Storenuten and Vardane (14.06.2020)

© Helwig Hauser

© Helwig Hauser

Note that this track has been created from memory, i.e., it was not recorded automatically.

Trip Summary

We expected (for good reasons) a nice Sunday and thus aimed at a nice (new) hike! We had looked at Storenuten, south of Vaksdal, not very far from Bergen. Taking road E16 into the direction of Voss, we turned right in Vaksdal, after driving through Bogatunnelen. We then rounded Sørbø, in the south of Vaksdal, passing by the non-small church of Vaksdal. We then followed what previously must have been the main road to Bergen in southern direction, getting to Bogo within a bit. At Ytre Bogo we parked along Bogavegen and started our hike there. After a careful study of the map (at home), we aimed for Storenuten "as directly as possible". This, clearly, is non-trivial, without a trail, and should be planned carefully when considered! Alternatively, one may follow a nice trail, which leads up to Bogadalen from Ytre Bogo (where we came down, after all). The route that we took up, however, extended in parallel to the trail (south of it). We first followed a steep road, which leads up to a few houses above Bogavegen. Then we crossed some lovely meadows (south of Jeilæ). The plan was to ascend through the forest above the meadows (steeper upwards than what the trail does). Our (intermediate) goal was to reach a point about 450mosl from where we expected to enter a kind of diagonal, north of some pronounced cliffs. We then wished to ascend via this "diagonal" to Bergshaugen. The ascent through the forest went well, while being substantially steep (at times, it was necessary to help with our hands). We made it exactly to the point, where we had hoped to enter the "diagonal". There, we found the terrain very doable (not too rocky, not too shrubby). This allowed us to swiftly proceed further (to about 590mosl). There, we diverted from the main diagonal and decided to ascend even more directly to Bergshaugen. All this worked well (yes, the terrain is substantially steep there). At Bergshaugen, we finally enjoyed the great views that we got offered. Really an amazing place! After spending some very nice time there, we continued into the direction of Storenuten (in southeastern direction). On our way there, we explored a little lake, just to find out that apparently it was the living room of an unbelievable number of midges! :-) This let us proceed to Storenuten without any hesitation. :-) From Storenuten, as well as from "all" of the ridge between Storenuten and Vardane, one can enjoy some nice views, in particular in southwestern direction (out Samnanger). After crossing Storenuten, we descended its eastern flank (a bit steep, but no problem!) and passed by a little lake there. We then traversed the entire ridge to Vardane, enjoying the lovely landscape up there! After enjoying the views from Vardane, we first returned a little along the way we had taken there, before descending into Bogaskaret in the northeast. This part is, again, steep, but does not really pose any problems (just step carefully). From Bogaskaret, we then started our hike out Bogadalen (and back to our car, eventually). Interestingly, Bogadalen has two creeks, flowing parallel to each other in northwestern direction. To get some additional views, we followed the ridge in between them. Eventually, we had to decide between a slightly more northern route, leadig to Bogavatnet, or its alternative, leading up to Neverhaugen and down Bogadalen on the southern side of the main stream. Following the latter route, we used the very nice trail leading back down to Ytre Bogo. All in all, we really enjoyed this hike a great lot; not at the least because of the loads of "untouched" nature that we came by!

Photos

Selected photos are available as Google photo album.

Useful Resources

See also the related FB-page Hiking around Bergen, Norway.
Petter Bjørstad has a useful page about Storenuten.
Web page UT.no from the Norwegian Trekking Association recommends a short hike to Bogavatnet.