Lysefjord – The Ulvaskog hike

Last modified 18.03.2022 | Published 08.03.20122010's, Norway, Norway Hikes

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The Ulvaskog hike (7 km) is one of several hikes along the Lysefjord in Norway. Start at the parking lot on the Botne road, continue via the timber cabin Ulvaskoghytta and finish at Preikestolhytta.

The Lysefjord in south-western Norway is a perfect example of a Norwegian fjord: Steep mountains, rough scenery, spectacular views, a lot of weather. It also serves as a superb hiking ground for numerous trips. This is one of them.

A version of this article in Norwegian contains more information and pictures.

Denne fotturen er også omtalt i den norskspråklige delen av Sandalsand.

 

What to discover

This is a pleasant little hike of only 7 km, but being so varied it might take you 5 hours with a long break in the middle.

The path goes a bit up and down from the main road at Botne before reaching the timber cabin at Ulvaskog (Wolf’s Forest). This cabin was used by the Resistance during World War II and makes an idyllic resting place before continuing on to Preikestolhytta. The vegetation is quite varied on this hike, and so are the differences in altitude. As the name Ulvaskog implies the hike will pass through some forests. A part of the forest is very old – bent pine trees are beautiful you know.

The Preikestolhytta is a large tourist mountain lodge at the starting point for hikes to the Pulpit Rock.

 

 

 

The perfect journey is never finished, the goal is always just across the next river, round the shoulder of the next mountain. There is always one more track to follow, one more mirage to explore. (Rosita Forbes)

 

 

Practicalities

You can of course hike from both ends, or even as a return hike from either end to Ulvaskog. Driving your own car is an obvious way of getting here, but you will need to do some planning if you only have one car or plan on using public transportation.

 

All entries and videos in this series

(0) Introduction
(1) The fjord by boat
(2) Ulvaskog
(3) Preikestolen – The Pulpit Rock
(4) Songedalen
(5) Kjerag
(6) Vinddalen