Skiing in the mountains of Røldal

Røldal

Off-piste skiing and scenic trails

A map of Norway with a red dot on Røldal.
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Røldal, located close to the Hardangerfjord region in South Western Norway, is renowned for receiving more snowfall than anywhere else in Norway.

You'll find some of Norway’s best off-piste skiing in steep, rocky terrain, along with a ski centre located 1,000 metres above sea level and plenty of cross-country trails.

Røldal is equally beautiful in the summer. Located at the foot of the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, Røldal is a perfect starting point for countless hikes and cycling trails through stunning scenery.

A skiier coming down a slope with a rush of powdery snow.
Røldal skicentre in Ullesvang municipality

Strap on your skis and feel as free as a bird! Røldal is considered one of the best places in Norway for off-piste and freeriding ...

... or hit the slopes at Røldal ski resort. With some of Norway's most stable snow and winter conditions, it is perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers.

With 12 slopes and a total length of 15 kilometres of trails, finding one suitable for you shouldn't be a problem.

Admire the staggering views of the valley and surrounding mountains while skiing down.

Activities and attractions

  • Children enjoying the mountain view from Røldalssåto in Hardanger – a family-friendly summit hike with panoramic views.
    Røldal

    Røldalssåta (summit hike)

    Location: Røldal Map: Statens Kartverk ”Røldal” 1 : 50 000 Start- and endingpoint: From Røldal village center follow E134 5km towards Odda, take left on the exit by RV520 towards Sauda. Drive 7km and stop by the Halvfjerdingslake. Season: July & August (possible to hike also last part of June/first part of September – but be aware that parts of the route could be covered with snow) Parking: Along RV520 Public transportation to start- and endingpoint: No public bus trasportation available on RV520, 7-8km hiking one way from Røldal Alpingrend / Hordatun. Signage: The starting point is marked with a starting board by Halvfjerdings lake along RV520, the path is marked to the top of Røldalssåta with green signs. The top is marked with a top sign indicating meter above sea level. Category: Red Height difference: 502m (Start: 902 m.a.s.l. Top: 1422 m.a.s.l.) Length: 4,8 km Time: 4-6h Choose a day with nice weather for the hike to take advantage of the great views on the tops. The terrain is steep so do not forget good shoes, be aware of slippery parts on rainy days. A hike with a steep slope that is demanding both up and down, a lot of walking on stones and rocky surfaces, but no "climbing". Well on top however, you are rewarded with gorgeous views in all directions. On clear days you can see all the way to Stavanger and out to the ocean. Bring extra clothes, the peak-mountains can be cold. The tour starts by the RV520 (National Tourist Routes Ryfylke, closed in the winter from November to June). Hilly for the first 300m, follow the markers along the lake until you reach the "end". From here follow a natural "scores" in the mountains that runs in north-easterly direction. Well up in the mountains you arrive a little east of Røldalssåta and must go west to reach the top. Såta has two peaks, but it is the one furthers west that is the tallest and the goal for the trip.
    The guide demonstrates how to measure the snow depth
    Røldal

    Avalanche course - Trolltunga Active

    The avalanche course we offer you is quite short, where you do not get qualified. However, you will develop knowledge within avalanche-exposed terrain, so that you know which terrain you should avoid in the future. You will also learn how to use relevant equipment correctly.
    Book now
    Røldal road between Sauda and Røldal
    Sauda

    Røldal road between Sauda and Røldal

    Røldalsvegen road (Fv. 520) is a spectacular road which crosses the mountains between Sauda in Ryfylke and Røldal in Hardanger.
    Family hiking across rocky mountain terrain at Hallet Grøne in Hardanger, Norway, with cairns marking the trail under a clear blue sky.
    Røldal

    Hallet grøne - circular hike at the top of the world

    Starting point At Lake Elversvatnet along the old road over Mt Røldalsfjellet About the trail The hike goes into the high mountains where you will find snow all year round. Beautiful views and lovely valleys with several small lakes along the trail to Hallet grøne. Parts of the trail have stone steps made by local dam workers, later employed as dam keepers. The works were carried out in order to use the water for hydroelectric power stations. The path crosses the alpine ski slopes in Røldal on the return hike. Parking: At Lake Elversvatnet Parking fee: free Length: 10 km Total ascent: 510 meters Total walking time: 4 hours Season (average year): July – October (when the old road is open)
    tur 46 HOVED Austdalen-Grøndalen-Havrenos, foto Jarle Nilssen
    Røldal

    Austdalen / Grøndalen / Havrenos

    Starting point Marked from Røldal overnatting along route 134. About the trail Follow the marked trail passing the houses when leaving Røldal towards Austdalen. Quite steep trail in the beginning, but the path is good and easy to find. From the summer pasture farms in Austdalen, you may cross the river on a bridge and continue to Grøndalen. You may also turn east before reaching Austdalen and hike to the top of Havrenos Parking: At Røldal tourist information or Røldal overnatting. Parking fee: free Length: 3-6 km (one way) Total ascent: up to 500 meters Total walking time: up to 3 hours (one way) Season (average year): June - October
    The guide teaches how to do cross country skiing
    Skare

    Cross country skiing course - Trolltunga Active

    Attend the guided cross country skiing course with Trolltunga Active, suitable for beginners to learn good techniques to use on the slopes. The guides will make sure that you are left with both new knowledge and incredible winter adventure memories.
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    Stavkirke Røldal x Yrjan Olsnes-7998
    Røldal

    Røldal Stave Church

    The Røldal stave church was built around 1200 and is known for its crucifix, which according to legend has healing powers. The church is centrally located in Røldal and was one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Norway in the Middle Ages, and even until 1835.
    Group stopping for a group photo whilst freeriding
    Røldal

    Freeride / Off-piste day - Trolltunga Active

    Trolltunga Active guides are your ski instructors at Røldal Ski Resort, and will take you on an exciting downhill off-piste skiing day in powder paradise. You must bring your own ski equipment, the guides will have a control check and make sure the safety is correct.
    Book now
    Panoramic view of Røldal Ski Resort surrounded by snow-covered mountains and the fjord in Hardanger.
    Røldal

    Røldal Ski Resort

    Go skiing in Hardanger. Røldal Ski Resort, with one of Norway's most stable snow and winter conditions, is perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Gorsbolten in Seljestadjuvet, Røldal
A couple admiring the view at Røldal restaurant
Dinner at Røldalsterrassen

In summer, enjoy hiking in the stunning surroundings of Røldal, situated just outside Hardangervidda National Park – Norway's biggest national park.

The mountains surrounding Røldal offer almost endless possibilities for excellent hikes.

Røldal is more than just mighty nature in the mountains. Known for its excellent food and easy accessibility all year round, you are far from the first to be impressed by Røldalsterrassen.

The chefs use ingredients sourced locally from the Hardanger region. Stop by for gourmet food, stunning views, and comfortable accommodation.

Food and lodging

Hordatun Hotel in a summer setting, overlooking Røldalsvatnet with snow-covered peaks in the background.
Røldal

Hordatun Hotel

Hordatun Hotel in Røldal offers spacious apartments and hotel rooms with stunning views of Røldalsvatnet. The perfect stop between east and west along the E134, with indoor parking and wireless internet.
Book now
Røldal Stave Church
Røldal Stave Church

Røldal stave church, built around 1200, is one of the oldest stave churches in Norway.

Ready to explore beautiful Røldal at your own pace?

Find more information on Røldal's official website.

roldal.comroldal.com

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Røldal with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.

  • By bus

    There are daily bus departures from major cities, including Haugesund (2.5 hours), Bergen (4 hours), Stavanger (4.5 hours), and Oslo (6 hours).

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    By car

    From Oslo, take the E18 towards Drammen, from which you take the E134 to Røldal.

    From Bergen, take the E16 og Fv7 to Kvanndal and take the ferry to Utne. From Utne, follow the Fv555 to Odda and then the Fv13 to Røldal.

    From Stavanger, take the E39 to Aksdal, and then the E134 til Røldal. If you want to take the scenic route, follow the Rv13.

    From Kristiansand, take the Fv9 to Haukeli, and then the E134 to Røldal.

    National Tourist Route Ryfylke (Fv520) is closed from November to May/June.

    Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.

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    By plane

    The closest airport is Haugesund Airport, about a 2-hour drive from Røldal.

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