Mjolkeflaten is easy hike around Laerdalsoyri in Norway. While most tourist only visit this charming village, the hike is very enjoyable, passing by beautiful day hut and along waterfall before returning back around farms and river. Majority of the trail is very easy but there are few short parts where use of chains is required.
GETTING THERE
Bergen – 205km (3,5 hours)
Oslo – 285km (4,5 hours)
Trondheim – 420km (6,5 hours)
Set GPS to Lærdalsøyri. There are few places to park in the city.
If you use Google maps, look up Laerdal trail head (Rv5 1, 6887 Laerdal) and on the other side of the bridge there is very small parking lot (free).
TRAIL NAVIGATION
On the other side of the bridge from the Mjolkeflaten trail start is a map with the details.
In the city there are also few maps showing the trail. You can check and plan for other treks available in the area.
On the trek, follow red T signs. Since there are few treks in the same area, there are few proper signs to direct you, so it is very easy to follow the trail. I did make an error on the return back to village, but it was not an issue.
Little bit more about the trail on this WEBSITE
TRAIL DETAILS
After crossing the bridge, first head to left towards the fjord. Shortly after you need to turn uphill to the right into the woods. It is steep but easy climb, so you are quickly rewarded with beautiful view on the village and fjord. There are few benches along the way where you can rest if needed.
In about an 1km you will reach a hut. It has nice views, is modern and can protect you against elements. After the hut the terrain is slightly trickier as there are few roped areas and in case of rain or after rain the trail might be wet, muddy and slippery. Some parts of the trails are just rocks you need to scramble on, but relatively easy.
There is one final climb before descent down to waterfall. I suspect that my experience was just exception due to excess rainfall while I was visiting, but on the descent the path was practically small river stream. Just in case, be ready that the path might be wet and muddy, but not difficult to walk on.
Walk by the waterfall until you reach road and continue along the farms. The rest of the trail is easy and flat. First on the road, once you reach bridge, cross it and turn immediately to the right. I didn’t pay attention to the map and signs. I went through the village instead of the designated trail.
FACILITIES
The Mjolkeflaten is close to the centre of Lærdalsøyri with many facilities, including public restrooms or petrol station. Along the trail, there are no facilities except the hut. Note that the hut is only viewing point/shelter, no restrooms or food is available.
