Steinstolan is hiking point in Norway. It is not a peak, but split point for further hiking points. For example to Nystolvarden mountain peak. You can also just hike to Steinstolan and back enjoying mild incline and beautiful forrest hike on easy terrain.
GETTING THERE
Oslo – 190km (2h 45min)
Bergen – 310km (4h 40min)
Trondheim – 410km (6h)
Car parking: Free parking around Kvanhogd tourist centre.
Public transport: Bus stop outside of the Kvanhogd tourist centre. For trip planning HERE
Camper/ Van overnight stay: I have stayed at campsite at Tubbehaugen camping, 250 NOK without electricity or 300 SEK with electricity (prices 2024). ASCI or CKE will give you 10% discount. Showers are included in the price. Kitchen with oven is available at no extra charge. The Steinstolan trail is only few hundred meters away. The campsite is popular for its donkeys, you can also book walking tour with them. For more information and booking HERE
TRAIL NAVIGATION
You can navigate Steinstolan without additional navigation. There is a map at the start, I suggest to take a picture and this will be sufficient. It is mostly single trail without many turns. Follow the directional post at the trail head and at the few turns.
TRAIL DETAILS
This is very easy trail, the navigation is simple and the terrain is very easy. Follow wide dirt path all the way to the end. Until you turn into the forrest, you can enjoy somewhat flat path. Once you enter the forrest, that will be your view until the end, do not expect magnificent view on the surrounding area. It is very peaceful trail with mostly gentle incline. Please note that also at the end at Steinstolan there will not be much view. Steinstolan is not a peak, but a point, where the gravel road ends and 3 different trails start.
If you do not plan to continue further, I still suggest to go slightly above on your left to a shepherd hut (locked) with picnic tables outside, where you can rest.
Further hikes
You can continue further for longer day hike, long multi-day hike or just little further to get some views. I visited the trail after rain and all 3 trails were really muddy and difficult to pass by without boots. The main gravel path up until Steinstolan was fine without any mud even after further rain.
Option 1: From the hut continue up to your right towards Nystolvarden peak
Option 2: From the hut continue to your left, you can also continue towards Nystolvarden peak or to various other locations
Option 3: From Steinstolan, head straight to you right towards Gjota, along lake and minimal elevation. Alternatively if you want to enjoy at least little bit of views, you can go hike only few hundred meters above the private huts and from the small hill above them you get to enjoy some view.
Tree coverage: The trail is only 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. Dogs must be leashed
Shoe recommendation: Up to Steinstolan any sport shoe will be sufficient. If you wish to continue after Steinstolan, shoes with good profile are recommended. Boots necessary if it has been raining.
FACILITIES
There are no facilities along the trail. There are facilities at the Kvanhogd restaurant at the start/end, where they also sell fresh and packaged food as well drinks. Toilet available for customers.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Icompleted this hike in July 2024 on Wednesday. Weather around 15 degrees, cloudy with some light rain. I have met only couple of people on the trail. I expect the trail to be busy during weekend or while it is nice weather in summer months.
