web stone
Demanding
Type: Hiking
Length: 6,3 km
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Season: March-October
From Aurlandsvangen the hike starts on asphalt up towards Vinjane along Vinjavegen, and when Vinjavegen changes from asphalt to gravel road, after about 50 meters you should turn off through a small gate on the upper side of the road. The trail itself starts there. If you start at the parking lot at Aurland from the stadium, you can walk along Bakkane Road until you turn onto the before mentioned Vinjavegen and follow the same route from there.
The path is marked with red markers, and has intermediate signs that show the direction. A fence split has been set up where you have to cross fences to avoid using gates. If you are walking with a dog, these can become a challenge if you are unable to lift the dog over the fence. In the summer season, there are grazing animals on parts of the stretch, dogs are kept on a leash.
The path starts with a steep climb and initially goes through a stone clock which can be somewhat challenging for some. The path winds upwards through the birch forest and has some steep sections, and can be slippery when there is a lot of rain.
After about 1.5 km, you will pass a Dagsturytta located approx. 50 meters from the path and is easily visible. This is a popular destination and offers beautiful views. A perfect place to take a short break before moving on.
About half way, the hiking trail crosses a tractor road, and there the trail can be a bit difficult to find in the forest on top. There are both signs and markings with red markings, but if you overlook the first red marking when you leave the tractor road, it is easy to pass the path. ( Turn right on the tractor road as indicated by arrow signs. Turn left after about 15 m, keep left up into the forest and look for sheep marks) Follow the markings further along after a rock wall approx. After 100 metres, you will come to a new arrow sign. There the journey continues on an old split road.
The road is used by farmers in aurland to get up to the mountain farms, but also by the farmers on the highlands to get down to the village. The road is partly paved in curves and has a smooth and nice slope until it passes the Stegastein viewpoint. Before you get all the way up to Stegastein you will be able to glimpse the destination through the forest above you.
Good trip!
