The best walks and hikes around Ørteren
4.6
(204)
872
hikers
24
hikes
Hiking trails around Ørteren are located in Buskerud county, Norway, within the Hardangervidda region. The area features an undulating, open landscape with numerous lakes and mountains, offering views of Hardangervidda National Park and the Hardangerjøkulen glacier. The terrain includes rocky trails with varied elevation changes, providing diverse hiking experiences.
Best hiking trails around Ørteren
- The most popular hiking route is Svonuten – DNT Krækkja Mountain Lodge loop from Borgund, a 8.7 miles (14.0 km) trail that takes 4 hours…
Last updated: June 26, 2026
6
hikers
14.0km
04:45
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(78)
292
hikers
11.9km
03:27
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.7
(78)
291
hikers
12.1km
03:29
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.0
(4)
42
hikers
19.7km
06:43
410m
330m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.5
(4)
34
hikers
14.9km
04:59
180m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Popular around Ørteren
Tips from the Community
This is such a quaint bridge. It crosses a beautiful connecting stream that joins Storekrækkja and Drageidfjorden lakes. The views out over the plateau to the distant snow-speckled hills are super nice.
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The "SignaTUR" MASSIV hike is the longest of Norway's premier long-distance hiking trails operated by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). Covering 350 kilometres and having 11,000 metres of ascent, it also travels through four iconic mountain landscapes. This hike is a gruelling physical and mental hut-to-hut or wild-camp challenge. Hikers normally hike it north to south and travel through three national parks and a protected landscape area: Breheimen - Jotunheimen - Skarvheimen (protected landscape) - Hardangervidda This section is over the vast and remote Hardangervidda plateau, the largest of its kind in Europe, with a cold, year-round alpine climate. As remote as it is, you will find well-marked trails and a wide range of serviced and self-service DNT cabins.
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Stigstuv Lodge is a privately owned mountain cambin located high up on the vast Hardangervidda mountain plateau in Norway. It's a base for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter, offering accommodation, meals, and access to a wide, tranquil, and beautiful high-mountain wilderness.
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The DNT Fjällstation Krækkja is a full-board hostel during the season, where you can sleep and enjoy breakfast and dinner, as well as various other items during the day, such as cakes/waffles and soup. It's also a great place to take a break. Krækkja is the oldest cabin on the Hardangervidda plateau, having opened in 1879. The cabin is beautifully situated by Lake Storkrækkja with a view of Hallingskarvet. Families with children, retirees, cabin hikers, and day trippers all come here.
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At Easter, many people enjoy hiking from hut to hut on the Hardangervidda.
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Kjeldebu consists of several, fairly large cabins and is actually designed for larger groups such as school classes. It's not far from here (just under 8 km) to the Rv7 and thus to a bus stop. A large provision store can be found in the hut in the middle of the "settlement", which also contains the rooms for the hut warden and the sleeping quarters for hikers with dogs. Water can be found a few meters further along the river, otherwise the cabins are equipped with wood stoves and gas cookers. There is even some light through a photovoltaic system, batteries and LED spots.
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Incredibly beautiful cabin with very nice people.
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Great accommodation with fantastic food. We enjoyed the three course meal here, enjoyed the gorgeous sunset overlooking the snow capped mountains in late July and had a restful one night. The breakfast buffet is also included in the room rate. I haven't seen a nicer place to stay overnight!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Ørteren?
There are over 20 hiking trails in the Ørteren area, offering a diverse range of experiences. These include options for various ability levels, from moderate loops to more challenging routes through the open mountain landscape.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes in Ørteren?
The terrain around Ørteren is characterized by an undulating, open landscape with numerous small and large lakes and mountains. Hikers can expect rocky trails, significant uphills and downhills, and varied conditions. You'll find panoramic views of the vast Hardangervidda National Park and the majestic Hardangerjøkulen glacier.
Are there easy hiking options for beginners or families in Ørteren?
Yes, Ørteren offers several beginner-friendly options. There are 8 easy trails available, including gentle paths winding through lush forests and short climbs to panoramic viewpoints, allowing visitors to enjoy sweeping vistas without extreme exertion.
What are some more challenging hiking options for experienced hikers?
For experienced hikers, Ørteren provides demanding routes, including multi-day trips across the Hardangervidda plateau. These longer excursions may involve cabin-to-cabin stays and even boat journeys on lakes like Halnefjorden. There are 2 difficult trails available for those seeking a greater challenge.
Are there any circular walks available in Ørteren?
Yes, many trails in Ørteren are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Loop hike around Storekrækkja on the Hardangervidda plateau is a moderate 7.4-mile (11.9 km) path that circles Storekrækkja Lake, offering open views across the Hardangervidda plateau.
What are some notable landmarks or viewpoints along the trails?
Many trails offer stunning views. You can expect panoramic vistas of the Hardangervidda National Park and the majestic Hardangerjøkulen glacier. The Krækkjanuten – View of Hardangerjøkulen loop from Borgund is a popular route specifically known for its views of the glacier.
Is it possible to hike around Storekrækkja Lake?
Yes, hiking around Storekrækkja Lake is a popular option. The Around Storekrækkja Lake trail is a moderate 7.5-mile (12 km) route that offers continuous scenic beauty of the lake and the surrounding plateau.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Ørteren?
The trails in Ørteren are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from nearly 200 reviews. Hikers often praise the open mountain landscapes, the numerous crystal-clear lakes, and the breathtaking views of the Hardangerjøkulen glacier.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Ørteren?
The best time for hiking in Ørteren is typically during the warmer months when trails are clear of snow and wildflowers are abundant. However, the area can experience a variety of weather conditions, so it's always wise to be prepared for changes, even on warm, sunny days.
Are there any specific routes that lead to mountain lodges?
Yes, some routes in Ørteren connect to mountain lodges. For instance, the Svonuten – DNT Krækkja Mountain Lodge loop from Borgund is a moderate 8.7-mile (14 km) trail that features significant elevation gain and includes the DNT Krækkja Mountain Lodge.
Is there parking available for hikers in Ørteren?
While specific parking locations for each trail are not detailed here, the Ørteren rest area itself is designed for visitors to pause and relax, suggesting that parking facilities are available in the general vicinity to access the trails.
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