Tjuatoten (1098m)

Tjuatoten is a mountain peak towering over Dragsvik and Balestrand. A hiking trail goes up the mountainside from Dragsvik to the top of Tjuatoten. This is a demanding hike. At the top you have fantastic views over the Sognefjord, including out towards Stølsheimen and in towards Fjærland and Leikanger.

Start:
Turn off the main road at Dragsvik in the direction of the housing area and Haukaas enamel workshop. The starting point of the trail is signposted and there is a parking area beside the road.

The first 400m of the trail follows the forest track. The rest of the trail goes through forest and mountain terrain. The trail passes the electricity pylons which are visible from Balestrand where you will get a wonderful view down to Balestrand and over Esefjord. The trail continues winding its way up, becoming steeper towards the top. When you reach the top you are rewarded with exceptional views over Sognefjord and the surrounding mountains. You will also see an old suncross on the ground.

This is a demanding hike and takes approx 7 hours.

Good advice:
Get a hiking 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 you can get to Dragsvik by car, bus or boat. (You can walk, though this will add an extra 9 km each way to the hike).

To reach Balestrand you can take the express bus from Oslo, Trondheim or Bergen, or take the 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 and walking 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.