Hike to Svelgabreen glacier

Location
Blådalen. The south end of Folgefonna

Overview
The car ride from Omvikdalen to the Matre intersection and further on the nice tarmac service road is an experience in itself. Sunnhordland Kraftlag As (SKL) (Power Company) has performed the developing of the Blådalsvassdraget. See the information boards that are placed along the road.
The path goes up the steep hill from the parking lot, before entering Blådalen. See alternatives under ”Recommended Advice” above. The hike along Blåelvi is a trip through majestic mountain and river nature through extraordinarily green grazing areas, sand banks and polished mountain all the way until you get to the majestic ice wall. Through large glacier openings, the flowing water is used for the energy demands in the local area.

To get onto the glacier, you would need to have the necessary equipment and experience. A satisfactory alternative would be a walk in the mountains along the glacier and river. You will find many beautiful ice and mountain formations, and the nature’s own sounds.

Map
Folgefonna National Park

Start and stopping point
The parking lot 150 meters before the end of the road in Blådalen.

Parking
From highway 48, drive through Omvikdalen and follow the signs for 25 km to the parking lot 150 meters before the end of the road in Blådalen. There are P signs there.

Marking
Information Board by the starting point.
T markings, signs and cairns.

Grading
Red
Moderate hike, three boots according to the DNT system.

Difference in altitude
720 - 900m MASL
The hike has a small difference in altitude from the parking lot to the end cairn, but is varied going up and downhill through the hike.

Estimated Time
6 hours round trip

Recommended advice
At the spillway from Møsevatnet Lake, it can be hard to cross the river down to Midtbotnvatnet Lake. Cross the bridge by Møsevassdammen. The Safety Cabin in Kjerringbotnen is always open. The suspension bridge in Svelgen can be quite airy for those who have reservations against heights.