Hiking Saurdal - Balestrand

Saurdal in Balestrand is a nice starting point for various easy to demanding hikes in a wonderfully varied mountain landscape

Saurdal You will find river valleys, moorland, rocky areas and splendid views. For hiking alternatives ask for advice at Balestrand Tourist Office. Getting there: 

Practical information

Start:                                    At the information board in Saurdal (Euref- koordinat:  x518190 y365640)

Finish:                                  At the information board in Kreklingen (Euref- koordinat:  x678820 y366988)

Parking:                                At the top of the Saurdal road.

Getting there:                   Saurdal is approx 14 km from Balestrand centre. Drive approx 7km along road 55, then turn onto a forest road up to Saurdal and continue up the hillside a further 7km.

Marking:                             The path is marked with signs and red T's and markings on the stones and trees

Grading:                             Challenging

Kilometer:                          12 km one way

Height difference:          620m - 1136m - 80m

Time:                                    7 hours - one way

The route starts at the information board in Saurdal at the top of the Saurdal road and is marked with red and white markings and stone cairns.  The route goes through mountain valleys, along water courses and to mountain tops.

First walk along route 5 towards Munkeggi (NB do not take the turn off to Hanevikelvi) until you come to a sign towards Hanevikstølen. From here take the old path into the Saurdal valley.

At the outlet of Målsnesvatnet lake the path continues over the bridge and towards Hanevikstølen, a summer farm which was in use until 1955.

From Hanevikstølen follow a path up over the mountain side and on towards the plateau between Storevarden and Bukkaberg. Here you can choose to take a detour up to Storevarden.

In Fagradalen you meet route 9 which takes you further to Spenane (1136m) and Raudmelen (972m) and from there on route 7 down to Balestrand.

Or you can of course choose to go back to Saurdal.

The whole watercourse in Saurdal with its lakes and rivers is well suited for rod fishing. In recent years Oddmundsvatn lake has had a good trout population. You can fish here with a rod without a license.

Advice:  In parts of Saurdal and below Raudmelen there are some wet moorland areas so wear waterproof footwear or take a change of footwear/socks. Good advice: Get a hiking map at the tourist office. 

How to get to Balestrand?

To get to Balestrand take the express bus from Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim or 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.