Hiking on the polished mountain of Skrelia in Lyngdal.

Skrelia is the most recommended area for hiking in Lyngdal. The mountain is only 350 meters high but the terrain can easily be associated with the highlands. The wonderful view combined with the view of the waterfall running down the polished mountain, makes a remarkable view.

This is an easy terrain for hiking. There are many inviting small lakes for hikers who need to cool down. There are many marked trails in this open terrain, and they are of various lengths. There are trails for most people and most are on polished mountains. Some places you may need to cross brooks and areas of marsh and heather. Heather is Norway’s national flower.

The shortest trail starts at the parking lot and goes straight to the waterfall. The hike takes about 10 minutes. You may use this trail as the starting point to the other marked trails in the area. Expect to spend 2-3 hours through Rassveda, around Sandvann and Homsø. Here you will find an exceptional viewpoint. At this location you may see the ruins of an old fortress dating back to 500 A.D.

It is also possible to walk down the mountain alongside the waterfall all the way to the fjord. On the way you will notice remnants of earlier mills and sawmills.

Direction: From the town centre of Lyngdal follow the road to Åpta. Drive 3 km to you see the sign “Skrelia”. From here it is 9 km on a curvy gravel road to the parking lot. You cannot miss it!
From the parking lot walk 50 meters to the gate that marks the beginning of the trails to Skrelia. The trails are marked with red/ yellow paint directly on the mountain.

Hiking to Skrelia is reviewed in the book ”Oppdag Lister” from 2009.

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.