Norwegian Mountains

Hausdalshorga, 784m (Hausdalshorgi)

Fylke/Kommune : Hordaland/Bergen
Maps : 1215-IV Samnanger (Statens Kartverk, Norge 1:50 000)
Primary Factor: 115m
Hiked : Feb 2003 (1st time)
See also : Gullfjellstoppen
See also : S. Gullfjellstoppen
See also : Livarden
See also : Sletteggi
See also : Toro
See also : Sveningen
Hausdalshorga in winter

Hausdalshorga in winter


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Introduction

In my opinion, Hausdalshorga is one of the finest mountains in Bergen, but receives few visitors when compared to the Gullfjellet massif. While the Redningshytten hut can be completely overcrowded on a nice Sunday, chances are that you find yourself utterly alone on top of Hausdalshorga, less than 3Km towards the south.

There are two main routes to Hausdalshorga, both described on this page. An easy, but longer route runs from Lake Osavatn, via Austefjellet. From the south, Øvstebø is a a convenient trailhead. Both routes require some off-trail hiking, but the terrain isn't complicated.

In winter, the route across the Austefjellet - Hausdalshorga saddle ("Horgjehalsen") can be very challenging. Cornices build up and turn this saddle into a "knife edge". Should you choose to ski this route during the winter, crampons are necessary as you cannot (easily) ski all the way across.

If you look for alternative routes, then consider hiking up (in Dyrdalen) from Austebotn and directly to Horgehalsen. You may also hike Hausdalshorga's two south ridges (with Bjøllebotn in-between) but expect a juniper bush nightmare. Infact, it would be better if you continued towards the Hausdalen road end and looked for a bush-free route along a distinct ridge that runs from the road end to the 775m cairn.

Name and height

On maps, you will see both Hausdalshorga and Hausdalshorgi. I also suspect that the locals feel there should be a 'g' in Hau[g]sdal. After all, the signpost along highway E39 says "Haugsdal". There are two notable points on Hausdalshorga. The 784m high point is found at UTM loc. 32 V 308752 6695062 while the viewpoint cairn (775m) is found at UTM loc. 32 V 308489 6694837 - approx. 340m southwest of the high point. Økonomisk Kartverk (per Sep. 2005) seems to be wrong, as the highest contour encircling the 784m summit is the 775m contour. Compared to GPS readings on the summit, 784m seems to be the correct height.

Primary Factor

Hausdalshorga (1215-IV: 784m, Ø.K.: 783m) has a primary factor of 115m towards the higher Austefjellet (808m). The saddle is in the saddle between the two tops. Ref. Økonomisk Kartver (5m contours), you cross the 670m contours on the high route, but not 665m. The saddle height has been interpolated to 668m.

Maps:

Map of the area
Map of the area
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Detailed map
Detailed map
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Route 1201.HAU.01: Osavatn - Hausdalshorga via Austefjellet:

Difficulty : Class 2 (YDS)
Exposure : In winter only
Comments : Off-trail from Austefjellet
Distance : Approx. 4,2Km to the top
Time : Approx. 2,5 hours to the top
Starting Elev.: Approx. 40m
Vertical Gain : Approx. 650m

Access from Bergen

Along highway 580 between Indre Arna and Nesttun, there are two exits towards "Bjørndalen/Unneland". Follow the road up Bjørndalen and all the way to road end at Lake Osavatnet. On busy week-ends, there may be a small parking fee.

On Hausdalshorga with Austefjellet in the background

On Hausdalshorga with Austefjellet in the background

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The route from Osavatn

From Osavatn, there are several routes to the top of Austefjellet. Refer to the Austefjellet page for alternatives. The easiest route is to follow the main road towards the Redningshytten hut (the road turns into a path at 500m elevation). From Redningshytten, follow cairns southwest to the top of Austefjellet. From Austefjellet, head southbound towards the Austefjellet - Hausdalshorga saddle before you ascend up to the Hausdalshorga high point.

This saddle can be very challenging in winter. See pictures from a January ski-trip to Hausdalshorga.


Route 1201.HAU.02: Øvstebø - Hausdalshorga via Dyrdalen:

Difficulty : Class 2 (YDS)
Exposure : No
Comments : Off-trail from Dyrdalsv.
Distance : Approx. 3,5Km to point 784m
Time : Approx. 1,5-2 hours to the top
Starting Elev.: Approx. 250m
Vertical Gain : Approx. 540m

Access from Bergen

Follow highway E39 southbound towards Stavanger. Just after you have passed Lake Kalandsvatnet (on your right-hand side), turn left towards "Bontveit". This is approx. 6,2Km from the RV580/E39 roundabout junction at Nesttun.

Follow the Bontveit road 9,4Km and turn left on "Øvstebøveien". Stay left in a road junction after 250m. Proceed 400m up to Øvstebø. You can park just outside the farm.

Good route to Horga from Dyrdalen

Good route to Horga from Dyrdalen

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The route from Øvstebø

Enter the farm and locate a gate up to your left. The trail to Dyrdalen runs here. The Dyrdalen is exceptionally eroded in places, but quite easy to follow. Once up by Lake Dyrdalsvatnet, follow a path to the northwest end of the lake. Descend to the lake and follow a vague track alongside the north shore. Head up from here, and aim for the highest point on the ridge above you. Go anywhere you like in this hillside, but manoeuver around the bush fields.

An alternative would be to cross the river from Lake Dyrdalsvatnet, once you enter Dyrdalen. After heavy rain, this may get difficult without fording the river.


Trip Reports and Pictures

Various pictures from other hikes:

1. Hausdalshorgi and Sveningen seen from the air  (67KB) 2. Hausdalshorga and S. Gullfjellstoppen (218KB) 3. Hausdalshorga seen from Gullfjellstoppen (86KB) 4. S. Gullfjellstoppen and Hausdalshorgi (289KB) 6. Gullfjellet region, Bergen (317KB) 7. View from above Turnerhytten (1668KB) 8. Gullfjellet (219KB)

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