Hiking: Raudmelen (50-972 masl)

Raudmelen (972m)

Raudmelen is a mountain which towers 972m over the centre of Balestrand. A hiking trail goes up the mountainside from Balestrand to the top of Raudmelen. This is a demanding hike. From the top you have fantastic views over the Sognefjord, both out towards Stølsheimen and in towards Fjærland and Leikanger.

Start:
Start by Belehalli sports hall, at the same place as the starting point for the nature trail.
Take the red route to Raudmelen. The first part goes along the marked nature trail, but soon turns off upwards. After following the relatively steep path up through the woods it is nice to take a break at Orrabenken (370m) where you get a wonderful view over Balestrand centre and the Sognefjord.
From Orrabenken follow the path on upwards. The blue route turns off towards Balastølen and Fjærestedstølen and the red route continues up towards Raudmelen.
At Burasi (575m), another fine resting place, you get a marvellous view over Sognefjord and Esefjella.
The path goes on up and along the ridge towards the top with wonderful views on both sides. On one side you see down over the green slopes to Balestrand and on the other dramatic rocky mountainsides towards Esedalen.
At the top you are rewarded with fantastic views over the Sognefjord.

This is a demanding hike and takes approx. 6 hours.

Good advice:
Get a map from the tourist office.
Be sure to take plenty of water as there is no drinking water on this route.

Getting there:
From Balestrand quay/tourist office walk up Lærergata and on to Kreklingevegen until you get to Belehalli sports hall. The roads are signposted with white nature trail signs.

To reach Balestrand take the express bus from Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim or express boat from Bergen. If you come by car from Oslo take the E16 and route 55. From Bergen or Trondheim take the E39 and route 55.

For more information contact Balestrand Tourist Office
www.visitbalestrand.no
info@visitbalestrand.no

Please follow these safety tips when you go hiking in Norway.

1. Be prepared
Be sufficiently experienced, fit and equipped for your intended trip.

2. Leave word of your route
Many cabins, hotels and other lodgings have tour notification boxes in which you may put a written notice of your planned route

3. Be weather-wise
You should always be alert to forecasts of bad weather, yet not rely completely on forecasts of good weather.

4. Be equipped for bad weather and frost
Always take a rucksack and proper mountain gear.

5. Learn from the locals
Local people can often tell you about avalanche trails, wind and snow conditions, and the safest routes.

6. Use a map and compass
Always have and know how to use a map and compass.

7. Do not go solo
If you venture out alone, there is nobody to give you first aid or notify a rescue service in an emergency.

8. Turn back in time - sensible retreat is no disgrace
If conditions deteriorate so much that you doubt you can attain your goal, turn around and return.

9. Conserve energy and build a snow shelter if necessary
The stronger the wind, the tougher the walking/skiing. Suit your speed to the weakest member of the party.

Find more detailed safety tips in the Norwegian Mountain Code.