Hike to Hovdenuten and the Day Trip Cabin
Hovdenuten is a popular hike at Hovden. It’s easy to access, doesn’t take too long, and the reward at the top is well worth the effort!
- Length: 4 km round trip
- Duration: The hike up takes about 45 minutes at a regular pace for adults. Families with children should allow 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Elevation gain: 337 meters from the starting point to the summit
- Difficulty: Challenging, but manageable for most with a few short breaks along the way
- Who is it for: This hike is suitable for everyone from families with children to more experienced hikers. The Sherpa steps make the ascent easier.
The trail partly consists of stone steps that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings and are an experience in themselves. But it's not just the Sherpa steps and the day trip cabin at the top that make this hike worthwhile. The journey up should also be enjoyed, with several viewpoints highlighting the stunning landscape around Hovden. From the starting point to the summit, you'll find informational posts along the trail. These feature flip-out signs that provide interesting facts about the area you're walking through.
At the summit, you’ll find a beautiful day trip cabin completed in 2024. This addition has made the hike to Hovdenuten even more unique and popular. The cabin features panoramic windows, seating, information about the local area, and images of local plants and wildlife. It also has a wood-burning stove you can light to create a cozy cabin atmosphere while enjoying your packed lunch and the incredible view.
At the cairn at the very top, there’s a mailbox with a guestbook and a topographic viewing plate. The plate includes a directional pointer and a metal viewing tube that allows you to identify the various mountain peaks surrounding Hovden—both nearby and in the distance.
When it's time to head back down, you have two route options to choose from:
Route A: Follow the blue-marked trail and descend on the other side of the mountain. This trail completes the round trip, but some sections can get very muddy. On wet days or after rainfall, you'll need good waterproof shoes or boots. However, if the weather has been dry and pleasant for a while, regular running shoes should be fine.
Route B: Take the same trail back down that you used to climb up. It’s just as enjoyable going down as up, and thanks to the well-built stone steps, it’s rarely an issue. However, be aware that the steps can become slippery in certain weather conditions.
How to Get to the Trailhead:
Start: Hovden town center Walk along Skisentervegen and cross the bridge visible from the center. Continue to the road junction and follow the signs toward Hovden Alpinsenter. Keep walking until you see a blue sign with parking information for the Hovdenuten hike. Turn left here onto Fjellparkvegen, and continue into the Hovden Fjellpark cabin area. After a few hundred meters, just before the hill in the cabin area begins, turn left when you see the Hovdenuten hike information board. Walk a short distance further, and you’ll reach the trail that leads to the Sherpa steps.
Enjoy your hike!