Eidskollen

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Eidskollen hiking guide

GETTING THERE

Oslo – 150km (2h)

Bergen – 370km (5h 30min)

Trondheim  – 420km (6h)

There is no public transport to the start of Eidskollen and no nearby parking lot (also not for bikes).

You can best visit this trail by staying at the nearby campsite or other accommodations in the neighbourhood. 

Motorhome campsite: I have stayed at campsite at Morudstranda camping, 300 NOK without electricity or  350 NOK with electricity (prices 2024). Showers are included in the price and are bit dated but clean and good. Kitchen with oven is available. More details HERE

Eidskollen trail start
This sign marks the start, from hear head up

TRAIL NAVIGATION

There is no map available, however you can still navigate Eidskollen without additional navigation. Follow the single trail, it has rarely any turns. There is directional post at the trail head and at the few turns where there might be a doubt, but mostly it is clear. About 1km prior to summit you come across open area with fallen trees and bogs, in this section, you will see blue stripes to indicate general direction. 

The trail from the road is about 8km round trip. If you are coming from the Morudstranda camping, add additional 4km (both ways).

As you ascent shortly after start, leave the car road after 2nd hairpin and instead head straight on the forrest trail
When the easy part ends, you will find sign to guide you to the more rugged trail

TRAIL DETAILS

If traveling from E16, pass the bridge and at the road split go straight up towards Rustebakke Gard. However in the second bend you continue straight/left instead of to the right. The next 2km you can enjoy wide dirt road through the forrest. You will gain a lot of elevation but since the path is going zig zag, it is not very straining. Once the road ends, follow the unkept small trail. Be ready for some mud in this section after rain. You might need to go through some weeds on the path and fallen trees. This part of Eidskollen trail is bit harder, but still manageable. You will reach open area with bogs and branches and burned/cut trees. In this section you need to pay attention to blue markings as there is no trail and the terrain is very poor. Be very careful where you step as you might trip on the uneven terrain. 

Please note I have made it only this far and had to turn back due to time limitations so can not comment on the rest of the trail. 

I have spotted droppings of elk or moose on the trail close to the open area, so keep an eye in mornings or at dusk. 

First part of the trail is easy wide dirt road
Still on the easy road, surrounded by forrest

Tree coverage: The trail is mostly through forrest, providing shade on hot day. 

Geocaching: There are no geocaches or Adventure Labs along the trail

Dogs: If your dog is used to walk such distance and elevation. Dogs must be leashed

Shoes recommendations: Possible to do regular sports shoes, although shoes with good profile are recommended. Boots might be good option if it rained recently. 

FACILITIES

There are no facilities along the trail or at the start, unless you are staying at the campsite. Perhaps for small fee you can use facilities at the campsite, they also sell some small packaged snacks at the reception. 

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

I completed part of the Eidskollen trail in July 2024 on Sunday. Weather around 17 degrees, cloudy. I have not met anyone on the trail. Since it is not touristy area and there is no proper parking lot nearby, I do not expect the trail be very busy. 

Some parts can be bit scramble around tall grass or bushes, but it was easier than it looks
While not spectacular as other hikes in Norway, I enjoyed the nature and the quiet trail

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