starting point. Along this road you will pass Vats Mountain Church, inaugurated in 1990.

Tips

Between Holustølen and Osestølen, along Rødungen, there are remains of older coal and iron mining facilities, as well as remains of old settlements.

Map

  • Ut.no
  • Reineskarvet 1:50 000

6. Mørehovda

Bergsjø area

Season: June - October
Length: 4.4 km, round trip
Height metres: 181 vertical metres in total
Time: 2 t
Difficulty level: Moderately demanding hike
Start page: Parking at Bergsjøstølen Fjellstue

Mørehovda is a beautiful, moderately challenging hike in the Bergsjø area that offers panoramic views of Hallingdal and the Reineskarvet mountain massif. The hike offers varied terrain with streams and marshy areas, so good shoes are recommended. At the top, you can sign the guestbook and enjoy the silence. History and culture enthusiasts will also find the area fascinating, with ancient bufa trails and mysterious rune drawings. A hike that offers both nature experiences and local history.

Hike description

From Bergsjøstølen Fjellstue, walk back to Bergsjøvegen. Just before the bridge, turn right onto the path. Follow this for approximately 1.7 kilometres. At the sign for Mørehovda, turn right and follow the path up to the top. From here you get a great view of the surrounding areas, including Reineskarvet. You'll have to cross small streams and some marshy areas in several places on the hike, so wear good shoes. The post box with guest book is located at the top of Mørehovda.

Tips

The area north of Mørehovda is called Djupedalen, where runic drawings of animals have been found. These were last attempted to be found in the 1970s without success. They are said to be located on an almost vertical rock face - if you find this, you will be talked about for a long time!

Bergsjøstølen Fjellstue has a self-service kiosk where you can buy some tasty snacks and refreshments after your trip. In addition, they offer the opportunity to pre-book dinner by email: kotor@bergsjostolen.no. Bergsjøstølen is also a cosy mountain hotel with overnight accommodation, perfect if you want to take the trip over several days or just relax in beautiful surroundings.

Map

  • UT.no
  • Reineskarvet 1:50 000

7. Bleste / Gaukelinatten

Votndalsåsen

Season: June - October
Length: 5 km round trip
Height metres: 74 metres in total
Time: 1 h 30 min
Difficulty level: Medium demanding
Start: Parking at Svarthamar, Ragnhildheladn

Bleste is a beautiful and easily accessible hike that is suitable for both families and mountain enthusiasts who want a moderately demanding hike with spectacular views. The hike offers varied landscapes, from cosy cabin areas to lush moorland, and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Hallingdal mountains. On the way back, you can enjoy bathing spots by the river Lya or buy local products at the farm - a true nature experience with a taste of tradition!

Hike description

From the car park at Svarthamar, you'll first pass a cabin area before continuing eastwards on easy terrain towards the high point of the hike, Bleste (1077 metres above sea level). Planks have been laid over some of the wettest sections. On some maps, the summit of Bleste is also called Gaukelinatten. Same way back.

From Bleste you get a great view of Reineskarvet, the Lauvdalsbrea glacier and the neighbouring farmsteads, some of which are still in operation. You can also see down to the river Lya, where there are nice swimming spots on good days. There are benches and fire pits for free use, but remember to bring firewood if you want to build a fire. From Bleste, it's almost all downhill until you reach the Tormodset farm, where you can buy local farm produce in the summer.

Tips

In the area around Bleste, you can enjoy beautiful scenery, great bathing spots by the river Lya, and the opportunity to buy fresh, local farm produce at Tormodset in the summer. There are also benches and fire pits along the river, perfect for a break or a meal outside.

Map

  • UT.no
  • Reineskarvet 1:50 000

8. Lya hiking and cycling trail

Votndalsåsen / Oppheimsåsen

Season: June - October
Length: 7.2 km round trip
Height metres: 83 metres in total
Time: 2 t
Difficulty level: Grandchildren
Start: Parking at Lyabrue

The Lya hiking and cycling trail is a beautiful and easily accessible hiking and cycling route suitable for all levels. The trail offers varied and easy terrain, beautiful views and several nice swimming spots along the river Lya. Here you can combine fresh air, nature experiences and activities such as fishing and bonfires - perfect for a family outing or a quiet day in nature.

Hike description

From the car park at Lyabrua, the gravel hiking trail crosses Eitra and continues in easy terrain to Fiskegrove. From there it climbs slightly to a ridge. Then it's slightly hilly until the end of the trail at Steintjødne. The post is located on the hill at Steintjødne, approx. 3 km from Lyabrua. It is recommended to follow the path all the way to the end at Steintjødne. Walk back the same way. There are great views along several parts of the trail. From the post office and eastwards towards Steintjødne, an old trapping facility has been registered and there are trapping pits in several places along the trail.

Tips

At Lyabrue you'll find great swimming opportunities, perfect for a refreshing break on hot days. There are benches and fire pits for free use, so feel free to bring firewood if you want to light a fire. Don't forget to bring a fishing licence if you want to try your luck in Lya or Steintjødne.

Map

  • UT.no
  • Reineskarvet 1:50 000

9. Grytingen - partly signposted hike

Votndalen

Season: June - October
Length: 9.8 km round trip
Height metres: 433 metres in total
Time: 4-5 t
Difficulty level: Demanding
Start: Parking by the "10 hiking favourites" sign on Lyavegen, after the Eitra bridge

Grytingen is a partly marked, demanding hike that offers great views of Hallingdal and Skarvheimen. The hike is almost 10 km round trip, with an altitude difference of 433 metres. From the top of Grytingen you can enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. The hike first follows the Eitra river upwards in a hilly terrain before the path flattens out and leads you to the top. Bring good shoes and be prepared for a slightly demanding hike.

Hike description

From the car park at Trettestølane, follow the road for approx. 300 metres until it turns left at the ferista (partly marked). Keep left at a fence corner. After approx. 400 metres you cross the river Eitra, which you follow in ascending terrain for approx. 2.5 km up to the top of the ridge. Here the path flattens out and you turn right at the first junction. You will now see Grytingen in front of you on your right. The terrain is open, and you can either follow the trail or hike to the top. From the top you have a great view of the surrounding area. The hike goes back the same way.

Map:

  • UT.no
  • Reineskarvet 1:50 000

10. Dyna

Veståsen

Season: May - October
Length: 9.5 km round trip
Height metres: 284 metres in total
Time: 4 h 30 min
Difficulty level: Medium demanding
Start: Parking approx. 100 metres after Bossetvegen 611, up Vestlivegen from Ål station

Dyna is a medium-demanding round trip in the high mountains with varied terrain and great views. The hike starts from Bosset and goes via Mjelsnatten, Bispen and to Dyna. The first part can be boggy and unmarked, but you'll soon find a good trail. Above the tree line, the terrain is easier to walk in. You return via Steinstølen and Fjellheim back to Bosset. This is a great high-altitude hike that offers both nature experiences and a good physical challenge.

Hike description

From Bosset, follow signs for Mjelsnatten, Bispen and Dyna. The first part of the hike is in marshy terrain with no signposts, but you'll soon find a good path. The hike is in easy and varied terrain, with some wet sections before you cross the tree line. From the top of Dyna, follow a clear path down towards Steinstølen. Just before Steinstølen, turn left at a small junction and follow the road towards Fjellheim. Before Fjellheim, you can choose to take a path that leads up to the road above Fjellheim. When you reach this road, turn right and follow the road and path back to Bosset. A great round trip in the high mountains!

Map

  • UT.no
  • Reineskarvet 1:50 000