This is a spectacular hike with views of fjords, mountains and glaciers. Nowhere else in Norway will you find a bigger difference in altitude from fjord to summit. Walking here on the old stone-paved paths and stone steps, with fantastic fjord landscapes as far as the eye can see, is a true cultural experience. You can spend the night in the tower at the summit. NB! In the summer of 2013 the tower will be renovated, and overnight stays are not recommended while this is being done.

The trip is suitable for people in average physical shape.

Special equipment is not required for this trip. Take warm clothes and a packed lunch for a day outdoors.

Loen is the closest stop for public transport (bus), and there are good bus connections from Oslo and Bergen. Local buses leave the transport hub of Stryn several times a day. You can also book a taxi to take you to the starting point. Loen is located 11 km from the centre of Stryn. If you are driving, turn off towards the Lodalen valley and drive appr. 2 km until you arrive at Tjugen and the starting point for the walk. Parking fee.

Tjugen – Tjugensætra – Sjingla – Skålavatnet lake – Stone steps – Skålatårnet tower
The walk starts at Tjugen 2 km from Loen, almost at Loenvatnet lake, where there is an information board about the walk. The walk starts on a tractor road and continues on a path further up in the forest. The path is well marked all the way. The path is stone-paved in some places, and when you get higher up there are stone steps.

The distinctive Mount Skåla towers 1,848 metres above sea level. In 1891, a round tower was built with three-tier bunk beds sleeping 22. The tower, which was the brainchild of Dr Hans Henrik Gerhard Kloumann, was built to provide recreation for body and soul. From his home at Faleide, he had a beautiful view looking up the fjord with the majestic Mount Skåla in the background. Mount Skåla is reckoned to be Norway’s highest mountain top with its ‘foot in the sea’. The Skålatårnet tower is a self-service cabin run by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) and it is without doubt Norway’s – and perhaps the world’s – most unique tourist cabin. Spectacular views in all directions make a midnight visit to the toilet an unforgettable experience. Today, the tower is run by Bergen Turlag (Bergen Trekking Association). It has always been a popular mountain destination, and many people have run up the mountainside to try and break the uphill record.

The Skåla Opp uphill race is organised every year in mid-August. Skåla Opp is Norway and Northern Europe’s toughest uphill race. Loen sports club and Hotel Alexandra organise the race. Both competitive and fun-run categories.

Loen has many accommodation options. Hotel Alexandra, situated just 2 km from the walk’s starting point, is known as one of Norway’s best hotels. There are many campsites and cabins in Loen and up in the Lodalen valley.

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.