Breiskrednosi from Dyrdal

posted in: Norway | 2

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. 

Breiskrednosi hiking guide

GETTING THERE

Oslo – 340km (5h)

Bergen – 150km (2h 30min)

Trondheim  – 490km (7h 30min)

By ferry: Your starting point can be Gudvangen, Aurland or Flam. You must book the ferry tickets in advance online in order for the ferry to stop in Dyrdal. One way ticket from Bakka to Dyrdal was 250 NOK (August 2024). For current timetable, pricing and booking refer to this website HERE

I suggest to book first ferry and if you are returning back to Dyrdal, book the last ferry. This will put time pressure on your hike. For this reason I would recommend taking first ferry and then hiking from Dyrdal to Bakka. 

By kayak: You are also able kayak to Dyrdal somewhere from the fjord and perhaps stay overnight at one of campsites on the fjord. 

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. More info HERE

Breiskrednosi map
Map available at Dyrdal
Hike from Dyrdal
The road until Hjolmo is very easy. Easy incline and smooth terrain. If you come across a gate, you can pass through but make sure to close behind you as it is to keep animals within the gated areas.

TRAIL NAVIGATION 

I strongly recommend getting gspx file or physical map. Take picture of the map at the trail head. There is directional post at the trail head and at some turns. Some parts of the trail are marked with red dots on various landmarks. After reaching the plateau the navigation is hard, the trail is not prominent or marked. If you have poor navigation skills, it might be worth joining a group for organised hike or hiring private mountain guide.  

TRAIL DETAILS

DYRDAL TO HJOLMO

 The hike from Dyrdal to Hjolmo is very easy. Enjoy 5,5 km on wide gravel path at kind incline. You will encounter gates, which are to keep animals within. You can pass through, but make sure you close the gate behing you and do not let any animals pass. Continue on the road until you get to small bridge leading to Hjolmo, cross the bridge and you will reach Hjolmo settlement. A lot of free grazing sheep on the trail. 

Dyrdal from the ferry
View on Dyrdal from the ferry while approaching
Hjolmo sheeps and huts
Hjolmo "village" with couple huts and many free grazing sheep around
 HJOLMO TO PLATEAU

From Hjolmo take the most left trail along the river. The trail is rocky dirt path and once you are on it, there are no further turns. In season, you can pick blueberries all along this section. You can again enjoy mild incline although the terrain is slightly more challenging, but still easy. Shortly after small waterfall on your left, you get to small bridge, this is nice place to take break if needed. From here continue along a small lake, this is nice, flat and easy walk. Enjoy this part, because once the lake ends, there is very steep climb. After the lake and before the huts, keep an eye on small sign with red arrow to mark your turn. The climb is really steep on dirt path. It is only 1km long but you gain over 400m in elevation. There is usually two paths, one more rocky and other just dirt, you can take either one. They both take you the same way, but keep an eye on small poles with red marking to make sure you didnt get lost. Once the steepest parts ends, you are on “plateau” above tree line. 

Bridge to Hjolmo
Small bridge just before Hjolmo, make sure to cross it. You can already see huts in the distance
Sheeps Hjolmo
On the small trail between Hjolmo and the lake some sheeps were spotted. Just step aside from the trail and let them pass.
PLATEAU TO BREISKREDNOSI

This is the hardest part navigation-wise. I thought I was genuinely lost, but when I checked my trail after the hike, I only made small diversion once. Once you reach the plateau, at first the trail is still prominent, until a small creek. From here the trail disappears or split at times and the route might be unclear. There are two alternative routes leading to Breiskrednosi. One is to keep straight towards smaller lake and then approach bigger lake on your right. The second option is make turn to the right at some point and walk around the big lake keeping it to your left. I kept straight and then I could see people at the top of Breiskrednosi, and I continued towards their direction. This was big scramble over rocks. The alternative route seems easier, but I have not seen the turn or the trail, so you could get lost on either path. For this section, it is good to have navigation, keep in mind that in this part you will not have phone reception

Lake Vassete
Aerial view on lake Vassete. You can see small bridge over the river leading from the lake, then the trail continues along the lake on the left side. At the end of the like there is steep uphill climb to the left.
Lake Vassete
Enjoy the hike along the lake before very steep climb
BREISKREDNOSI

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 Bakka to Breiskrednosi HERE

More about the hike from Bakka HERE where you also find a contact for local guide. 

Tree coverage: There is some tree coverage, especially until Hjolmo, however very open in the 2nd half. Carry sunscreen and/or sun protection. 

Geocaching: There are no geocaches or Adventure labs. 

Dogs: If your dog is used to walk such distance and elevation, but do not recommended. Dogs must be leashed. 

Shoes recommendation: Can be completed in trail runners with good profile

Breiskrednosi directional post
After lake Vassete, keep an eye for this sign post, directing you to the climb up to the plateau
The dirt path climb up to plateau is very steep. This part will become very muddy and slippery after rain.

TRAIL DETAILS – GENERAL

Take a note that this is very hard hike and it is not recommended, if you are not able to hike for many hours on difficult terrain. There might be potentially snow at the plateau. 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 slippery and dangerous, especially the steep climb after Vassete and the final climb to Breiskrednosi.  

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. Especially if you are hiking from Dyrdal, to avoid the stress of catching specific ferry. 

Difficult terrain at Breiskrednosi
The trail disappears at some point and it becomes bit of scramble. I thought I was lost here, but turned out I was mostly on track. Bringing additional navigation for this part is necessary.

FACILITIES

There are no facilities along this trail. Perhaps you can find some facilities in Dyrdal, but I have not seen any. Make sure to use the facilities while on the ferry. 

PERSONAL EXPERINCE

I completed this hike early August 2024 on Saturday while staying at the campsite in Bakka. In the morning I hitchhiked from Bakka to Gudvangen, took ferry to Dyrdal and hiked over Breiskrednosi to Bakka. I recommend doing similar loop with the difference on not relying on the hitchhike in the morning. It was cloudy day, around 17 degrees with strong cold wind at higher elevation. There were a lot of people, small groups, as well as large groups, both local and foreign. This is supposed to be popular area despite the difficult trail, so expect more people on the weekend.

Breiskrednosi fjord view
The hike is very strenuous but worth the effort
Breiskrednosi elevation profile
Elevation profile of the hike, walked Dyrdal to Bakka. 1 is hike up to Hjolmo. 2 is climb and walk along Vassete. 3 is steep climb to the plateau. 4 is Breiskrednosi area.
Breiskrednosi fjord view
Enjoying break and the views on the fjord from Breiskrednosi
Tips for other hikes in Norway

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