Varaldsøy

Hike to the old yew at Varaldsøy

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Hike to the old yew at Varaldsøy Photo: Kåre Eik

Effort level

Easy

Duration

1 hour

Landscape

Mountain
Forest

Varaldsøy

Hike to the old yew at Varaldsøy

5636 Varaldsøy

+47 53 48 42 80

turistinfo@kvinnherad.kommune.no

www.visitsunnhordland.no

Location
Varaldsøy.

Map
Norway 1:50 000 sheet 1215 11, Varaldsøy.
Folgefonna National Park
Folgefonna – Hardanger fjord

Start and stopping point
Glebakka

Parking
From the ferry dock in Varaldsøy, follow the main road for approx. 1 km. Turn right at the intersection immediately after the chapel (large white building on the right hand side). After 500 meters, turn left by the Øyerhamn sign. Follow the road for approx. 5 km. to Glebakka, there is a sign on the right side of the road. Park at the lumber storage yard by the river.

Signs and Markings
Information Board at the starting point.
T markings and signs.

Grading
Green
Easy hike, one boot according to the DNT system.

Difference in altitude
230 - 280m AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level).

Estimated Time
1 hour round trip.

Recommended Advice
The river by the parking lot is the source of drinking water at Varaldsøy, please show consideration.
The Taxaceae (Taxus baccata) is the largest of its kind in northern Europe. It is protected by Norwegian law. The tree is hollow and children enjoy climbing it.

Overview
There is a forest road going northeast from the parking lot along the left hand side of the river. After 400 meters, the forest road crosses a stream while the path to the Taxaceae goes along the left bank for 200 meters, almost to a cabin. Then the path goes to the left up the hill to the Taxaceae.
This is a pleasant hike for the whole family through a beautiful forest area.

Facilities

Nature and terrain
- mountains
- forest
Grading
- easy
- marked trails with colour grading
Duration
- 1 hour

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.

Last updated: 1/15/2013 Source: Samarbeidsrådet for Sunnhordland

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