Sauda
The potholes in the Åbødalen valley in Sauda, Ryfylke, are a popular, family-friendly attraction. On a summer day the riverbed invites for a swim and picnic.
Do you want to experience nature at its strangest? Then a visit to Jettegrytene (the potholes) in Åbødalen can be a different and exciting experience. Feel free to bring your swimwear.
Jettegrytene is created by nature, by water scouring beautiful pot-shaped holes in the mountain over thousands of years.
How long is the hike to Jettegrytene?
The easiest way to visit Jettegrytene is to drive to the car park at Buer and walk the 500 metres to Jettegrytene.
If you want a longer hike, you can walk from the bathing area at Storemyr in Åbødalen. The hike to Jettegrytene is a moderately demanding, but child-friendly hike. You'll spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes on the 4.4 km round trip, which has a total ascent of 115 metres.
There is free parking at both locations.
How to get to Jettegrytene?
From Sauda town centre, drive in the direction of Åbødalen. Then follow the road to Jeskedalen and park at the swimming area at Storemyr.
If you want a shorter hike, you can park at Buer.
When is the season for Jettegrytene?
The season for the hike to Jettegrytene in Åbødalen is from May to the end of October.
Tour description
To visit Jettegrytene in Åbødalen, there are several hiking suggestions.
For a short variant, start from Buer in Åbødalen. The hike from the car park to Jettegrytene is only 500 metres each way. You walk on a marked path the whole time.
The long version starts from the bathing area at Storemyr in Åbødalen. The hike goes in easy terrain, with some marshland, towards Feta. Then walk along the river on a slight incline towards Buer. Buerdalen is a wide and semi-open valley with high peaks all around. Follow the road back to Storemyr, or turn left and follow the road to Jettegrytene, about 800 metres.
There are several potholes in the area, of varying sizes. The small ones are perfect for swimming for toddlers. Swimming is both fun and different in the potholes. While bathing, you can enjoy the view of Buer and Fossdal.
Important info for the hike
Waterproof shoes
Remember food and drink
Bring swimwear
Packing list for mountain hikes – and everything else you need to know to go hiking in Fjord Norway
Source: Reisemål Ryfylke