Cultural experiences in the high mountain - 3 to 4 days
Description
The trail runs through magnificent high mountain terrain at 1000 to 1200 meters above sea level. You should set aside three to four days to get the most out of this hike, where you can experience unique cultural monuments such as rune inscriptions and rock carvings.
High in the mountains, between Hovden and Haukeliseter, you can experience great cultural and historical sights! The hike starts at Hovden Alpine Center at about 800 meters above sea level and goes north to Haukeliseter via Sloaros and Holmevasshytta. You should be well accustomed to mountain hiking.
What kind of equipment is required?
The hike requires that you are well equipped with suitable hiking clothes, mountain boots, and necessary food. Parts of the trail are unmarked, so it is important to be able to navigate with a map and compass. Large parts of the area do not have mobile coverage. Note that the hike goes through high-altitude terrain, so the weather can be very changeable. Feel free to search for Sloaros or Turistskaret when checking the weather.
Starting point for the hike?
The hike starts at Hovden Alpine Center, where there are good parking facilities for a fee. Alternatively, you can park for free at the day parking lot at the roundabout north of Hovden center. Nor-Way Bussekspress connects from both the East and West of Norway, and Setesdalsekspressen runs round-trip from Southern Norway. Both have stops in Hovden center, about 1 km from where the trail starts. See www.nor-way.no and www.akt.no.
Hike description
Hovden–Sloaros: At Hovden Alpine Center, the hike starts east of the parking lot. Follow the T-marked trail on an old cart road for about 7 km to Krossloskaret, 1225 meters above sea level, one of the highest points of the hike. From here, take the path towards the DNT cabin Sloaros. The entire Hovden–Sloaros section is about 14 km, and with a heavy backpack, the walking time is estimated at about 5 hours.
Cultural section: Sloaros–Storhedder–Sloaros: Almost a thousand years ago, runes and animal drawings were carved into Skutesteinen at Storhedder. Seven reindeer drawings and drawings of archers and predators show that hunting was very important. Seven horse drawings may perhaps indicate that the hunters came riding, that Storhedder was a gathering place for horse keepers, or that the horse was a particularly important animal in the Middle Ages. By taking a day trip from Sloaros to Storhedder, you can see this beautiful national cultural monument. You should estimate about 5 hours round trip for this section. Before you reach Storhedder, you can see remnants of mining at Langvatn. Until World War I, molybdenum was extracted here. It is not recommended to enter the mine shafts themselves, as there may be a lot of water and risk of collapse. But there are house ruins, dams, mine carts, and rusty, abandoned equipment that remind of past construction activities. An exciting cultural and historical experience at 1000 meters above sea level. If you have a tent, this is a great place to stop on the way to Holmevatn.
Sloaros–Holmevasshytta: DNT uses the name Holmavatn, also referred to as Holmavatnhytta. The hike goes through relatively easy terrain without major climbs. In the pass at Fisketjørnnuten, about 5 km after Sloaros, the trail marking ends, but it is easy to navigate using the map. Follow the unmarked path down the valley until you reach the road to Holmevatn/Holmavatnet. Follow the road to the lake, and from there you can cross the river by walking over the dam. The hike continues through unmarked terrain until you meet the marked trail between Bleskestadmoen and Holmevasshytta. Follow the marked trail to the destination, Holmevasshytta/Holmavatn. The hike is estimated to take about 6 hours.
Holmevasshytta–Haukeliseter: The first part of the hike goes over open moors and up to the highest point of the route, Turistskaret at 1330 meters above sea level. Here, there is magnificent high mountain nature with open moraine ridges. From here, it goes downhill, and the hike ends at Haukeliseter mountain lodge. This section is estimated to take about 6 hours. It is recommended to stay overnight at Haukeliseter.