Hovlandsnuten - hike in Sauda

Hovlandsnuten is one of the most popular hikes in Sauda. The industrial town is located at the very centre of the Sauda Fjord in Ryfylke.

How long is the hike to Hovlandsnuten?

The trip to Hovlandsnuten (930 metres above sea level) is a total of 14.5 km round trip and you'll climb a total of 918 vertical metres. You should expect to spend around 5 hours round trip without breaks.

The hike is a moderately difficult hike that is suitable for most people. If you have children with you, feel free to take a break at Eventyrskogen and Trollplassen. Other highlights include the 987 Sherpa steps and the panoramic view from the cabin at the top.

How to get to Hovlandsnuten?

The hike to Hovlandsnuten starts from Risvoll school in Saudasjøen, about 5 minutes by car from the centre of Sauda.

You can also hike from Skeivane in Nordstøldalen. From Sauda centre, drive towards Saudasjøen. Turn right after the tunnel marked Nordstøldalen. Follow the road to the end and park there. The road is a bit narrow and has some steep sections.

When is the season for Hovlandsnuten?

You can hike to Hovlandsnuten all year round, but the main season is from May to the end of November.

Tour description

The tour starts from Risvoll Skule in Saudasjøen, just outside Sauda town centre, and passes the idyllic Fosstveit pond and follows the road for about 100 metres before turning left.

After 1.7 km and 190 metres of ascent, you'll reach Eventyrskogen. Here you'll find many well-known characters from Norwegian folk tales, a great shelter and good barbecue facilities.

After Eventyrskogen, the trail continues towards Brekkestølsbråtet (300 metres above sea level). From the cabin area, the hike heads into the valley on a slightly flatter section of gravel road to Skeivane.

Here you'll find Trollplassen with a "Bukkene Bruse" bridge over the stream, a shelter and a pond perfect for a dip.

Continue to the bridge and tractor road to Hovlandsstølen (450 metres above sea level).

From Hovlandsstølen to the summit, the hike follows a trail and 987 steps built by Sherpas from Nepal.

At the top you can enjoy panoramic views and spend the night in a hammock in the cabin called VIDSYN. This cabin is also home to Norway's highest gallery, Galleri Vidsyn.

From Hovlandsnuten you can see all the mountains around Saudafjorden - just across the other side of Nordstøldalen you can see Brekkestølsnuten and Nordreskårnuten.

At the top, you can enjoy the view from the panoramic cabin. You can also spend the night here in a hammock.

Important info for the hike

Wear good shoes and bring warm clothes

Remember food and drink

You can spend the night in a hammock in the summit cabin

Packing list for hiking - and everything else you need to know about hiking in Western Norway