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Andre uken av minutt for minutt gikk fem dager gjennom Jotunheimen. Bildet er fra første etappe fra Bøvertun til Sognefjellshytta.

Henning shows the way

True to tradition, we send out the general manager of DNT Oslo and Omegn, Henning Hoff Wikborg, as the first person on our new long-distance route Omveien. Here you can read day by day how Henning fared on the long-haul route between Lillehammer and the Sognefjord that he went on 25 June - 6 July 2022. He shows the way, including some of the spectacular detours you can take on the Detour!

Published: January 24, 2025
Inspiration

OMVEIEN is a collaboration between DNT Oslo and Omegn and DNT Lillehammer.

Tips from Henning

We had a chat with Henning before the trip. He has extensive experience in hiking and has encountered all kinds of challenges in the face of different terrain, weather and wind. That's why we had to know: How do you prepare when you're going on a long trip?

Planning and preparation

  • The first thing I do, and that I love to do, is to put DNT's planning map on the table and start dreaming about what the trip will be like while I immerse myself in the route. I imagine all the possibilities and try to create an exciting route. (Planning map we have in the Hiking Center in Storgata 3)
  • On this trip, all the preparatory work has been done, and the DETOUR is ready to be walked on the UT.no.
    But when I went e.g. Breheimen, I started with the map and thought through: Which cabins do I want to visit? How far do I want to go? Where is there food along the way? How long stages should I walk? If I want a shower and a cold beer, I know that I have to stop by a serviced cabin.
    On OMVEIEN there are several serviced cabins, so here everything is in place for a nice combination of self-service and serviced cabins.

Clothing and equipment

When the route is decided, it defines what clothes and equipment I need to bring with me on the trip. I see that the detour starts in the forest and protected environment, but eventually I will move up into the high mountains and will encounter both snow and colder weather.

I also see that there are quite a few days between each time I get my clothes washed. That's why I bring wool soap with me so I can wash clothes along the way. Then I don't have to bring so many shifts and I can meet other people, especially in the dining room of a staffed cabin! The wool soap works for cold water and you can also find it in the Hiking Center and at dntbutikken.no.

TIP

It's hard to prepare for everything, some things happen anyway. But some basic equipment is good to have. There are always periods with a lot of sun and then it really scorches in the mountains, therefore lighter hiking clothes, sunscreen and sunglasses are necessary. You also have to expect wet days, which is why good shell clothing is also something that must be brought as well as warm clothes for summit trips.

Sometimes the best advice is to get on a trip and learn along the way, it's not everything you can plan for, but you have to start from some ground rules. 

On a trip like OMVEIEN, you should ideally have lighter hiking shoes for the easier hiking sections and mountain boots for the tougher ones, but it will be too heavy. You need to decide on one pair of footwear that you consider to be the best, and in addition, a pair of lighter sandals. Sandals are always nice to have inside the cabins, possibly to swim with. It's always good to take off your shoes after a long day on foot.
Also consider: When you are going to walk far, how heavy shoes are you willing to wear? It's going to get wet at least one place on the road.

Another tip I have is to bring thin silk/wool gloves or wool gloves – it protects your hands from the cold, even when it's a little wet. I also use a headband against sweat, it gets hot and you get hot on a trip. 

Packing


When I've planned everything I'm going to bring, I put it out on the bed so I can see everything. I have a maximum weight of 10 kg because a light backpack gives the opportunity for many more experiences along the way and more inspiration to take detours! To keep the weight down on the backpack, I have a small lightweight plastic cup in my hip belt. I don't carry water with me, rather take a sip in every stream I see.

Other useful tips

  • Remember the DNT key and the necessary apps: DNT Hyttebetaling, DNT membership certificate and the Ut app. Also remember to make a plan for charging along the way, you can charge at serviced cabins. You may also want to include a lightweight battery pack in your backpack.
  • For safety reasons and the pleasure of seeing a bigger picture when orienteering, I always use a paper map 1:50,000 and I always have a compass with me. Map package for OMVEIEN can be found at the Hiking Center.
  • I rarely use the compass because I use the map actively and know where I am at all times, but the compass should always be with me.
  • I use the phone to check OUT along the way. The CheckOut list for OMVEIEN can be found in UT.no app.
  • I consider the phone to be security equipment, if it should be necessary to make contact. It's also the camera I use on the trip.

Finally - how to stay motivated along the way

For me, it's the small joys along the way and the knowledge of what I have planned and have in store. On a long trip like this, you have to open all your senses and just be. Listen to the sounds of streams and bird life, enjoy crouching over the stream, and have a cup of water. Feel the difference in taste from one stream to the other. Become a part of what you're going through. 

Ruten til Henning med tidsestimater i et planleggingskart.
The route to Henning with time estimates in a planning map. 

Day 1: Lillehammer - Skjelbreidhytta

Now I'm finally getting started. I'm going to take the detour from Lillehammer to Vetti and the Sognefjord. It will be a hike of more than 25 miles and maybe there will be some nice detours along the way. The detour is often the nicest thing about the trip and I hope it will be the same this time. However, the entire trip and start was strongly influenced by the cruel and senseless that happened at the start of Pride. We will cultivate free love and we will fight for the freedom we should have for diversity and openness. We should not allow ourselves to be changed, but accept the suffering that has been inflicted and that shocks us.  

I had planned a long trip today, with a trip first to DNT Lillehammer's Skjelbreid cabin and on to Kittilbu. Now it will be a slightly calmer day with reflection and sadness for what has happened and that affects us. I check in at the Skjelbreid cabin and calm it down today.  

It will be public transport by train to Lillehammer and bus on to the starting point. It's nice now to be on the road. Tip: Bus route 111, Lillehammer – Dokka. Get off at Storlondammen. Consider walking the road to Skjelbreidhytta. DNT Lillehammer states that the road may be appropriate because the path is wet and in a bit of poor condition. I myself chose to walk the road, which was quite ok as the first stage before the trip continues on a path towards Kittilbu 

Tip: Several people I meet have got blisters already on the 1st day. It is a very good insurance to lose your feet before something happens. In other words, prevent chafing. You don't want that on the trip. And, should you feel along the way, you should stop. It doesn't get any better by waiting. Tape and take action as soon as you feel discomfort or chafing. You have time for that. 

Henning tar bilde av seg selv foran toget på Oslo S.
The trip started with a train to Lillehammer. In front of Henning, more than 25 miles of cabin-to-cabin hiking awaits from Lillehammer to the Sognefjord.

Day 2: Skjelbredhytta - Vestfjellhytta

It's wonderful to wake up to the first full day on the Detour. On the terrace at Skjelbreidhytta, I could tell about the sun and a fantastic mountain pasture with cows, sheep, a beautiful light and a sea of meadow flowers. This just had to be a good day.

The detour is about having time. Time for detours and exciting experiences along the way. However, walking from Lillehammer to Vetti and the Sognefjord takes many days. I have to admit that this day I have "cheated" a little. There will have to be a few double stages to make it to the wedding day on July 6. The expectation of that is clear. So then it's just a matter of going on, and taking a few double stages. 

Today I planned to meet the chairman of the board, Tom Harald, and Ragnvald in the board of DNT Lillehammer at Vestfjellhytta. Then I had to rush past Kittilbu.  

After a glorious and early morning, I set off to march towards Kittilsbu. Already at the first steps, the rain came. Then there was even more and then came torrential rain. After a few kilometers I was soaked, everywhere.  

The hike to Kittilsbu is nice, but it goes in a lot of damp terrain. Fortunately, DNT Lillehammer has made an extra effort this year with the laying of the course, which came in handy. In the description of the Detour, there is a description of the route, which is useful to take with you.  

Kittilsbu is a beautifully restored cabin, pretty and very cozy. Here there was a complete change of everything wet and lunch from the new self-service warehouse at the cabin. Great! After a short rest on the couch, it was on to Vestfjellhytta. During my stay, the sun had come out, but just as I was about to start the next leg, the rain started. Torrential rain! It lasted all the way until Vestfjellhytta. Better marking here and okay to follow the marked route, but you should keep an eye on the map. Almost went wrong on a few occasions.  

It was a great pleasure to arrive at Vestfjellhytta. The rain was about to stop and I was well received by Tom Harald and Ragnvald. Very nice evening with bacalao and chat with nice guests.  

Tip: The first days of the route are spent on rather damp terrain, make sure appropriate footwear is provided. Also bring plenty of sock changes. In some places it can be a little difficult to find the right trail, so make sure to be active on the map and make assessments along the way.  

Turen startet med tog til Lillehammer. Foran Henning venter mer enn 25 mil med hytte til hytte vandring fra Lillehammer til Sognefjorden.
The trip started with a train to Lillehammer. In front of Henning, more than 25 miles of cabin-to-cabin hiking awaits from Lillehammer to the Sognefjord.

Day 3: Vestfjellhytta - Liomseter

A wonderful stay at Vestfjellhytta is over for now. A bit sad to leave this beautiful cabin and the nice guests and representatives from DNT Lillehammer. What I'm less sad about is leaving the mosquitoes that have kept me awake much of the night. I really hate the sound of mosquitoes around my head when I'm trying to sleep. Every time you strike for it, it has found a new place. Today I find the mosquito repellent. 

Nice hiking companion on the first part of the trip. Ragnvald and Tom Harald from DNT Lillehammer followed me for the first four kilometers, until Grytlia. An absolutely fantastic flower meadow with all colors on the wide and beautiful mountain pasture.  

On this day, the route is well marked and the terrain is less wet than the first days. Cozy break by the bridge over Revaa, take some time there. On the way to the bridge, you walk through a beautiful flower area. Take pictures 😊 Nice hike up the hill towards Nordre Suluhø. Here there is a fantastic view of the whole of Langsua. While I stood at the top and enjoyed the great view, dry and nice, the storm came. Lightning and thunder and rain heavier than any shower I've been in. The road towards Liomseter was very wet and showers were almost unnecessary here at the cabin.  

Nice to arrive at the nice hosts who lift the mood with smiles and a big WELCOME ❤️ 

Tip: It is not possible to check in to the UT app at Vestfjellhytta. There is some coverage after 500 meters at Nysetra, but it is too far away to check out. But, when you get up on Nodre Suluhø, there is maximum coverage if you want to send messages and maybe post something on SOME. Remember that the coverage is also poor at Liomseter, so important messages should be done away at the top of Nordre Suluhø 

Vakker blomstereng på setervollen ved Grytlia.
Beautiful flower meadow on the mountain pasture at Grytlia - approx. 4 kilometers west of DNT Lillehammer's cabin, Vestfjellhytta. From the trip on the way to Liomseter.

Day 4: Liomseter - Storkvolbu

Today, the plan has been to take a double stage. First to Storkvolbu and then on to Storhøliseter. But, the day has been at least as wet as the previous two. I've ended up at Storkvoldbu and am having a great time in this beautiful place, and dried clothes... 

There are two routes from Liomseter to Storkvolvbu. You go more easterly and up towards Øvre Revsjø. The other, which will also be a little shorter, goes via Vakkerlifjellet. The route over Vakkerlifjellet is a beautiful route and is recommended. It should also be somewhat drier and less boggy. On UT.no it says that the route over Vakkerlifjell should be 13 km. I measured the route to about 17 km, which a hiking companion I met at the cabin had also measured. So pay attention to the length. I have attached a picture from UT.no showing the squares. 

The hike over Vakkerlifjellet starts with fairly damp paths up through the forest before you reach the bare mountain. As the mountains open up and the trails flatten out more, you also walk on good and drier paths. It is great to hike over the heights and very nice views in all directions. Unfortunately, I had a fair amount of fog in addition to heavy rain.  

There is good drinking water and nice picnic areas along the entire route.  

Once at Storkvolvbu, it was nice to fire up the cabin, dry clothes and help ourselves in the provisions room. Baccalao, fruit cocktail, iced tea, cocoa – just absolutely wonderful and cozy. Eventually, the sun and fine weather also came. An absolutely beautiful view and a steady stream from the river below the cabin create an idyll and a good place to be. A nice couple who have followed the two previous cabins are also with me here at the cabin. An early evening it will be today to recharge for a long trip tomorrow. Then there will be the first stop at Storhøliseter, a lunch at the cabin, and then on to the DNT cabin Oskampen.  

Good hiking weather has been reported, so it is tingling in my body to hike and see a lot tomorrow 

Tip: The hike over Vakkerlifjellet is fairly easy to follow. Decent marking, but there will be a couple of trail crossings up in the mountains where you have to keep your tongue straight in your mouth, literally. Do not take off, hold straight ahead and make sure to follow the T marking. At one of the intersections, someone has marked with red left and right, but this is NOT T marked square. So keep an eye on the map and follow our DNT marking.  

Selvbetjenthytta Storhøliseter i Langsua.
Storhøliseter - a self-service DNT cabin. Road all the way to the road and a fantastic starting point for trips in Langsua.

Day 5: Storkvolvbu - Storhøliseter - Oskampen

What a day, we wake up early to a wonderful weather. Blue sky and sun, bright blue river and spectacle as far as you can see. I feel that the day will be great and today I will approach Jotunheimen and hike the last great stages in Langsua.

I got off early. Today I wanted the whole day out with many experiences along the way. This northern part of Langsua is so beautiful. Exciting peaks and dramatic views to the west where Jotunheimen constantly grows with snow-clad peaks. So incredibly beautiful.  

The trip to Storhøliseter is about 13 km. The path undulates a little and with but few demanding climbs. The last bit towards Storhøliseter goes gently downhill on a good and scenic path. There are many streams to drink from along the way, do not carry water on this stage. Two slightly larger streams will be crossed. With a little resilience up, you'll probably get over okay. Some may choose to wade. In any case, these are not major obstacles. Many great photo motifs along the way. Take your time, enjoy yourself on this stage. 

Storhøliseter is incredibly beautiful and picturesque on a beautiful old mountain pasture. There were many who had spent the night here. Several people brought a car here, where you can park, starting from several round trips. An incredibly cozy family from the south had a big unpacking after a long car ride the day before. Everything lay out on the sunny mountain pasture. They tried to organize a trip into the mountains. Carrier bags with food and lots of clothes and equipment. I myself took a lunch and dried shoes after several wet marshes at the end of the stage. I got ready to move on after dozing off and enjoying the sun. At that time, there was, if possible, even more chaos on the embankment. They were beaming and looking forward to it, but we have to hope they got off 😅 smoothly

The trip on to Oskampen was also about 13 km. This is also a very beautiful route. However, be aware that as soon as you have passed the bridge after about a kilometer, a particularly wet section awaits a couple of kilometers. Almost impossible to get through this dry shovel. The reward is a particularly beautiful trail when you reach the height before the big lake, Øyangen. Fantastic motifs and a dream of some great trails. Take your time here, it's very special. The rest of the trip hair along the water, some on an old gravel road and further up to the DNT cabin, Oskampen.

Oskampen is located just below the mountain of the same name, 1502 meters above sea level. The cabin is located at about 1275 meters above sea level. Here is a beautiful lake that lies and glitters in the sun with white mountain massifs in Jotunheimen as a backdrop.  

Tip: On the Detour, we will try to make time for valuable detours. On good summer days, a mountain bath can make the experiences complete. Along the route to Oskampen, there are several lakes you can swim in. Up by the cabin there are also several lakes that are just waiting to give you magical experiences. 

DNT hytta Oskampen med Jotunheimen i bakgrunnen.
DNT cabin Oskampen with Jotunheimen in the background.
Henning med kart i hendene og Oskampen i bakgrunnen.
Henning is well underway with the long trip OMVEIEN from Lillehammer to the Sognefjord.

Day 6: Oskampen -Sikkilsdalseter - Gjendesheim

Today I got up early in an empty cabin at Oskampen. In front of me was perhaps the longest stage of the trip, Oskampen – Sikkilsdalseter – Gjendesheim. Double portion of oatmeal, heaped down with raspberry jam. I just had to get good nutrition, even though I'm not a big breakfast eater when you get up a little too early. I'm not really that fond of oatmeal either, even though hikers around me think porridge in the morning on a trip is the only thing that counts. But, it was a sunny and beautiful morning, and out of the breakfast window I could glimpse Jotunheimen, today's hiking destination.  

When you are alone in the cabin, the cabin must be cleaned and prepared for the next guests. It's not possible to sneak out early and let the last guests do the floor cleaning... Oskampen is small and cozy so really it was just nice and a little atmospheric to make it nice after me. In the end, it was just a matter of gritting my teeth, putting on my hiking boots, feeling a little sore feet and sore legs.  

The first part of the trip went gently downhill and the upcoming uphill over towards Sikkilsdalen came closer and closer. I had planned to fill up with water at the river you cross before the uphill begins, but here there was little water and I suspected that I had miscalculated the amount of water in the bag. It was a pretty tough hike over the mountain and past Vangstulkampen, but the view at the top was just amazing. Beautiful view down towards Sikkilsdalsetra and Prinsehytta, the royal family's beautiful cottage yard. Further out, you can see Jotunheimen in all its glory and beautiful snow-clad peaks.  

There was a short stop at Sikkilsdalssetra to greet the managers there. This is a privately serviced cabin. It is cosily located in this green valley. There are many horses here grazing and form a picturesque and beautiful sight. But, I was going further and the trip from Sikkilsdalen can go in two different routes. The weather was beautiful, so I chose the summit trip over Sikkilsdalshø at 1776 meters above sea level. If the weather is bad or you feel that you are getting tired, you can choose to walk along Øvre Sikkilsdalsvannet. That trip is probably a couple of hours shorter. However, it is rumored that this trail is somewhat overgrown and tortuous, so take the summit trip if you have the strength to do so. 

I hiked up over the forest line and had lunch when I got a great view and the insects are a little less aggressive up in the mountains, than down in the forest belt. Where I sat and ate, I could look up and see the route further and the peaks I was going to go over. An exciting and dramatic sight. When I started walking, it quickly became apparent that the distances seemed shorter than it might seem. You walk over several peaks and the trail is quite breezy in places, so take your time. There are several fantastic viewpoints along the way and there are plenty of opportunities to take spectacular photos.  

Finally, the top, Sikkilsdalshø, 1776 m.a.s.l. The view is stunning in 360 degrees. Take your time at the top, get something warm and windproof. Spend time up here and really take it in and enjoy.  

The road down goes steadily downhill, a lot of rocks, as it often is in the mountains, so go controlled. It's easy to trip and wiggle your foot when you've struggled uphill and want it to go downhill. The path is good and the road to Gjendesheim goes in nice terrain with wide and clear paths. A bit of an anticlimax to end up at the campsite at Maurvangen and with asphalt the last bit into the cabin. My motivation then lay in all the nice experiences along the way and an ice-cold beer waiting in front of me. 

Tip: There are not many places to fill water on these two stages. Therefore, carefully calculate how much water you should bring. I ended up with too little and my mouth became increasingly dry.  

When you walk so many meters of altitude to climb, it can be good to think a little tactically. Try to walk calmly but smoothly. Take small steps, rather increase the frequency slightly, it saves effort. Also make sure that you constantly try to put your foot horizontally with support for the heels, then you save a lot of effort and the thighs and calves do not get as much beating.  

På vei opp mot toppen av Sikkildalshø, her er utsikt mot Gjende og Besseggen.
On the way up to the top of Sikkildalshø, on the route between Sikkilsdalshytta and Gjendesheim. Here is a view of Gjende and Besseggen.

Day 7: Gjendesheim - Glitterheim

Do you know the feeling of having become so sore that it is not easy to climb stairs? Well, that's where I am now. I actually feel in pretty good shape still, but all the altitude meters and not least the fast walking downhill have left their mark. And today, there are another 1000 meters of altitude to be climbed and more descents.  

The stay at Gjendesheim was incredibly pleasant, not least thanks to a Swedish man, a first-time traveler to Jotunheimen and of course was going to hike both Bukkelægret and Bessegen. He has to take some of the blame for the fact that I feel that there were some beers yesterday. Maybe not the best recharge, but nice with a little social for someone who walks alone. 

Today's trip started brutally with 400 meters of altitude up to Bessvatnet. Further over the ridge and then down to Russvatnet. As I walk, I think a lot about the book "Three in Norway by two of them". This depiction of  the English men who lived and stayed in this area one summer in the late 1800s. As I walk, I notice the great distances they spent fishing and hunting in these areas. Actually quite impressive. 

The trip along Russvatnet was a really nice path, beautiful along the water's edge for just over two kilometers before it again went steeply uphill. Up in the mountains, you have to cross a larger river. There is a rather airy and exciting bridge hanging here. A great place to take some pictures and study the somewhat special construction of a bridge. Completely safe, but usable sway when walking, which makes it a bit exciting. 

The route goes several kilometers further uphill in steadily ascending terrain. It's nice to walk, but closer to the top there are starting to be more sections with a lot of rocks. As you get to the innermost part of the valley and pass the band at Vestre Hestlægerhøe, you have to steeply up and over a snow patch. Then it carries steadily downhill to Glitterheim. 

It's nice to see Glitterheim down there in the valley. For me, Glitterheim is a "hometown". This is where much of my DNT connection started when I as an 18-year-old lived here for 14 days and completed glacier guide courses. Strong and very good memories. Perhaps a dream of a job in DNT was sown back then?  

Facts:

  • I logged 22 km on the trip
  • I also logged exactly 1000 meters of altitude

Tip: As mentioned, the path along Russvatnet was pure idyll. Here they were several nice white beaches with good opportunities for tents and picnic areas. The fish are awake and the water is surrounded by stunning and dramatic alpine peaks. Feel free to take your break here along the water. If it's hot, feel free to take a bath in these incredibly beautiful surroundings. The subject doesn't get much better for pictures and maybe an instastory? 

På bildet ser vi vestenden av Russvatnet og innover Memurubu.
Rest where the paths meet north of Russvatnet, from Memurubu and Gjendesheim, on the way to Glitterheim. In the picture we see the west end of Russvatnet and into Memurubu.

Day 8: Glitterheim - Spiterstulen

It's raining! It's pouring rain! We wake up to a rather rough weather. I rub my eyes, is it possible. Had almost forgotten that it can rain in the mountains. After three nice days of stay and a lot of sun, I have almost forgotten how wet I was the first few days through Langsua. Actually quite nice, the memory of the trip is often the great experiences. Preferably in the sun and with a view. Now it's just a matter of getting dressed, because it will be nice anyway. 

A strange sight met me today morning. 40 people with shorts, tights and bib numbers, here at Glitterheim. What's going on? 

Well, they are going for a little run, with a number on their chest... First up to Glittertind, then down to Spiterstulen, then up to Galdhøpiggen and down again. Finish? No, the trip then goes several kilometers down the road before they break off and run up to Juvasshytta, i.e. another almost 1000 meters up. The record is an incredible 5 hours and 40 minutes, believe it or not. I'm going to go...to Spiterstulen.  

It starts brutally, this hill up to Glittertind, which I have walked so many times before. About 1000 meters of altitude straight up, but it goes surprisingly smoothly. It cracks up a bit and I get some glimpses of the magnificent view, but it is not a good view. For those of you who go after me, regardless of the weather, take the trip over the mountains and over Tinden. You never know if you'll actually get a view. Not infrequently, you get great experiences here, even in gray weather. 

Today there was a few seconds of visibility, otherwise it was windy and really snowy at the top. 

It goes steeply downhill again. Spiterstulen is lower than Glitterheim, so it is more meters down than up. Some sections are a bit steep and rocky. It is not dangerous or scary, as long as you take it easy and pay close attention.  

The route crosses rivers in two places. After intense rain last night and today, it is difficult to cross dry shods. I'm not particularly fond of wading, so I do everything to find a way out of it. Actually, I think it's a bit exciting. Up and down the river to make a plan for leaps, triple jumps, quad steps or more. It worked, but I have to admit that several times I had my heart in my throat. But, then happiness is great when you succeed! 

Nice to arrive at Spiterstulen which is one of the hospitalized cabins on the Road. This is a private tourist cabin with a long tradition of cooperation with DNT.  

Facts:

  • I measured the trip at 17.1 kilometers.
  • I measured a total of 1137 meters of elevation, and 1441 meters of descent.  

Tip: There are two DNT marked routes from Glitterheim to Spiterstulen. The southernmost and easiest goes inland towards Veobreen. The other goes over Glittertind. The route inland towards Veobreen is easier and is probably two to three hours shorter. A good option if you feel that you are starting to get tired or if the weather is bad. The trip via Veobreen is a full-fledged route choice on the Detour. But, if you have strength and the weather is with you, the trip over Glittertind is a far greater experience in my eyes. 

Henning på vei opp til Glittertind - Norges nest høyeste topp på 2465 moh.
On the way up to Glittertind - Norway's second highest peak that rises 2465 meters above sea level.

Day 9: Spiterstulen - Leirvassbu

Today I wake up with a feeling that this day is going to be good. After demanding days with many altitude meters, it will be nice to have a somewhat easier and shorter trip. The trip inwards to Leirvassbu goes smoothly up Visdalen. There are not so many altitude meters to be climbed today, compared to the previous days. The weather is characterized by variation from rain to cracks in the cloud layer. High up there by the alpine peaks that surround Spiterstulen, I also see glimpses of blue sky and sun. 

At breakfast today, alone, looking out at the beautiful surroundings, I also feel a sting of bad conscience. Messages have been ticking in from a wedding yesterday. The daughter of close family friends from England held a wedding, and married herself in Tanum church. Our beautiful church at the height of the Tanum plateau, with subsequent company at Lysebu. Here I sit! I prioritized work for DNT, hiking and profiling of the Detour. That was the opportunity I had. I note that long trips for almost 14 days make up for days with some sacrifices. But, I'm going to make it to Anne Kristine and me's wedding day on July 6th. And soon I will meet two of our sons at Skogadalsbøen. I've started to look forward to both.  

The trip starts okay, but quite humid. It has rained tonight and the trails are quite wet. I am delighted to see the beautiful and dramatic surroundings. There is visibility up to most of the peaks and frames the route up Visdalen in a fantastic way.  

I start optimistically in shorts. Everything is fine for two kilometers. The fog sets in, visibility disappears and it starts to rain. Decent. And, it really lasts all the way.  

It's a nice path uphill, because that's really what it is, a gentle smooth uphill. Starts well on good trails and turns into quite a lot of rocks. This is an incredibly beautiful route, but this time it will be wet and quite cold. Above the last hill before you walk along the lakes, the last kilometers up to Leirvassbu, there is still a lot of snow.  

On much of the route, the beautiful peak Kyrkja has appeared majestic and straight, with its 2032 meters above sea level. If this weather gives up and we maybe get sun tomorrow morning, then it is possible that Kyrkja will be a detour on the detour to Olavsbu.  

Facts:

  • I log 16 kilometers
  • I log 531 meters of elevation, this time 212 meters down, which is probably due to the last kilometers down to the cabin.  

Tip: There are quite a few streams and rivers without bridges at this distance. Not really that many natural fords. It's a lot about jumping from stone to stone. I myself don't use poles, but those who do will have an advantage. If there has been a lot of rain or a warm period with a lot of snow and glacier melting, a lot of water travels. Spend some time on the crossings and find good  and safe transitions. My experience is that the route is laid out wisely, so start from the markings for where the trail is laid to cross. 

Betjenthytta Leirvassbu.
The officer's cabin Leirvassbu. 

Day 10-11: Leirvassbu - Church - Olavsbu

It was good with guests at Leirvassbu last night. The cabin was characterized by visitors of all ages and from many nations. Buzzing and good atmosphere.  

Leirvassbu is located at about 1400 meters above sea level. It is snowy here in winter and makes Leirvassbu a very popular winter place and great for summit trips around Easter and the weeks after. This contributes to the snow lying here for a long time. There is a lot of snow left here, but the snow is good and compact to walk on in several places. 

The brothers who own Leirvassbu, Kristian  and Ole Jakob, are always nice to meet. Also this time I got to talk well before I left. They have run Leirvassbu for more than 16 years and have lifted the popularity of the place and contributed to Leirvassbu, especially in winter, being an important place for many here in the heart of Jotunheim and centrally located in DNT's grid with private cabins and DNT cabins in "all directions". 

As I start the hike, I see Kyrkja majestic and free from fog and clouds. Some glimpses of sunshine are also coming. Then I couldn't let the opportunity pass me by. I had to catch Kyrkja on the way to Olavsbu. When I got to  the bottom of the climb, it was a relief to put down my backpack before I went on. It stayed clear and nice until I reached the top. Along the way, I was a little hesitant about a couple of sections, but I'm not that strong on heights either... ( In the section "tips" below, you can read more about Kyrkja) 

The trip continued went fine, but it was quite wet and a lot of snow. There was especially a lot of snow over the Raudal band. Here there were some steep climbs on snow, but very beautiful, surrounded by several 2000 meter peaks.  

Then I was very happy when I finally saw Olavsbu, where I have so many good memories. My penultimate night on the Detour. A little sad, but I have to admit that it's also a little nice. Then I look forward to tomorrow with the last overnight stay, then at beautiful Skogadalsbøen. And, extra nice, then I will meet two of my sons, Erling and Harald. They come to meet me and take home so I can make it to the wedding day.  

Facts:

  • This trip I measured at 16 km
  • A total of 1007 meters of elevation gain
  • Both points include the trip via Kyrkja 

Tip: This trip from Leirvassbu to Olavsbu is one of the shortest distances on the Road. Along this route there is an alpine and beautiful landscape with several 2000 meters above sea level. Kyrkja at 2032 meters above sea level and Skarddalstinden at 2100 meters above sea level should be two peaks that are an alternative for creating an exciting detour in the Detour. I myself chose Kyrkja. After a couple of kilometers and just over half an hour on the route to Olavsbu, you will reach the national park border. This is good to see on the map and there are signs in the terrain. Here you break off to the left/east and follow the ridge upwards. Here you can leave the backpack, as I did. Bring some drink and windproof clothing, then follow the cairn upwards. Pretty good to follow. The first part is relatively easy. As you turn up towards the last section, it becomes steeper and airy in places. The trip requires concentration and you have to climb in several places. Upwards, you will see trampling and traces of where people have gone. Take your time so that you make good judgments about the route uphill. Personally, I'm not too fond of airy sections. I would not choose to go to the top in poor visibility. In clear weather, this is a trip most people will manage. This is also a great day trip destination if you take an extra day at Leirvassbu. 

Henning på toppen av Kyrkja.
At the top of Kyrkja - one of the adventurous detours you can take when you are on the DETOUR. 

Day 12: Skogadalsbøen - Vetti - Sognefjord

The last day has come. Today we will hike down from Skogadalsbøen and we will literally feel the Sognefjord. Then I can say that the trip is complete, from Lillehammer to the Sognefjord. And, The Detour is completed with its detours on the Detour. What a trip and what a journey. So many impressions, so sore feet, so wet and so beautiful.

All the way I have been looking forward to meeting two of my boys, Erling and Harald, at Skogadalsbøen. They are in a way my welcome committee and they come to take me home. For me, there is something nice and symbolic in it. At the end yesterday, down towards Skogadalsbøen, I felt the tears come easily thinking about the boys, whom I love so much. After having rushed a little faster than planned, it is also incredibly nice to make it home to Anne Kristine, on the wedding day. 

It will be 12 days on a trip for me. On the trip, I have walked almost 25 miles and climbed almost 9,000 meters of elevation. 14 cabins have been visited and I have stayed at 12 cabins. It has been raining and wet, large parts of the trip. But two days were magical with great weather and fantastic views. Amazingly, it was these two days that I had double stages, luck. 

There is a lot I think about during a hike like the Detour. The feeling of being lucky to have the opportunity to do this. To be allowed to have a job where we facilitate exactly this, outdoor experiences, meeting places and not a little cultural history in the mountains. I also feel longing and longing, everything that is more at a distance where I walk alone far out there in wild nature, the mountains and me. My loved ones are in a way getting closer from a distance. Anne Kristine and the boys. Maybe it's good for us to take a long walk every now and then and feel the loss and how incredibly fond you are of those at home. Maybe it's the case that distance creates the nice and good pictures and perspectives. Henrik Ibsen spent a lot of time writing in Italy. Perhaps it was then that he formulated: "You see the mountain best from a distance"? 

After a great trip down Utladalen, together with the boys, there is only one thing left on the Road, put my hand in the water on the Sognefjord so that I can say; I've taken the detour from Lillehammer to the Sognefjord!

Thank you for your support 😊 

Facts: 

  • I measured 19.5 kilometers to the car at Hjelle 
  • On this trip, there were 705 meters of altitude and 1450 meters of descent.  

For those who are wondering, yes there was cold water in the Sognefjord, but not as cold and fresh as in the river at Skogadalsbøen... 

Henning har fullført OMVEIEN og skylder hendene nede i Sognefjorden!
At the end of the road on the DETOUR: Sognefjord!
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