Norwegian Mountains, Sogn og Fjordane

Vetanosi, 1134m
 

Vetanosi seen from Mannheller
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Introduction

Vetanosi is the westernmost top on the mountain massif stretching from Sognefjorden to Lake Tyin. Berdalseken (1814m) is the highest mountain in this region. Vetanosi also "hosts" the Fodnes tunnel (Fodnestunnelen). This tunnel runs between Aspevik (near Fodnes) and Lærdalsøyri (Lærdal), is 6604 meters long and is (per May 2010) Norway's 15th longest tunnel.

This page will describe the classic hike from Fodnes to Lærdalsøyri - across Vetanosi. But instead of following the normal route to Stødno, you are recommended to try out the Hedlerstegen variation. This route takes you down to Jektesanden by Lærdalsfjorden, but is not well suited for those who lack tolerance for heights. A certain experience from similar hikes is also recommended. The Fodnes - Fagerset - Stødno hike is also described in the book Opptur Sogn og Fjordane.

Along Hedlerstegen
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During the walk across Vetanosi, you will pass the foundations of the telegraph line between Oslo and Bergen. Other points of interests are signposted, such as Olavskjelda (a small weld with healing powers - according to the myths) and Synshammaren - a superb viewpoint above Lærdal.

Lærdalsøyri seen from Synshammar
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Primary factor:

Vetanosi (Norge 1:50,000: 1136m, Økonomisk Kartverk: 1134m, UTM 32 V 416158 6778811) has a primary factor of 131m towards the higher parent Bermålsnosi (1257m). The defining saddle (approx. UTM 32 V 416672 6779510) is found between Vetanosi and Vierskarshøgdene. Ref. Økonomisk Kartverk (5m contours), the saddle is within the range 1000-1005m, interpolated to 1003m.

GPS measurement read 1141m (on the ground), averaged over a 10-minute period (error margin < 2m). Based on this reading, it is tempting to rely more on the 1136m map height from the 1:50,000 map - rather than 1134m which is found on Økonomisk Kartverk.

Vetanosi
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Google map

Google's interactive map. You can zoom, pan and click on the markers.
 

Trail descriptions

Route 1: Fodnes - Vetanosi - Lærdalsøyri (summer/autumn) Difficulty : YDS Class 2+ (Only for Hedlerstegen - the rest is class 1 Exposure : Only on Hedlerstegen Distance : Approx. 12,3km (2D distance) Time : Approx. 6 hours Starting Elev.: Approx. 0m Vertical Gain : Approx. 1150m

Map of the area (No Javascript) Detailed map (No Javascript)

This route description is valid per May 2010

Access

(all distances are approx. distances)

The starting point for this route description is Fodnes, on the south side of Sognefjorden. The nearest town with an airport is Sogndal. To get to Fodnes, drive approx. 18km from Sogndal and take the Mannheller - Fodnes ferry. At Fodnes, turn immediately right once you leave the ferry, and follow a gravel road 450m to the trailhead (N61.14682 E7.37646) next to the "Fagerset" signpost in front of a barn. There is only room for 1-2 cars to park.
 

The route from Fodnes
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The route

To Vetanosi:

Follow the marked (and quite visible) path up the forest ridge. You'll pass several signposts on your hike up the ridge (Erikhaugen, Grisegarden, Olavskjelda, etc.) At 700 MSL, the path changes direction to the northeast and runs towards Fagerset. You may either follow this path and hike Vetanosi from Fagerset (a significant detour) or stay on the ridge. Sooner or later, you will come across a vague path that runs up to the summit plateau. The summit (N61.13490 E7.44313) is marked by a couple of rocks.

To Lærdasøyri:

Proceed off-trail on Vetanosi's southeast ridge in the direction of Stødnåsen. Pass a tiny cabin (Tråna) at  N61.12519 E7.45014 - 1030 MSL. Continue east/southeast to Lomtjørn and locate a marked path (red paint) in the birch forest east of the lake. This path may very well start at Vetanosi and run north of the off-trail route described above.

Descend to Storamyra meadow, and proceed south/southeast to Åsen (N61.11310 E7.48093 - 780 MSL). The route now runs to the southwest. Stop by a good viewpoint (Synshammar - N61.11180 E7.47714 - 730 MSL) which gives you an excellent view towards Lærdal and Lærdalsfjorden. Follow the path southeast to approx. 480m where you turn sharp right onto Hedlerstegen (signposted). This is a more advanced route than the path you've been following - and which ends up at Stødno.

Hedlerstegen switchbacks down the steep mountainside above Lærdalselvi river. An exposed section is secured by a chain. Another exposed point is "secured" by a very old wire. After the switchbacks, the route runs west, passes giant boulders (pay them a visit), joins another path and ends up at the Jektesanden beach (N61.10467 E7.47361) by Lærdalsfjorden. Follow the beach to the bridge. If you haven't already organized transport back to Fodnes, then  you can either hitch-hike or call Lærdal Taxi (+47 57 66 67 00/+47 94 12 94 66).

Visitor register along Hedlerstegen
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Pictures and Trip reports:

• Fodnes - Vetanosi - Lærdalsøyri on foot, May 23 2010

Vetanosi seen from other mountains:

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