Tjørnbrotbu — DNT-cabin
The self-service cabin Tjørnbrotbu is owned by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT).
This cabin is situated 1300 m.a.s.l., in the eastern hills of Setesdal, approximately 11 km from Hovden, It accommodates 22 persons (main cabin and emergency shelter combined). The hike from Hovden to Tjørnbrotbu is easy, but the landscape is open (mountain plateau). Adequate clothing and equipment is therefore recommended.
On foot to Tjørnbrotbu
From Hovden, there are two alternative starting points:
Alternative 1 starts from the parking lot approx. 1 km north of the central Hovden and follows a gravel road for the first two kilometers to "Juvet" by Børtemannsbekken.
Alternative 2 starts from the large parking lot approx. 3 km north of Hovden, opposite Hovden Fjellstoge. From here, follow the idyllic river Børtemannsbekken towards "Juvet". Note that during periods of high water flow, it can be challenging to follow this route, as you may need to cross streams.
At the large bridge at "Juvet", both starting alternatives meet, and the T-marked trail continues on the southern bank of Børtemannsbekken. The terrain moves gently uphill and is relatively easy to walk. The steepest part of the trail is at the very end, the last two kilometers up to the cabin.
From Tjørnbrotbu you may continue on the DNT trail network to Bjåen (north) or Berdalsbu (south), or to the Byrtedalen valley in Telemark.
Getting to Tjørnbrotbu in the winter
Ski trails are groomed in the direction of the cabin, except for the last 2,1-km strech, which is waymarked with temporary tree branches. This waymarking continues south to the DNT cabins Berdalsbu and Bjørnevasshytta, and takes place between the winter and Easter holidays.
For further information about Tjørnbrotbu and the regional trail network, see here