Norwegian Mountains

My 20 favorite Hordaland Mountains

As I leave Hordaland Dec 2005 after seven years, I wanted to compile a list of my favorite Hordaland mountains (out of the nearly 400 independent mountains I've visited so far). The order is random and there is no specific criteria, other than they all are mountains I would be happy to visit one more time and strongly recommend to others.

(The images are clickable)

Gygrastolen 1345m Kvinnherad K.  
One of the most characteristic mountains on the Folgefonnhalvøya peninsula. The public route runs from Ænes and follows the west ridge up to Skrunten. You continue off-trail up a boulderfield to the beginning of a short, but extremely exposed arete that leads to the summit. Although the climbing is minimal, few will attempt this arete without using a rope.
Bruviknipa 822m Osterøy K.  
Bruviknipa, aka Brøknipa, is a fantastic viewpoint and is only a short drive away from Bergen. Bruviknipa is the 2nd highest mountain on the Osterøy island, and can be reached from several trailheads. The shortest (in distance) trail runs from Trollskardet pass above Bruvik and runs up Bruviknipa's northeast ridge.
Vassfjøra 1633m Ulvik K.  
One of Hordaland's giants, located between Hardangerfjorden/Ulvikafjorden and a vast mountain region that joins Skarvheimen and Hardangervidda. While the skiers normally ski from Mjølfjell (north), the hikers pass Jonstøl and ascend Vassfjøra from the east. Another interesting route runs from Solsævatnet via Ljoneskrulen and Miningane.
Gullfjellstoppen 987m Bergen K.  
This is the highest mountain in Bergen kommune, and popular in all seasons. There are several cairn trails to the top, one from Gullbotn (NE) and one from Lake Osavatn (W). The Osavatn trail passes the Redningshytten hut, a popular goal for many. The view from the top is quite spectactular.
Melderskin 1426m Kvinnherad K.  
I will let Melderskin represent the wonderful mountain range above Rosendal that also includes Laurdalstind, Bjørndalstindane and Juklavasskruna. Although these peaks form the most challenging mountaineering ground in Hordaland, Melderskin is a popular hike from Kletta in Rosendal.
Hardangerjøkulen 1863m Ulvik/Eidfjord K.  
The high point of Hordaland fylke is perhaps the most visited glacier in Norway, as the normal starting point is Finse, the highest point on the Oslo-Bergen railway. True, Jostedalsbreen is also very popular, but perhaps a bit less accessible. The annual ski-trip on May 17th - Norway's National Day - has become a popular tradition for people in southern Norway.
Tysnessåta 753m Tysnes K.  
The highest mountain on Tysnesøya island is one of Hordaland's very finest viewpoints. You'll understand when you get there. Start from Myrdal, and you reach the summit after only 1,7Km on a good path.
Solnuten 1551m Ullensvang K.  
Another characteristic Folgefonnhalvøya peak, located above Aga. This pointy top is, in addtion to the Folgefonna glaciers, one of the few distinct Folgefonnhalvøya landmarks when viewed from distance. A marked path takes you from Aga to the Solnuten - Midnuten ridge, but be prepared for rough terrain and a steep hike. A river/waterfall may be difficult to cross after massive rain.
Ulvanosa 1248m Kvinnherad K.  
Together with the satellite peak Geitadalstind, the "Wolf's nose" is my favorite Hordaland mountain. These peaks are located above Uskedalen and offer some of the best climbing routes in the entire county. If you prefer to walk, you can start from the Uskedalen road and follow a T-trail directly up to Ulvanosa or via Geitadalstind. This is rough terrain, but still a highly recommended trip.
Ulriken 643m Bergen K.  
I have visited Ulriken (and the neighbour tops) approx. 900 times since 1999, and even if Ulriken is not listed as an independent mountain on this web-site, I have the best concience for making this exception. There are numerous trails on this mountain, but the shortest routes run from Ulriksbanen, Montana and Sollien. There is also a cable-car that runs up to the Ulriken restaurant.
Skrott 1320m Kvam K.  
There are not many landmarks in the Bergsdalen - Voss - Vaksdal - Stølsheimen mountain region that can be easily recognized from great distance, but Skrott is surely one of them. The pointy top is unmistaken when viewed from the north. The most frequently used route runs from Fitjadalen (Øystese by Hardangerfjorden). Skiers normally start out from Lake Hamlagrøvatnet.
Ottanosi 976m Fusa K.  
Even with the impressive Gjønakvitingen massif as its neighbour, I let Ottanosi represent the northern Fusa region. You can reach this top on path from Solvang by Lake Vengsvatnet. Also consider heading over to the satellite peak Kjerringafjell and include Heilhillerhornet on your way down.
Våganipen 819m Fusa K.  
Våganipen is - bar none - the "king" of the southern Fusa region, and can be reached via a number of routes. The easiest path starts at Markhus (near Sævareid) and runs up Våganipen's west ridge. The view from the top is astounding.
Fotasperrnuten 1192m Kvam K.  
There are many great mountains in the Kvamskogen region, such as Tveitakvitingen, Fuglafjellet and Iendafjellet. My personal favorite is Fotasperrnuten. My recommended summer route runs up from nedre Kvanndalen in the Steinkvanndalen valley, and then up Fotasperrnuten's southwest ridge. There are several options for a roundtrip hike.
Horndalsnuten 1461m Voss K.  
Horndalsnuten is one of Voss' most popular mountains, and I didn't really discover the beauty of the mountain until I viewed it from the north. Horndalsnuten is the westernmost point on a high mountain range (Raundalsegga) that includes Skipadalsnuten, Seldalsnuten, Olsskavlen and Nordbotnnuten before Fallet pass separates this range from Skorafjellet, Vassfjøra and the Hardangerjøkulen mountain region.
Hårteigen 1690m Ullensvang K.  
Hårteigen belongs to the "elite group" of Norwegian mountains that every Norwegian has heard about. Well, this is perhaps not quite true, but at least Hårteigen is the "undisputed king" of the Hardangervidda plateau. In addition, this is one the county's most remote mountains in terms of the nearest trailhead. The foot of the mountain can be reached via a number of T-trails, but the public route to the summit runs up the east face.
Storeflåtten 1616m Ullensvang K.  
After visting this "big flat-topped mountain" above Hardangerfjorden/Eidfjorden, I declared it was the best viewpoint in Hordaland county. This may be argued, but due to its elevation, central location, nearby fjords and nearby high and wild mountains, Storeflåtten definitely "delivers" when you have pushed yourself up the 1600 vertical meters from the fjord.
Kvitanosi 1433m Voss K.  
If I have to pick only one mountain to represent the vast Stølsheimen range, my choice is easy. Being the highest mountin in Stølsheimen, it stands out above anything else. In summer, the mountain can be easily reached from the service road to Lake Store Volavatnet. In winter, you can choose from other various popular skiing routes, as the service road is closed.
Oksen 1241m Granvin/Ullensvang K.  
There is something special about this giant mountain located by the Eidfjorden, Granvinfjorden and Sørfjorden "junction". Its neighbour Midtfjell is a little higher, but Oksen is the dominating mountain when viewed from Hardangerfjorden. There are several paths up this mountain. Oksen - also known as Vetefjellet - is the highest among the tops that made up the Viking age coastal defense system (beacons).
Folgefonna 1662m Kvinnherad/Odda K.  
The Folgefonna glacier actually consists of three glaciers, where the southernmost is Norway's third largest glacier. There are a number of skiing routes up to these glaciers. The northern glacier is easily reached from the road from Jondal up to the Folgefonn summer-skiing centre. The middle Glacier is seldom visited, not being part of the classic Folgefonna glacier traverse. The southern glacier can be reached from various trailheads, including Blådalen, Sunndal and Tokheim by Odda.


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