GETTING THERE
Bergen – 150km (2-3 hours)
Oslo – 335km (5 hours)
Trondheim – 485km (7,5 hours)
By car: Note that the road to Bakka is very narrow, only enough for one car with few stops for passing by, this might be intimidating for new drivers. This road is frequented by campers. Pass by Nærøyfjorden camping site after which there is 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.
TRAIL NAVIGATION
At the trail head there is map available.
The navigation is however very easy, because once you set on a trail, it is just steep uphill until you reach the top without any side paths.
TRAIL DETAILS
The trail is marked as red – challenging difficulty.
Straight from the trail head you are welcomed by steep uphill. The terrain is mix of solid ground with some rocks. Some points are just rocks or rock steps. Thanks to decent incline, you are gaining height quickly and will be instantly rewarded by nice views of the fjord, which will only get nicer as you go up. The path will become more and more steep, the whole trail is practically just zigzag on fairly steep hill. The trail can be fairly technical in some parts, but manageable. Most of the trail is in forrest, but with frequent clear areas so that you can enjoy the view.
Below pictures show some examples of the terrain.
During my first climb in 2023 I went during rainy time and the trail was extremely muddy, which added extra challenge. I do not recommend this trail during rain or rainy season, because you are going through closed forest area so the moisture stays on the trail. Unless you do not mind and are comfortable hiking in such conditions.
I completed the hike again in 2024 and while it has been significantly easier and enjoyable since it was not muddy, you still had to be very careful on descent as you could easily slip on the scree in some parts.
About 0,5km from summit, there is small side path to go closer to the waterfall.
After you reach Rimstigen viewing point, you get magnificent view on the fjord which makes up for all the suffering. The viewing point is just opening on rocks to the right side from the trail, there is no sign for it.
After this point there are further trails that can be followed
- At the split slightly above Rimstigen go to the right to enjoy the views along the river
- Follow signs for Vassete until the bridge, do not cross the bridge but continue straight, this will take you to small glacier tarn
- Follow signs for Vassete until tarn Skarsvotni OR further up to Breiskrednosi, note that this is very strenous hike, more info HERE
- You can also hike all the way to Dyrdal and take ferry back, more info HERE
Once you relax and enjoy the views, you shall return same way back down.
Trek from/to Gudvangen
If you parked at Gudvangen, you will enjoy additional walk from/to Bakka, almost 10km round trip.
You should head the direction of Bakka. At first you will walk on the road and just before the tunnel there is a path to the right. Take this path, do not walk through the tunnel. This will take you about 2km around it, easy path with very mild ups and downs, through forrest. When you get back to the main road, follow through, there are many ups and downs. It is single road along the fjord without any side roads. It is nice walk with great views on the fjord. While on the road, pay attention to the traffic, since the road is very narrow. Be respectful and step aside when cars are passing by. I have seen groups or individuals that would not give cars enough space to pass. Between Bakka and the tunnel you might encounter goats or cows on the road.
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.
There are various facilities at Gudvangen village. There are public restrooms, free showers, grocery store and restaurant in Gudvangen.
I completed this hike twice, first time in August 2023. Weather around 15 degrees, sunny, but after few days of rain, the trail was very muddy. Regardless it was relatively busy.
Second time in July 2024. Weather around 20 degrees, very sunny, humid and very windy. It was very busy.
Expect this trail to be busy as it is popular hike and there are several hiking options further up.
