LissExplore

Hallingskarvet National Park hike

Published on September , 2019 by LissExplore1 Comment

Stairway to heaven – or stairway to Hallingskarvet? Both real awesome choices, but the 2000 steps that lead us directly up to the mountain massif Hallingskarvet National Park was this weekend’s winner for sure.

I chose the trail Prestholtrunden , which is a nice hike suitable for dogs and the whole family. This hike includes some very nice views, so me and puppy shot some selfies up there of course

So, once again me and puppy packed our backpack and headed for a sunny Sunday adventure. From Geilo we continued on a toll road (40 NOK/have some coins ready!) upwards all the way to Prestholtseter, where we parked and started our hike.

My curious little dog Jenta, she really likes working her way uphills. Probable lots of interesting scents to sniff along the trail too, as you never walk alone here on a Sunday like this

Jenta is dancing upwards like a ballerina, and not necessarily on the sherpa stepsWe are soon reaching the “plateau”. We had no plan here, just “let’s see what trail to choose”

Here we are at Skarvsenden – this hike’s highest point 1 705 meters above sea level. Yes, it’s yet another big pile of rocks/steinrøys we are balancing, and we do love it. The word “Skarv” actually means bare mountain or rock.

A little lunch break at a view point up there. Here me and puppy where alone, most hikers that day just followed the main trail – today we didn’t. If I see a tiny detour trail, I’m usually too curious too curious to ignore it 😀

Just one of those beautiful fall views on our way down. According to the map we must be passing Perstølen here

On our way down part of the trail was pretty soggy and muddy after a rainy night, thankfully we could walk on these planks, and puppy could wade in the small rivers to clean here paws.

The last part, after coming down from the mountain trail, is on the gravel road towards Prestholtseter. Autumn is for sure a favorite hiking season. Lots of hiking people this day,so me and puppy drove down to a gas station to get a cheap and tasty cafe latte:D

Ok, we will for sure be back as there are other hikes to discover in this area, but first thing first, until then – tada dear readers 😉

Map and some further readings about the hike in Hallingskarvet National Park:

Fishing heddersvatn telemark fisketur tinn gaustatoppen friluftsliv norway outdoors

Autumn Fishing in the Mountains

Published on September , 2019September , 2019 by LissExplore2 Comments

We probable had our very last summer days last weekend, so me and puppy have been out in the mountains to enjoy the beautiful autumn colors enhanced by the glowing sun. I decided to bring my easy-to-go telescopic fishing rod and try out a couple of lakes in the area (yes, it’s still possible to buy a fishing licence for some mountain areas).

The first lake we tried out was Kovstulvatnet mountain lake in Tuddal area, a very beautiful place indeed. Lots of people where out in the mountains this lovely weekend, but me and puppy managed to find a peaceful spot to fish.

After a while, with no sign of life, only lots of too curious ants around, we packed our stuff and drove a bit higher up to Heddersvatn on the other side of the mountain pass, to try our fishing luck there instead.

I found a very nice place to base by Heddersvatn lake – we have been hiking around here earlier so I knew the trails where good and nicely accessible from the road parking

Our autumn views are just marvelous surrounded by a cosy cabin, crystal clear water, endless mountains ..and Gaustatoppen’s mast sneaking up there in the background

It wasn’t that important to get any fish this day, the most important was to just be outdoor with my puppy and let her run freely around in the heather. Think she really enjoyed this day too with short breaks between her curious discoverings.

Sure, it would have been nice to at least serve my puppy a little fresh fish, so that hope never actually left my mind… 😀 But I guess I’m just too spoiled with easy-to-get fish on the hook from the sea, I will have to work more on how to increase my chances to get fish in mountain lakes indeed… the Creme Fraiche need company on the plate!

I tried with a spinner lure in this lake, but it did not seem to lure the fish enough

We sure had a wonderful day just enjoying our surroundings while fishing. Me and puppy finished the day with a detour hiking up to a height before finding back to our car. Yes, the shadows are getting longer and the wind a bit colder, lucky us to have this very last summer day of the year in a warm and colorful autumn glow ❤

From the height we had a very nice evening view. Gaustatoppen far to the left as you can see – in the horizon you can catch a glimpse the beginning of the enormous Hardangervidda mountain plateau.
I promise to let you know when I get a freshwater fish on the hook. I actually got a good tip on where to go for more and bigger fish in the Tuddal area, but I will keep that as a little secret until next time ;D

Perhaps my dog knew where the fish was hiding..

FISHING INFO

To fish in the lakes around Tuddal area I paid 50 NOK for a fishing license – valid for 1 day. I bought my licence from Tuddal Høyfjellshotell, but it is also easy to purchase online from Inatur.no.

gaustatoppen hike rjukan telemark tinn norway travel

Gaustatoppen hike in Telemark

Published on September , 2019 by LissExploreLeave a comment

I stopped the car and looked up towards the peak of Gaustatoppen. The clouds where blowing so fast over the top, windy indeed, but it was now ..or ever? Alrighty! I stepped on the gas pedal upwards the serpentine road towards the hike’s starting point Stavsro.

Yes, we are on our way up and the weather is still looking good

Finally me and puppy would visit this looming beauty (1883 masl) that many claim to be the most beautiful mountain in Norway. And oh my what a wonderful hike me and puppy was heading for this day, for once I really took a darn good decision 😀

Looking back for a moment on our way up, the view is already stunning among all these rocks

And don’t you worry about getting lost, it is a very clear and well signed trail all the way. Here you can see exactly where we are, and how far it is left to the top..or if you feel a bit lazy at this point, hike down to Gaustabanen and take the funicular inside the mountain all the way up to the very top

On a clear day you can see one sixth (1/6) of Norway! The circular information plates will show you in which direction to look for other known attractions far away around Southern Norway.

Not so warm up here any longer, the winter is just around the corner..

Out on the ridge we mostly had sun, but also some rain, wind and rock hard hail that really hurts when hitting the face.. but who cares when the view is so awesome!Me and puppy followed the ridge continued behind the mast for some really awesome views – it leads you to the highest point of Telemark and Southern Norway

From scenic views like this I often spot my next hikes. Just a couple of days later we hiked along the lake puppy is looking towards down there

These lovely views followed us for a while on our way down again. I think my dog loves it too

INFO

Parking: There is a parking area at Stavsro where the main trail starts from. It cost 150 NOK for 24h parking. There is also a free toilet here. During summer season the Stavsrohytta café is open.

Trail: The trail is mostly on a rocky trail, but mostly we walked on rounded rocks so my dogs paws was just fine with it. The trail is easy to follow (clear and sign posts/T-marked). I met some friendly sherpas who was working on the trail to make it more accessible and family friendly.

Time & length: Ca 4,3 km one way from Stavsro. Approximately 90-120 minutes up.

Gaustatoppen tourist cabin: Warm and cosy stone cabin. It is possible to book a stay over night, or buy something to eat and drink in here. I could also leave my dog in the hall while I was eating a thick tasty waffle and hot chocolate. The fresh and clean toilet cost 20 NOK.

Click on the MAP for further information and alternative trails

Numedalsbanen Veggli station draisine lapphund dog

Draisine along Numedalsbanen railway

Published on September , 2019September , 2019 by LissExploreLeave a comment

Everyone that has read Jack London’s book The Road in younger days will for sure understand why some of us still have a fascination for goods trains. Every time I happen to drive or bicycle parallel to a goods train I smile big like a happy child and get set back to Jack London’s adventurous stories for a little moment.

Imagine my happiness when I discovered that there is a draisine railway in moderate driving distance from the cabin I as often as possible spend time at. So, recently me and puppy drove up the serpentine mountain road over to the next valley and hoped for some available drop in hours to finally try a draisine.

Varied landscapes along the railway – in the beginning I kind of worried a bit about trains coming around every corner, but soon forgot about that and enjoyed the tour with my dog.

The rental guy at Veggli Vertshus was very helpful. I brought my own bicycle helmet and headlight for tunnels, and we decided to fasten a big green bread basket to the passenger area with a pillow in for my dog to sit on. He also instructed me about necessary things like how to handle a railroad switch, how to brake, to lift up the draisine for turning etc. Then finally – we where set to go!

I would lie if I said we had a “flying start” into Jack London’s adventurous hobo world. My dog Jenta did not agree to sit on that suspicious bread basket, and I was shit scared she would get her paws or tail squeezed by the heavy iron wheel. But with a little bit of “patience” and many bits of candy, she finally understood she had to sit down when we moved.. and we could finally roll veeery slooowly out of the first train station…

It really is as lovely as it looks like.. so awesome with that familiar and rhythmic sound from the wheels hitting the rail joints. We followed the river Numedalslågen along beautiful landscapes, old buildings, equipment, signs and a dam.

Near Kjerre train station you can take a break and enjoy this view, jump into the water or put something on the grill.

On a Sunday trip in nice weather you will probable not be alone on the rail tracks. We met a nice group of people that used their draisines to get around for mushroom hunting, cool. And we usually helped each other lifting off a draisine when a meeting or passing occurred.

Our return point Fossebrekke-next time we will hopefully go further for sure

So, I would love to rail all the way to Rødberg end station, but I think it would be too long for my dog to handle that this first time. Instead we turned at Fossebrekke and headed back for Veggli station again.

I could also have let my dog run aside the draisine, it is a nice idea where the ground is “paw friendly”, but I discovered a poisonous vipera berus besides the rail on our trip, so no way this day, but it will probable be a solution for colder days. On our way back over the Veggli mountain road we instead went for a evening hike so my Jenta got some good exercise too.

INFO

If you would like to rent a draisine for a ride on the railway Numedalsbanen from Veggli to Rødberg, visit the homepage dresin.net for further details, contact information and map.
Wikipedia have some further historical information about Numedal Line/Numedalsbanen

Tent Camping at Unstad Beach in Lofoten

Published on September , 2019 by LissExplore2 Comments

The little village Unstad quickly became a favorite place to visit this season, and I have done 4 nice hikes (incoming) from this adorable and peaceful place by the sea. Longing to spend a night here, me and puppy one day I was off work packed our tent and headed for Unstad Beach to hike and spend a night there.

Our little paradise at Unstad beach

After hiking 2 peaks that day we went down to the sea and found a nice grass spot among the pebbles and pitched the tent. The light rain drops we sensed up in the mountains gradually dissolved and the evening turned in to warm and beautiful sunset.

It’s getting late, but we will stay up a bit longer to just enjoy the lovely surroundings

Most of all I just wanted me and puppy to be here together, with no time to keep, to do nothing and just enjoy the absolutely lovely sound of the waves hitting the shore. There really is no better lullaby than that.

Our tent view: My lovely Jenta is first out to enjoying the morning sunrise, the sky promise a warm and sunny day

Early breakfast and hot coffee at 5 o’clock in the morning while the sun is warming up the mountains

What I like about Unstad is that it is very peaceful and usually not so crowded in high season as other well known beach villages in Lofoten. The little white sand beach and village are also surrounded by several good hikes. It’s also a place for surfers, so you can rent equipment for surfing at Unstad Arctic Surf.

Someone is sleeping….

We did a very easy and relaxed hike/stroll into Norddalen vally and lake Norddalsvatnet which we discovered from the peak hikes the day before.

It is so beautiful in Norddalen valley. In here we could see about 6 or 7 white-taled eagles flying around, where one of them “smacked” another eagle in the air so it dropped a dead captured crow to the grown – nature drama IRL!

On our trip back to the “civilization” next evening we first stopped and took an afternoon stroll by this beautiful little beach to play with a dog frisbee

Tell me, is she by any chance laughing at my bad tent pitching style? 😀

Unstad map & driving distances

Unstad – Leknes: 25 min. (21,2 km)
Unstad – Svolvær: 68 min. (66,4 km)
Unstad – Reine: 85 min. (73,6 km)

Click on the map to open it in Google Maps to find your distance

værøy håheia lofoten hiking landscape vaeroy beach nato

Værøy hiking in Lofoten

Published on August , 2019September , 2019 by LissExplore4 Comments

Finally me and puppy was on on our way with the ferry to wonderful Værøy island again. I did the longer hike to Måstad and Måhornet last year in a not so nice weather (yes, it happens to us all) and wanted to do it again … but both Håen, Hornet and Nupen hikes was very tempting today, so me and puppy went for them all – with no regrets!I

HÅEN & HÅHEIA

haaheia-hiking-lofoten-vaeroya-natoveien-dog-landscape-turquoise-beach — On our way out to the view point at Håen – with a spectacular view towards Måstad and Måhornet at Sørland.

View from Håheia Lofoten Håheia lapphund — View from Håen – No my dear, we will not follow the trail that continues downwards over there

My dog Jenta like views like this too – wondering if those tiny moving spots down there is huntable

I usually have some kind of plan, but keeps it open for changes depending on circumstances. This day it was the sun, it’s position and the heat. I need to take care about my furry dog’s health in the heat, so I chose to first hike up to Håen, hike along Håheia and the scenic ridge with the sun in our back, and then ascend Hornet before a descent to the parking place. All with that lovely breeze in our fur.

HORNET

It was necessary to be up in the height to **get some comfortable breeze from the ocean**, to rest whenever we found a shadow and drink a lot of water.

The peak of Hornet is waiting…we will hike up along the trail that follows the edge

Holding my dog, some times she is just too curious for my faint of heart for hights, but I have to deal with it

Looking down on the trail and Nato-veien road up towards Håen and Håheia

Awesome views from Hornet towards Gjerdheia and Hamrane.

And a steep view down to Nordlandshagen and the old air port

Once again we met lovely hiking fellows that make our day just a bit brighter than expected, I am always thankful for those meetings, to continue hiking with a big smile in our face.

BREIVIKNUPEN

Back in the car me and puppy had lunch, rested in the shadows and drove to Breivika to hike up to Nupen in the comfortable afternoon shadow. The fog came in while we ascended along the ridge, but fortunately it was just temporary, so we continued up to Breiviknuten, the last narrow meters to Nordlandsnupen was not so tempting to do with my dog, but I was more than satisfied with the amazing views from Breiviknupen.

Nupen MNordlandsnupenosken Værøy Lofoten — Don’t forget to actually relax and enjoy the moment with whoever you are together with

Down there is Nordlandshagen, we would visit the area again after this last hike

Værøy nupen hike — On our way down from Breiviknupen

moments hiking dog playful fun love turkenter — Best of all… my dear dog reminded me once again of why I actually love hiking,.. to **relax, enjoy and take in the moment** you are in.

NORDLANDSHAGEN

After the last hike we had some extra time for disposal (before we had to queue up for the evening ferry back). We drove along the absolutely adorable Nordlandshagen just to take in the idyllically and peaceful surroundings here in the afternoon sun.. a little peaceful paradise at the end of Lofoten indeed.

Breviknupen and Nordlandsnupen up there in the afternoon sun

Værøy light house fishing boat — Fishing boat and Værøy light house in the last beams of the sunset

Værøy light housenight fyr — And of course I got a shot of the light house when the ferry passed it …ho..ho.. I never stop seeing pictures 😀

This amazing and magic day on Værøy together with my dog will always be safely stored in my very best of memories ❤

I have made you a rough map of where me and puppy hiked, click on it to open the IRL map with more details at http://www.Norgeskart.no

Justadtinden hike scenic views finsk lapphund mountain landscape lakes Vestvågoy Justadheia Lofoten Norway

Justadtinden hike in Lofoten

Published on August , 2019August , 2019 by LissExploreLeave a comment

If you crave for a longer and solid day hike in Lofoten with amazing views, very nice (and mtb-bike friendly) trails, than I can recommend Justadtinden (738 masl) in Vestevågøya.

One of several smaller lakes along the trail

This day the weather forecast promised gale at some peaks on the outer (north) side, so instead I chose to go to Justadtinden located on the inner (south) side hoping for some less strong winds. It turned out to be a good choice

No much wind at certain places.. longing for a slight breeze further ahead.

The trail has several “up- and downhills” until the final ascend where you probable will use your hands to light scramble the last few meters – not so airy or exposed – until you go near the edges on the top area of course.

I can see the highest peak Himmeltinden over there.. such good memories from last week’s awesome hike there

Some open places during ascend the wind really was working it, but reaching the peak, where you kind of expect the wind to howl, it was close to total calm, almost to hot for my dear furry friend.

I met a local guy there that told me he sometimes experienced this, that the wind blows much harder around the mountain “passes” here, but barely on the top .. our lucky day!

I could see the trail actually continued along a ridge, I might want to find out more about that later 😉

From Justadtinden it is also possible to get a glimpse of Henningsvær. The Kartfjorden is faar down there

Absolutely magnificent views from the top of Justadtinden. There are several nice places her to enjoy a packed lunch or just to sit and enjoy the scenic views.

Out on a limb..

On our way back again…

Lenght: Approximately 12 km round trip

Route marking: Cairns

Parking: Hagskaret

Bus: Leknes – Stamsund

Map: Click to open a detailed map with some further info

himmeltindan hike sunset jump landscape Lofoten

Himmeltindan hike in Lofoten

Published on July , 2019July , 2019 by LissExplore3 Comments

A late evening hike to Himmeltindan is well worth it in nice weather. If you are normal fit and healthy you will have a very pleasant hike.

Our opinion is that this hike is not as strenuous and steep as written on the Internet (that must probable be from another side than from Haukland beach parking where we started from).

I actually left my dog back home because of that info, but my puppy would have loved to hike this mountain too without any problems. We met several smaller dogs, and it is only airy if you actively seek it along the edges. But the other hike we did the day before is another story alright, but more about that later 😉

Can you see the rainbow?

We look over the fjord towards a ridge we hiked the day before, but more about that later dear hiking readers.

So, this time I was in good company with a dear colleague from work, and we really had a fun and happy hike together when Himmeltindan finally loomed towards the sky without being totally covered in fog. Just some cotton fluff here and there, which makes the views more interesting.

Life is good…

Himmeltindan is the tallest peak on Vestvågøy, so the ascent took us about 2 hours upwards on a nice and clear trail. We first reached the south peak, and then decided to visit the north peak used by the military with radars and stuff, but oh sooo very nice views from here, and hopefully worth the risk of not being able to reproduce our self any longer.

View from the north peak

It’s on your own risk entering the north peak according to a warning sign, but we could just not help our self of curiosity

We had our late evening meal above the cotton fluff between the two peaks. And had a magnificent view towards Uttakleiv, Veggen and Mannen bathing in the warm and beautiful sunset on our way down again

Hight: 962 masl. (north peak)

Hiking time: Approximately 2 hours (one way)

Car parking: Haukland beach

By bus: Visit Hauklandsbeach.no

I made a rough map – klick on it to see an enlarged interactive map

Hornneset seaside hike in Lofoten

Published on July , 2019July , 2019 by LissExplore3 Comments

From the peak Møntinden I got a nice view over the seashore below us. I got a glimpse of a tempting trail along the shore far down there and decided to pay it a visit at the very next opportunity. So we did. And as usual I shot some photos along the hike for you to view.

When you want an easy hike without crowded “Mount Everest queues” – chose this hike

The trail starts (sign post) at the end of the road in the little village Vikten (see map) where I parked the car. Approximately 3 km one way hike. We chose to start the trail that goes along the beautiful sand beach (it is also possible to start the hike right behind the very last farm).

The local fog gives the mountains a slight touch of mystique

The beach trail eventually turns into rocks and boulders, then it joins the nice and clear trail that will lead you all the way to the solar driven light house at the very tip of Hornneset headland. Bear in mind that sheeps will pop up here and there along the trail.

We can see the first headland Mjåneset to pass…

The peak Hornet is appearing… our goal is the headland below it embraced by the fog.

Once again I regret leaving my zoom lens in the car – of pure laziness. This white tailed eagle was just sitting there posing gracious on a rock, totally ignoring the mocking sea gull. Nice bird area for bird lovers.

Hornneset is enveloped in fog and we will go straight into it eventually You can see Hornet above the fog and Møntinden peak with it’s telemast far up to the right

Reaching the light house in the fog – so now scenic views out here here today. Jenta is beautifully matching the rock colors

The solar driven light house at Hornneset. The cold wind is howling and the waves are smashing into the rocks… so let’s go back to the warming sunshine while it’s still there..

On our way back..the view is wonderful all the way

A weathered wind shed with a view – if you want a place to rest

Daisy flowers likes it here too

My map – you can klick on it to open a detailed and interactive view

Møntinden hike in Lofoten

Published on July , 2019July , 2019 by LissExplore1 Comment

I discovered this beautiful area while me and puppy went for a evening stroll along the landslide-exposed gravel road by the sea. At the end of this road you will find the very peaceful, authentic tiny little village Myrland surrounded by mountains, heathland and a little white beach overlooking the open sea.

You will see and hear lots of cool birds while you go though the first part of the trail in Myrland..great place for bird watchers…

I quickly found out that there was several hiking trails in the area among the heaths and towering spears, so at the very next visit here me and puppy went for the peak of Møntinden (the one with a telemast on top). I will post more from this area soon.

First we went straight forward from the car…

And then we turned right to nicely round the small lakes (Hornvatnet and Litlvatnet) and headed through the heaths up to the edge to the left in picture…

It is possible to hike straight upwards too the peak of Møntinden (if that is your only goal), but me and puppy did a little “detour”, yes, why go directly up if you will miss the best part of this hike…a walk along the edge!

When you reach the edge from Krykkjedalen you will see a trail along the edge towards and up to Møntinden – some places the “outer” trail looked a bit insecure, but it will always be possible to choose the safe inner trail where necessary.

The trail: After parking the car (blue spot on my map) I followed the trail(s) that seemed to take us towards my eyeballed goal, the trails are mostly of nice quality, not at all muddy after a rainy night, but perhaps a bit soaked here and there.

Lots of sheep poo here too, so If you have a dog that like munching on that (unfortunately my dog think this is M&Ms) this is probable like walking in chocolate-wondertrail for them) puh…

You can follow the trail both on the inside or outside of the tiny lake Krykkjevatnet – we did a little round-trip to do them both in each direction..(picture from our way back)

Here and there the trail turn into a sheep trail that will dissolve here and there. Just keep your direction through Krykkjedalen towards the beginning of the edge below Bjørntinden – eventually you will find the trail again.

Along the edge we could look faaaar down at the pebble beach down there, with views towards Fredheim and out towards the open ocean while following the nice trail along the edge towards Møntinden. Absolutely awesome!

After Krykkjevatnet me and puppy followed a trail along the mountain side that eventually dissolved in the middle of the mountains side – we just went back a bit and found a tiny trail that took us the last part up to Møntinden.

Fab views from Møntinden towards Ramberg, Fredheim and Yttersandheia

Looking down at Hornet peak, Myrland village and towards Vestvågøya

On our way back along the edge

Take a look at Møntinden seen from below in my post:

Hornneset seaside hike in Lofoten

I made you a rough map of my and puppy’s hiking trail to Møntindennother

I will soon be back with our second hike in this area.. from another view 😉

Volandstinden hike in Lofoten

Published on June , 2019 by LissExplore2 Comments

From a far distance I could see that the peak was covered with fog, and the risk was to see absolutely nothing when reaching the top. But still me and puppy decided to chance it. And we where rewarded plentiful.

The last ascend up to the peak of Volandstind is waiting, and is the most beautiful and scenic too

Hiking up the last part

Skjelfjorden on our way up

At first we could see zip nada nothing at all, then the curtains went up

Beautiful plateu before last ascent up the ridge

Voltandstinden seen from Fredberg after the hike

Depending on your fitness it is a relatively easy hike up, approximately an hour one way, at the upper ridge there will be steep edges here and there, but the trail is very nice quality and safe to follow.

View to Selfjorden

Jenta is enjoying the view too, small cars far down there probable looks like hunt-able mice to her

Panoramic descent

View towards Ramberg

At first we could see absolutely zip nada nothing in the fog reaching the top, but when the curtains went up it was absolutely magic. I truly think that photos also becomes more interesting when some fog or clouds appears on a blue sky, makes it more “alive-ish”.

Map and information about the trail if you start from Skjelfjorden

Svartvatnet Lake hike in Lofoten

Published on June , 2019 by LissExplore1 Comment

I wanted to avoid windy and fog covered peaks this day, so a hike up to Svartvatnet lake turned out to be a very good choice when the wind comes from southwest… but don’t forget that no wind means more damn mosquito’s 😮

We took the same way as we did last year hiking up to Solbjørnvatnet lake. Arriving at the lake me and puppy followed the trail to the left (instead of to the right) this time.

Looking towards Solbjørnvatnet lake

It is possible to follow a trail along one side of Svartvatnet lake – where we also spotted some nice potential camp spots. We turned when reaching a little river, but the trail seems to be continued.

Still ice on the lake, so a very refreshing dip is possible. But I was very satisfied with this mirroring lake view – in between these mountains we where well protected from the wind, but not from the mosquito’s 😀