Amotan in Norway, is unique location, where seven waterways (rivers and waterfalls) meet. In addition Amotan is botanically most richest area in Norway. The area is very well marked for hiking offering varied nature. It is on the edge of the only place in Norway (and Europe), where musk ox live, so there is small chance to spot them.
GETTING THERE
Oslo – 440km (5h 45min)
Bergen – 550km (8h 45min)
Trondheim – 160km (2h 20min)
By car: Park at one of the two small paid parking lots on Jenstadvegen. Each 50 NOK per day. I do not recommend going up Jenstadvegen by camper as the road is not suitable for campers, also some branches of trees can scratch your camper, it is narrow and steep path. Smaller camper vans might be able to make it.
By public transport: There is no public transport going here, the best you could do is to get bus to Gjora and walk or hitchhike the rest. However if you want to walk, note that it is 6km (one way) on a road that is not suitable or overly safe for walking. Detailed planning HERE
Camper/ Van overnight stay: I have stayed at campsite at Gjora camping. 280 NOK with electricity, 230 NOK without, showers are 15 NOK without time limit. Very nice campsite, recommended. However it is still relatively far from the starting point (5km). More info HERE
By bike: Unless you are experienced in climbing hills on bike or have electric bike, it will be difficult going by bike. The trail is steep with almost 500m elevation gain in the last 2km.
TRAIL NAVIGATION
Take a picture of the map at the parking lot. You could navigate this trail without additional navigation, but I suggest to have gspx or other type of navigation. The trail is sign posted in both directions. I walked it towards Amotan first. Shortly after Amotan is very steep dirt path hill (roughly 350m elevation gain in 600m trail, very slight zig zag, mostly straight up). Depending if you are better with steep ascent or descent, choose your direction accordingly. My personal suggestion is to do Amotan first and climb the hill up instead of down to save your knees and risk slipping/falling, unless you are good at descending steep hills. I have seen people walk both directions.
The navigation is relatively easy, as there are sign posts at most turns. Follow red T or red dots or stripes on various landmarks. At times there are alternative routes, which can be confusing but having maps or picture of the trail should help you with navigation.
TRAIL DETAILS
Parking lot to Lundlia
Choose from two different trail heads, depending at which parking lot you stop, there are two close to each other. They both go down in less than 1km to Amotan viewpoint and Svou waterfall, so it doesn’t matter which one you take. After Amotan, the sign posts do not always show the same names, so for now, as long as the sign says Lundlia, Gammelsetra or longer way to Jenstad, it is ok to follow. From Amotan follow sign towards toilet, then cross the shaky bridge. The navigation posts will bring you to the start of the steep hill. When you make stops, do not forget to turn back as you get great views in between the tree opening on the waterfall or farm on the opposite hill. Once you get to the top there is Lundlia farm. Sheeps are freely grazing around.
Lundlia to parking lot
At Lundlia join wide dirt road, nice and easy to walk on. First you will descent slightly in order to cross river Reppa over a bridge, then go uphill again up to small plateau Nerhjelln. At this part take caution, as I have seen some cow looking dunk on the road, which suggests that this place might be visited musk ox as you are on the edge of musk ox territory. They can be aggressive and dangerous if startled. Authorities recommend to keep minimum distance of 200m. Shortly after the plateau you need to leave the “main” road and turn on smaller forrest trail. This is mainly flat section and will take you to 2nd river crossing over a bridge. There is cute small hut at the end. From this point onwards do NOT follow any of the signs pointing to Gammelstra as that is different direction. Gammelstra would be to right, you need to stick direction towards left, back to Jenstad. You will briefly join the wide “main road” but you are to turn to another forrest trail for steep descent to view points on waterfalls Lindalsfallet, another magnificent waterfall. After the view point, it is easy descent through the forrest.
General
The trail is not very technical and except for that one hill, not very steep, but it can be narrow in some parts, so be careful of your footing. I believe you can do this hike even if it rained a little bit previous days but I would not recommend to do this hike after heavier rain. Depending on the age and fitness, it could be done with children. Hiking poles might be useful on some of the steeper parts.
Tree coverage: Most of the hike is under tree, so provides shade on sunny days.
Geocaching: There is one Earth geocache and no Adventure lab.
Dogs: If your dog is used to walk such distance and elevation. Dogs must be leashed. Be aware of free grazing sheep around Lundlia. Additionally take additional care and keep larger distance in case of meeting musk ox, they might become agitated, if you have dog with you. For this reason I suggest not to do this hike with dogs.
Shoes recommendation: Can be completed in trail runners with good profile.
FACILITIES
Public restroom: First parking lot or cafe at the 2nd parking lot. Otherwise at Gjora.
Restaurants: Cafe at the 2nd parking lot or Gjora.
Shops: Small supermarket at Gjora.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I completed this hike August 2024 on Thursday. It was cloudy, around 18 degrees, later the clouds rolled in and it was raining lightly. There were some people on the trail, but I suspect on weekend and during nice weather it might be busy, as it is popular tourist spot.
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