Alden - the Norwegian Horse

Visit the island Alden and hike up to the top also called «the Norwegian horse». This is one of the most spectacular hikes in Fjord Norway! The mountain rises straight out of the ocean 481 m above sea level. This is one of the most significant sailingmarks on the western coast of Norway and it is visible from more than a 100 km away. From the top you can enjoy a spectacular 360 degree view!

How to get to there?

You can easily travel to Askvoll by ekspressboat from Bergen or Selje. Please visit www.norled.no or www.ruteinfo.net for timetables.

From Askvoll or Fure in Hyllestad you should go on the ferry to Værlandet. From Værlandet a private boat to Alden must be arranged through Værlandet Båt (tel: + 47 57 73 11 28) or M/B Setara (tel: +47 906 44 257).

If you travel by your own boat please look at the sea maps for directions.

There are several accomodation alternatives in Værlandet and Bulandet, great islands that should not be missed and a perfect startingpoint to reach Alden.

Tourdescription:

Start: Alden
Duration: 1,5-2 hrs to the top , 1-1,5 hrs descending.
Hight: 481 above sea level.

From the pier you will walk up to the farm where signs towards the top. The trail is easy to find. The trail is steep in the beginning. The trail is quite narrow but very visible all the way to the top. At approximately 300m above sea level you will reach the platou, and the terrain gets more flat. Further east and up to «Instestova» it is easy to walk. From this point you will have a spectaluar 360 degree view! To get an even better view you should walk to the westernmost peak «Ystenova» wich will give you a breathless view.

If you look west you will see the islands Værlandet and Bulandet, and perhaps some of the oil platforms in the north sea. In the east you will see outer Sognefjord and Sunnfjord, and you can see the majestic mountains Lihesten, Kvamshesten and Blegja. In the north you can see the westeernmost glaciers in Norway, «Gjengalunden» and «Ålfotbreen».

The hike is quite steep in the very beginning of the trail, however further on the hike is graded as moderate for people who are used to walking in terrain. The duration of the hike is estimated to 3hrs. The trail is good and if you need a break you can have a seat and enjoy the amazing view.

In the summer we recommend that you stay overnight on the island to enjoy the sunset and sunrise, nothing can compete with that view!

We recommend not to hike when it is snow on the mountain.

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.