Breiskrednosi is mountain peak in Norway. It is on a cliff which is 1000m above the fjord offering spectacular fjord views. In addition to fjord views, you can enjoy lakes and various animals along the trail, such as norwegian lemming. You can get to it from villages of Dyrdal or Bakka.
GETTING THERE
Oslo – 340km (5h)
Bergen – 150km (2h 30min)
Trondheim – 490km (7h 30min)
By car: Set GPS to Bakka. Note that the road to Bakka is very narrow, only enough for one car. Several double places allowing for cars to passing by. This might be intimidating for new drivers. This road is frequented by campers. Pass by Nærøyfjorden camping site to a paid parking lot. It is 80 NOK and you pay by Vipps or Paypal. Further up there is smaller parking lot (same parking fees), which is right by the trail head.
By public transport: You can get easily to Gudvangen by bus. From Gudvangen you need to walk, cycle or hitch hike for almost 5km. Detailed planning for getting to Gudvangen HERE
Camper/ Van overnight stay: I have stayed at campsite at Dyrdal Gard camping in Bakka, which is 4,7km from Gudvangen. 400 NOK without electricity or 450 NOK with electricity (prices 2024). ASCI or CKE do not apply. Showers are 10 NOK/ 4 minutes. Nice spacious kitchen is available. Laundry facilities for 50NOK. The campsite is very expensive, but well worth it with various activities available. More info HERE
TRAIL NAVIGATION
It is possible to navigate this trail without additional navigation, however I do recommend to get gspx file or physical map, especially for the last part of the trail. Take picture of the map at the trail head. There is directional post at the trail head at at the few turns. The trail is at times marked by red dots or letter T on various landmarks.
TRAIL DETAILS
BAKKA TO RIMSTIGEN
You start with steep hike to Rimstigen, which is very popular trail. It can be difficult due to incline and scree (when dry) or mud (after rain), but it offers excellent fjord views straight from the start. See details about this trail HERE.
RIMSTIGEN TO SKARSVOTNI
After you pass Rimstigen, you will see signs for Vassete. You can follow them until you reach the lake. At the first trail split, you can take small alternative trail on the right, which will bring you closer to the river, but this part might be muddy after rain. When you come to a bridge, make sure to cross it. From Rimstigen you will walk through bushland at mild incline for little while. this is perfect opportunity to catch a breath, because shortly later you will come to second bigger steep climb along the waterfall/river. At some point the trail splits to the right and left and there is no sign. Take the trail to the right towards the waterfall. From here follow the is zig zag dirt path, while still difficult, it is easier than climb up to Rimstigen. I have encountered high number of Norway lemming on this part, which is a rodent typical in Norway arctic areas. They mostly quickly run away with loud squeek. Your effort will be rewarded at the top by reaching tarn Skarsvotni.
SKARSVOTNI LAKE
This is beautiful place with excellent views. Depending on the month you are doing the hike, you might need to stop your hike here, as there might be snow. I visited early August and there was still some snow around, although not on trail. On the other hand some people might stop and enjoy quick swim, if they don’t mind cold water.
SKARSVOTNI TO RIMSTIGFJELLET
Once you are ready to continue, cross the small river going from the tarn to waterfall. There is small trail of stones across the river, but depending how much water is flowing, some stones might be submerged. It is very likely that you will get your shoes and feet wet here, unless you do it barefoot or wear high waterproof boots. From there follow the single path. At the end of the lake, there is split in trail without any signs. Down to the left towards the lakes or to the right uphill. Take the right path. From here there is single track but the path might be sometimes bit unclear, so pay close attention to red markings. Eventually you make it to the peak of Rimstigfjellet.
RIMSTIGFJELLET TO BREISKREDNOSI
From Rimstigfjellet the navigation is trickier. There is no more red markings, the trail might not be as prominent in parts and the terrain is harder at some sections. You will do couple small uphill and downhill climbs. On the final ascent there are several routes available. For this last part, I recommend having gspx or other form of navigation. You will likely not have phone reception in this section. Eventually you will arrive at marked peak of Breiskrednosi, but most people follow slightly further towards the cliff side for better views on the fjord. Due to the large drop, follow general safety guidance as the rocks/cliff might become loose or you might loose your balance. If you have fear of heights, there are paths available slightly further away from the cliffside. Otherwise enjoy the views before either heading back the same way or continuing to Dyrdal.
Article on Dyrdal to Breiskrednosi HERE
More about this hike HERE where you also find a contact for local guide.
TRAIL DETAILS – GENERAL
Take a note that hiking to Breiskrednosi is very hard hike and it is not recommended, if you are not able to hike for many hours on difficult terrain. You will have to do creek crossing and potentially snow crossing. Turn back in case of heavier snow, as it would not be safe. I would not recommend this hike to families with small children or dogs. I recommend bringing hiking poles, especially for the descent. At the higher elevation wild reindeer you might spot wild reindeer, but I have not seen any. Since you will be in the mountain for many hours, make sure you are well prepared in case weather conditions change. Make sure to check forecast in advance and prepare accordingly. Be ready for worst conditions than the forecast as the weather might still shift. I do not recommend to do this hike after heavy rainfall as many parts will become muddy and dangerous, especially the crossing at the lake.
Summary
With all this said, the effort and the hike is well worth it, it is beautiful with magnificent views at all times. I would recommend to complete the hike from Dyrdal to Bakka instead of there and back trip.
Tree coverage: The trail is mostly in open area, only Rimstigen climb is under trees. Carry sunscreen and/or sun protection.
Geocaching: There is one earth cache at the Skarvostni and classic geocache at Bakka church (if visiting the village)
Dogs: If your dog is used to walk such distance and elevation, but not recommended. Dogs must be leashed.
Shoes recommendation: Can be completed in trail runners with good profile
FACILITIES
There are no facilities along the trail. At the campsite in Bakka, you can purchase freshly made waffles or ice cream at the reception during opening times and if you ask, you can probably also use the restroom.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I completed this hike early August 2024, partially on Thursday (Rimstigfjellet and back) and again on Saturday (Dyrdal to Bakka). Weather on Thursday was beautiful, around 22 degrees, very warm with cold breeze, there were some people, but not many and mainly on the Rimstigen portion. On Saturday it was cloudy, around 17 degrees with strong cold wind in higher elevation. There were a lot of people, small groups as well as several large groups, both local and foreign. This appears to be popular area despite the difficult trail and expect more people on the weekend. If you are not experienced in the mountains, I suggest to do the hike on weekend as you might get help in case you get into trouble.
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