Hike to Varden at Varaldsøy

Location
Varaldsøy.

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

Start and stopping point
Øvsthus, Fjellgardane

Parking
From the ferry dock in Varaldsøy, follow the main road towards Haukanes for 4 km to the intersection that is located right before the road starts to go down toward the fjord. Continue for 0.5 km up to Øvsthus where parking is available by the farm. Please park in such a manner that it will not hinder the farm work and that the road can still be used by farm equipment. Feel free to inquire about the parking at the farm.

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

Grading
Blue
Moderate hike, two boots according to the DNT system.

Difference in altitude
240 - 600m AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level).

Estimated Time
3 hours round trip

Recommended advice
The forest path can be marshy, please use appropriate shoes.
Please show consideration for livestock that is grazing and please close all gates after passing through them.

Overview
The first part of the hike goes towards the north on a forest road up the hills. To enter the path towards Varden, turn right by the sign on the forest road. The path goes through a pine forest up to 400m AMSL and then into a more open terrain.

From Varden there is a nice view over the fjord towards Sveio, and towards Granvin in the other direction. From here you can see the Kvinnherad Mountains from a new perspective. Melderskin, Gygrastol and Juklavasskruna with Folgefonna in the background can make an impression on anyone. In clear weather, you can see all the way to the ocean.