The best walks and hikes around Oldevatnet

There are over 90 hiking trails around Oldevatnet, offering a diverse range of experiences from easy walks to challenging mountain ascents. The komoot community has explored these routes over 13,000 times.

The terrain around Oldevatnet is characterized by dramatic landscapes shaped by glaciers and mountains. You'll find steep valleys, glacial lakes, and paths leading through forested areas and up to exposed mountain ridges, offering varied surfaces from well-trodden paths to more rugged, rocky sections.

Yes, Oldevatnet offers many easy hikes suitable for beginners and families. For example, the Huldefossen Waterfall – Old Church of Olden loop from Eide is a moderate walk that passes a waterfall and a historic church, with minimal elevation gain. There are 37 easy routes in total, typically under two hours with up to 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

For experienced trekkers, Oldevatnet provides several demanding routes. The View of the Fjord – Klovane Summit (980 m) loop from Mindresunde is a difficult 6.2 km trail with significant elevation gain, rewarding hikers with expansive views of fjords, mountains, and glaciers. Another challenging option is the Hiking loop from Ljosheim kapell, leading through mountainous terrain.

Yes, many of the trails around Oldevatnet are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Huldefossen Waterfall – Old Church of Olden loop from Eide and the Hiking loop from Ljosheim kapell. These circular routes offer varied scenery without retracing your steps.

Yes, the region features beautiful waterfalls. The Huldefossen Waterfall – Old Church of Olden loop from Eide takes you past Huldefossen. Another notable waterfall is Kleivafossen, which can be experienced on the Kleivafossen – Bridge at Kleivafossen loop from Floten.

For spectacular views, consider the hike to Klovane (982 m.a.s.l.), which offers fantastic, lofty views of fjords, mountains, lakes, and glaciers, including the Melkevollsbreen glacier. The View of the Fjord – Klovane Summit (980 m) loop from Mindresunde is an excellent way to reach this viewpoint. Nearby Mount Hoven, accessible via the Loen Skylift, also provides panoramic views of Lodalen, Olden, and Oldedalen.

Many trails in the Oldevatnet area are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to check specific trail regulations and local signage. Ensure your dog is on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or wildlife, and always practice Leave No Trace principles by cleaning up after your pet.

The best time to hike around Oldevatnet is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to September), when trails are clear of snow and the weather is more stable. This period offers the most pleasant conditions for enjoying the turquoise lake and mountain views. Some higher-altitude trails may still have snow into early summer.

Yes, Oldevatnet itself is a beautiful glacial lake known for its distinctive blue, often turquoise, waters. On calm days, its clear waters are inviting for a refreshing swim after a hike. Be aware that glacial meltwater can be very cold, even in summer.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 2300 reviews. Reviewers often praise the stunning glacial landscapes, the vibrant turquoise color of Oldevatnet, and the diverse range of trails that cater to all fitness levels, from easy walks to challenging mountain ascents with breathtaking views.

Beyond the hiking trails, the region offers several attractions. The Briksdal Glacier, an arm of the Jostedal Glacier, is an easy 3 km walk from its carpark. You can also visit the historic Old Church of Olden, which is part of the Huldefossen Waterfall – Old Church of Olden loop from Eide. For panoramic views without a strenuous hike, the Loen Skylift takes you to the top of Mount Hoven.