Hiking in Norway in november - Viglesdalen in Ryfylke
Cascading stream in Viglesdalen, with first ice on a November hike
hiking in norway in november
The hiking season in Norway’s mountains is now coming to an end. The first snow has already fallen, as here in Jotunheimen where webcams let you follow the seasons. Summer bridges are stored away for the winter, and in places like Kjerag in Ryfylke the safety chains have been removed as well.
This does not mean you can’t go hiking anymore, particularly in the lower lying regions or near the coast. Any snow that falls here, will still melt quickly. Be aware though that rain will let the streams and rivers rise and the trails will become much wetter and a lot more muddy. Waterproof and warm clothing, good boots and gaiters are no luxury in these conditions – plus consider taking cleats for under your shoes on icy sections.
In the Ryfylke Mountains there is still much hiking that can be done before it starts to freeze in earnest. Day hikes and overnighters are very much an option and if you live close to Stavanger you can get hold of our regional hiking guide at the city library or buy your own copy of the second edition here.
introducing a new three day trek
In September 2020, a new multi-day route has opened, taking you from Viglesdalen over Stakken to the Nilsebu mountain hut near the Lysefjord. This new route follows an exciting concept. It is a historical route and highlights the old trade routes and history of the area. You will find information boards along the hike and in the huts themselves. According to the archaeologist of Rogaland country, Jennica Svenson, Viglesdalen was at a crossroads of trade and travel during Viking times and the early middle ages. Iron was the coveted commodity that was won in large quantities from the peaty grounds around Setesdal to the West and needed to be transported and distributed. ‘Viglesdalen would have been a rich and powerful place at the time’, according to her. In this valley, deep in the mountains of Ryfylke, many finds show that people have lived here since a long time.
The valley itself is one of those typical valleys shaped by glaciers and ice scraping away at the very old granite rock, leaving behind steep walls and a U-shaped valley. On a not too cold weekend in November heading out to Viglesdalen could be a great weekend family trip (Hike 9.4 in the guide). The hike is about 13.3km (4.5hrs) there and back, leaving you with enough time to enjoy a cosy evening if you want to stay over. It is an unserviced hut, meaning that you need to bring all your own supplies for dinner and breakfast. But otherwise all you need to cook and enjoy an evening is there.
The hike is not strenuous, provided there is no ice on the rocks. Inquire at the STF (Stavanger Touristforening) before heading out, take cleats just in case and remember that you need to pre-book your place in the hut during the remainder of 2020. Day visiting is not allowed due to the current situation and you need to bring clean bedsheets or a clean sleeping bad and liner along.
viking for a night?
With a bit of preparation, you could even make the places’ history your own. Bring the ingredients for a rich (meaty) stew, with some hearty bread to dip into the juices. Fruits with a dollop of honey as dessert and you would not be too far away from a dinner served a thousand years ago. Add in some storytelling around the fire afterwards while wrapped up in a woollen blanket, have some mead to drink, and your Viking weekend would be perfect. Or, alternatively, just play a game of cards and read a book until you call it a night.
Note: Since earlier this year, the Tau ferry is no longer running and you instead take the Ryfast tunnel to Solbakk. Proceed on the Rv13 towards Hjelmeland and follow the guidebook instructions from here to the start of the hike.
Photo credit: Hiking into Viglesdalen for a November weekend overnight stay. Author’s own photo
