OMVEIEN Tour - From Lillehammer to Sognefjorden

Day 1: Lillehammer – Storlondammen to Skjellbreidhytta cabin 

Estimated time from Storlondammen: 4 hours. 13-14km 

Start at Lillehammer station. Take the 111 bus towards Dokka and get off at Storlondammen. The bus trip takes about 20 minutes and there are several daily departures. Check Entur.no where you can also buy a ticket. We recommend downloading the Entur app, which is very handy! 

Storlondammen is located on the Fv 250 road, which runs between Lillehammer and Dokka. We recommend following the car road (Svartdalsvegen) between Storlondammen and Skjellbreidhytta cabin to avoid a number of wet areas in the terrain. This gravel road is used by cabin and summer pasture farm owners as well as for forestry purposes. After a couple of kilometres, the road passes through Vismundsetra summer pasture farm, which is beautifully set on a hillside down towards the river. A 6-km hike then awaits along the forest road, before you come to Vismundvatnet lake. We recommend continuing to the next lake, called Lunken. This is a suitable spot for a break and maybe even a dip in the lake. From Lunken, continue on to Bleikesetra and Skjellbreida, the cluster of farms where Skjellbreidhytta cabin is located 920 metres above sea level, to the north of the farms. The cabin is now self-service (from September 2022), meaning it is stocked with food. 

Day 2: From Skjellbreidhytta to Kittilbua cabin

Estimated time: 4 hours. 11.5 km

From Skjellbreidhytta cabin, follow the T-marked Jotunheimstien trail, first up an ascent in forest terrain, before you come out into open country on the east side of the Skjellbreidmassivet MASSIV. Take the nice trail on to Nysetra (Auggedalsnysætra), which is in a beautiful setting beside two lakes. From there, continue west of Morgobeittjønnet lake and then through forest terrain to Bentsetra. Follow the road a short distance to where the trail continues in a north-westerly direction down to Kittilbua cabin. The route between Bentsetra and Kittilbua can be particularly wet. Good hiking boots are a must. (Walkways/simple footbridges were laid between Bentsetra and Kittilbua cabin in June 2022.)

Since the distance between Skjellbreidhytta and Kittilbua is relatively short, another option is to take the new Omveien route via the peaks of the Skjellbreidmassivet MASSIV. Prestkjerringa (1,060 m.a.s.l.), Myssmørhelje (1,070 m.a.s.l.) and Gammelhans (1,066 m.a.s.l.) are a fantastic row of peaks that are recommended. 

Note that Kittilbua became a self-service cabin at the start of the 2022 season, meaning the cabin is now stocked with provisions.

Day 3: From Kittilbua to Vestfjellhytta cabin

Estimated time: 6 h. 30 min. 17.3 km

On the hill west of Kittilbua cabin, there are large pits in the terrain dating back to when iron was produced from the bog ore. Cross the bridge over Kittilbubekken stream to the west of the cabin. Then head down the cultural trail about 500 metres (past Volden summer pasture farm). Head west at the path intersection, past Skogskoia cabin (note that the cultural trail is gravel up to the cabin) and cross the bridge over a little stream and continue into forest terrain. Cross Dokkfløyvegen road, where the path continues west through sparse forest below the Fv 204 road (southern side). Cross the road and follow the trail to the fishing grounds at Valdrestjønna lake on the north side of the road.  
The trail continues to Gamle Liomseterveg road which you follow approx. 1.7 km to a turning space. There are signs here to several places, including to Holsbru bridge and Vestfjellhytta cabin. Continue on a cart track before the path heads to Dokklihamninga, where livestock graze in the summer.

Continue up to Obleikhaugen (lookout tower) and down to Øvre Dokkliseter. The route then continues in forest terrain past Dunglungen lake, where the path runs slightly higher up on the hillside than shown on the map. The path passes some areas that can be wet and good hiking boots are essential. Please also note that there is not much running water on this leg of the route,. but if necessary you can fill your water bottle down at Dunglungen lake. The path continues above the tree line over the mountains Grytlifjell and Hornsjøfjell (with great views) and on to Vestfjellhytta cabin at Nysetra.

Day 4: From Vestfjellhytta to Liomseter lodge

Estimated time: 4 hours. 12.9 km

From Vestfjellhytta cabin, the Jotunheimstien trail runs west through the cluster of summer pasture farms (Nysetra/Bødalsnysetra). The route between Vestfjellhytta cabin and Grytlia is in open country. The trail follows the old milkmaid path from Nysetra to Grytlia. Many walkways/footbridges have been laid in this area to make it easier to cross the marshes.

From Grytlia, the route continues below the old farmhouse straight across the pasture. The fences around the farm fell into disrepair a long time ago, but the trail still follows where the fence once stood, to the far north-west of the pasture. The route continues until it meets another trail, where you turn ninety degrees and head south-west and down beside the stream ‘Gryta’, which flows from Gryttjernet lake. Cross the stream on the stones. The route follows an old path in a birch forest up to the river Revåa, where a good wooden bridge has been built over the river. 

From the bridge, there is a good route over Nordre Suluhøgda mountain (1,122 m.a.s.l.), and down to Liomseter lodge. 

Day 5: From Liomseter and Fehytta cabin to Storkvolvbua cabin via Nonstjønnengene pastures

Estimated time: 5 hours. 14.6 km

Part of the Jotunheimstien trail. A short distance past the routes to Revsjøen lake and Svarthamar cabin, the trail crosses Liumsæterbekken stream. At the intersection, take the route to Haldorbu cabin and Langsuplassen on the west side of the stream. Continue to the north and then north-west through the forest. Head up over the bare rock and across Vakkerlifjellet mountain and Nonstjønnengene pastures. East of Nordre Langsua mountain, the route turns north and leads up past the turnoff towards Langsubua cabin. Continue on past Viertjønnet lake and follow the route to Skriurusten cabin and down to Storkvolvbua cabin.

Day 6: From Storkvolvbua to Storhøliseter cabin

Estimated time: 4 hours. 12.9 km 

Part of the Jotunheimstien trail. Head north, down to Krusgravbekken stream and then up west of Brennhøa mountain. Continue north-west to the trail to Espedalen valley south of Svarttjønna lake. Continue down through the forest south of Storhøpiggen mountain, past the path to Skriurusten cabin, north past Melbyesetra summer pasture farm, and down to the cabin. The self-service cabin Storhøliseter is set in a large cluster of summer pasture farm buildings.

Day 7: From Storhøliseter to Oskampen cabin

Estimated time: 4 hours. 13.3 km

Part of the Jotunheimstien trail. Head down to Vinstra and across the river over the summer bridge. (The bridge included on older maps, 2 km further south, has been demolished.) Head west and north of Øyangen lake, partly on the road and path, to Jotunheimvegen road. There's an interesting fishing cabin below the road at Sandåa (signposted). Continue around 100 metres west along the Jotunheimveien road and then onto a trail. It takes one hour to get to the cabin from here. A trip from the cabin and up Oskampen mountain is recommended.

Day 8: From Oskampen to Sikkilsdalsseter lodge

Estimated time: 5 hours. 11.3 km

Part of the Jotunheimstien trail. Head along the foot of Oskampen mountain, down to the outlet of Heimdalsvatnet lake, and across the bridge over Hinøgla river. Cross the road and head steeply uphill and west towards Vangstulkampen mountain, and through the ravine to the west of the summit. Continue down Sikkilsdalen valley and cross the bridge over the river just before you get to the cabin.

Day 9: From Sikkilsdalsseter to Gjendesheim lodge via Sikkilsdalsvatna lake

Estimated time: 5 hours. 14.8 km

Part of the Jotunheimstien trail. Head along Sikkilsdalsvatna lake in partly rough scree, then up through birch forest to Sikkilsdalsskardet ravine, with great views. The route across Sikkilsdalshøa mountain starts at the trail intersection in the ravine. Head west and down to Maurvangen. About 1/2 hour (2.5 km) from here to Gjendesheim lodge. 

Day 10: From Gjendesheim to Glitterheim lodge via Hestlægerhøe mountain

Estimated time: 8 hours. 21.9 km

Head up to Gjendehalsen. Go past the trail intersection to Besseggen ridge and Memurubu cabin. Continue north past the new path intersection to Besseggen ridge and then cross Bessa river on the summer bridge. Continue past two trail intersections to Bessheim north of the river. Head down to the bridge across the outlet of Russvatnet lake. Head along the lake towards Tjønnholodden and northwards on the east side of Tjønnholåe river. Cross the river on the summer bridge, then continue west and then north, up to the turn-off to Memurubu cabin. Then head up between Austre and Vestre Hestlægerhøe mountains, often on snowdrifts. Continue down Veodalen valley to the trail intersection at Veo, take the unmarked route around Tjønnholet and across the river over the bridge and up to the cabin.

Day 11: From Glitterheim lodge to Spiterstulen lodge via Glittertinden (2,465 m.a.s.l.)

Estimated time: 9 hours. 15.6 km

Great trip over Norway's second highest mountain. The glacier at the top can be slippery in certain weather conditions. Head up towards Nedre Steinbuvatnet lake and up the mountain ridge to the edge of the glacier. Continue west along the crest of the glacier up to the summit. There are overhanging snowdrifts at the top, so keep a good distance from the edge. Cross two small peaks and continue gently down the glacier to the west. It's marked by cairns from the west end of the glacier, then steeply down Steindalen valley to Skautflye mountain. Cross Steindalselve river on the stones. Continue past the trail intersection for the route over Skautflye mountain from Glitterheim. Either cross Skauta river on stones or wade across it Cross the ridge and then head steeply down into Visdalen valley to Spiterstulen lodge. The trip will take less than the estimated time if you keep your rucksack light. 

Day 12: From Spiterstulen to Leirvassbu lodge 

Estimated time: 5 hours. 15.3 km 
The route first goes south, then west at a steady altitude in rocky terrain through Visdalen valley along Visa river. Cross Hellstuguåe river over two bridges. Pass the trail intersection to Gjendebu lodge and then west through the valley at the foot of Store Urdadalstinden mountain. Cross the river from Semelholstjønne lake and Urdadalsbekken stream on the stones. Head to Kyrkjeglupen at the foot of the mountains Tverrbytthornet and Søre Tverrbottindan. Pass the lakes Troget and Panna, continue along the north side of Leirvatnet lake to Leirvassbu lodge.

Day 13: From Leirvassbu to Olavsbu cabin

Estimated time: 3 hours 30 min. 10.6 km

Head along the path west of the access road towards Gravdalen valley to the turn-off towards Skogadalsbøen cabin. Past an emergency shelter, across the road and up to Høgvaglen mountain. Continue down through the rough scree on the east side of Øvre and Nedre Høgvagltjønnen lakes to the path intersection to Gjendebu cabin, before Langvatnet lake. Continue down to the stream from Nedre Høgvagltjønnen lake, which you can either wade across or cross on the stones. Head up through the mouth of Semmeldal valley, on the east side of two lakes, followed by a steep ascent up a large snowdrift to Rauddalsbandet pass. Walking poles will be very useful here, or take a more gentle route further east of the pass. Continue down on the west side of two small lakes, over three streams, and down to the south along the foot of Store Rauddalseggje.

Day 14: From Olavsbu to Skogadalsbøen lodge via Rauddalen valley

Estimated time: 6 hours. 18.4 km

This route is easier than the route around Skogadalen valley. There is less difference in altitude and it is therefore about one hour shorter. Cross the river below the cabin on the summer bridge and head to the trail turn-off to Fondsbu cabin and then north-west into Rauddalen valley. The trail turn-off to Skogadalsbøen cabin around Skogadalen valley is halfway along Raudalsvatnet lake. Continue along the south side of the lake out of the valley. Then head down into Storutladalen valley and to the trail intersection to Leirvassbu lodge. Continue down Storutladalen valley to Storebrui bridge and the path intersection to the cabins Turtagrø, Fannaråkhytta, Sognefjellshytta and Krossbu on the west side of Utla river. Head south along the east side of Utla river through forest until you come to the lodge.

Day 15: From Skogadalsbøen to Vettismorki cabin 

From beautiful lodge, head south and cross Skogadøla river on the bridge to the trail intersection to the cabins Olavsbu, Gjendebu and Fondsbu on the other side of the river. Continue to another path intersection to the cabins Fondsbu and Tyinholmen and Koldedalen valley. Continue south and cross the bridge over Uradøla river and past where the unmarked route turns down to Vormeli and then steeply up towards Friken. There’s a great view of the Hurrungane mountains and it’s a great spot to take a break! Continue steeply down Fleskedalen valley, and past the path intersection to the cabins Fondsbu and Tyinholmen and Koldedalen valley. Cross Fleskedøla river on the bridge. Continue up through the forest to Vettismorki cabin.  
Vettismorki is under construction and is not open, but you can camp or continue down to Hjelle and on to Svalheim Gard camping in Øvre Årdal.  

Day 16: From Vettismorki to the Sognefjord

Head from Vettismorki to the edge of the precipice at Vettisfossen waterfall and then over the bridge across Morka-Koldedøla river and to the trail intersection for the route along Morka-Koldøla. Continue south-west from here and steeply down the many bends to Vetti Gard. From here, a good gravel road takes you about 3.5 km along the river Utla. Bus or taxi from Hjelle and down to Øvre Årdal. Dip your toe in the Sognefjord and you’re DONE :-) 
You can get a bus onwards from Øvre Årdal.