The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Western Norway, Norway

Starting Point: Grauthedlar turisthytte Description:Start walking in a westwards, first 5-10 minutes up a small slope, across a large marsh area, then up a narrow ravine until you come to a signposted intersection. Continue westwards through a narrow crevice before turning left and walking along the edge of the mountain. Walk parallel to the power line for the next few kilometers. Follow the southern side of ovra Ramsdalstjodn tarn. In the western end you will cross the stream and follow the path up. At the next tarnl cross the stream again so that you follow the southern side of the tarn. At the end of the tarn cross another stream and walk diagonally uphill to the west then cross under the power lines you have been walking parallel to and head towards Sora Kamsbrekka. From the top you have great views of the dramatic Kamsdalen valley. Head down the slope and about half way down cross over at a signed intersection. Change direction and start walking south-west up the mountain (1145 metres). Good navigation skills are necessary in the barren landscape. Just below the summit there is a large cairn and where there are great views of the Lyseheiane mountains. Shortly after the cairn the path veers to the left, in a more southerly direction towards the power line and Vaulatjodna tarn. By the power line, start walking south-west down a deep ravine. It is very steep here and you must climb down. In late Spring (May/June) there may even be snow still. Continue along the north side of heimra Vaulatjodn and then to Indra Brudletjodna where you follow the eastern side of the tarn. Some areas along this tarn are steep bare rock faces, which can be challenging in wet weather and after alot of snowmelt. Continue along the south-east side of heimra Brudlitjorna tarn and then head towards Lysedalen valley before veering north-west around a small summit. Cross a small valley before starting the descent Jenafjell. Towards the bottom of the valley you must again cross some steep bare rocks before you come to a regulated tarn on your right tat you walk along. At the end of the tarn you come to a reservoir, from here follow the stream further down the valley. After you have rounded Mount Jenafjell you can walk quickly down to the road at the farm Tangen. For a detailed description including maps and information etc buy the guidebook 'Hiking in Sirdal' which includes Kjerag and Sirdals Seven Summits

Raudmelen (972m) Raudmelen is a mountain which towers 972m over the centre of Balestrand. A hiking trail goes up the mountainside from Balestrand to the top of Raudmelen. This is a demanding hike. From the top you have fantastic views over the Sognefjord, both out towards Stolsheimen and in towards Fjaerland and Leikanger. Start: Start by Belehalli sports hall, at the same place as the starting point for the nature trail. Take the red route to Raudmelen. The first part goes along the marked nature trail, but soon turns off upwards. After following the relatively steep path up through the woods it is nice to take a break at Orrabenken (370m) where you get a wonderful view over Balestrand centre and the Sognefjord. From Orrabenken follow the path on upwards. The blue route turns off towards Balastolen and Fjaerestedstolen and the red route continues up towards Raudmelen. At Burasi (575m), another fine resting place, you get a marvellous view over Sognefjord and Esefjella. The path goes on up and along the ridge towards the top with wonderful views on both sides. On one side you see down over the green slopes to Balestrand and on the other dramatic rocky mountainsides towards Esedalen. At the top you are rewarded with fantastic views over the Sognefjord. This is a demanding hike and takes approx. 6 hours. Good advice: Get a map from the tourist office. Be sure to take plenty of water as there is no drinking water on this route. Getting there: From Balestrand quay/tourist office walk up Laerergata and on to Kreklingevegen until you get to Belehalli sports hall. The roads are signposted with white nature trail signs. To reach Balestrand take the express bus from Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim or express boat from Bergen. If you come by car from Oslo take the E16 and route 55. From Bergen or Trondheim take the E39 and route 55.

Undoubtley, one of the world's most beautiful hikes! Enjoy hours with breathtaking scenery in a fantastic alpine environment, with balcony view to many of the most famous mountain peaks in Norway. Magnificent 365 degrees view from top of the ridge. Easy access from Åndalsnes in Norway. Daily bus service to the start point in Summer, departing every morning from Åndalsnes Train Station. Season Ultimo June - Ultimo September.

A hike to Kjerag is an experience like no other. You will see the amazing Kjeragbolten and gaze out at beautiful Lysefjord. The marked path goes in the rugged and beautiful terrain from Øygardstøl into Kjerag. Please note that the tour is not guided. The ticket is valid for the coach ride from Stavanger to Øygardstøl. From here you should allow approx. 5 hours back and forth.

Nature Trail - Kreklingen The trail starts from Belehalli sports hall in Balestrand and goes on to Sandstolen or Skasheim. This is an easy trail with an ascent of 90 - 250m. The first part goes along a nature trail marked with notices giving information about the plants and animals in the area. Further along the trail you get some very fine views over Balestrand. The trail is marked with yellow markings and signposted towards Granlia and Skasheim. From Granlia you can either follow the yellow markings further to Sandstolen (shorter route) or Skasheim (longer route). The trail consists of stone/gravel/grass and is approx 50 - 60cm wide. It can be used for off road cycling. The walk takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on which route you choose and your own condition. Getting there: From Balestrand quay/tourist office walk up Laerergata and on to Kreklingevegen until you get to Belehalli sports hall. The roads are signposted with white nature trail signs. To reach Balestrand take the express bus from Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim or express boat from Bergen. If you come by car from Oslo take the E16 and route 55. From Bergen or Trondheim take the E39 and route 55. For more information contact Balestrand.

The Waterfall Path, Gaularfjell The Waterfall Path goes from the Gaular mountains down to Viksdalen. Along its route are 14 waterfalls and 7 lakes. It is a relatively easy hike with a height difference of approx. 500m and a total length of 21 km. The hike goes from Gaularfjell to Viksdalen via Eldal, Likholefossen, Longstolen and Torsnesstolen. There are 4 different starting points. Eldal: Marked with a signpost. Parking area. The path is marked with red F’s, and direction signs. Likholefossen: Marked with a signpost. Parking area. The path is marked with red F’s, and direction signs. Longstolen: Marked with a signpost. Parking area. The path is marked with red F’s, and direction signs. Torsnesstolen: Marked with a signpost. Parking area. The path is marked with red F’s, and direction signs. You can choose to go the whole distance or just parts of it. The bus stops at all the start/finishing points. You can choose to walk between 2, 3 or 4 points. The path goes through a luxuriant landscape rich with wild animal and plant life as well as areas of active farming. The path goes over rough and rugged ground and crosses a number of wooden bridges. It is possible to fish along the river. Fishing licences can be obtained from local businesses / accommodation in the area. Getting there: During the summer you can get a bus (route14-210) from the centre of Balestrand to and from Gaularfjell. To get to Balestrand take the express bus from Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim or the express boat from Bergen. If you come by car from Oslo take the E16 and route 55. From Bergen or Trondheim take the E39 and route 55.