Nice evening walk around Småvatnet (20.05.2021)

© Helwig Hauser

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

Trip Summary

With still some nice light to go, we decided to use the evening for a quick excursion into our (extended) neighborhood. After driving a bit towards the west of Bergen, we left the main road before getting all the way to Sotrabroen and continued along Alvøveien until we came close to Småvatnet. After parking near the north end of Småvatnet, we started our hike around this lake in clockwise direction. We first followed a minor forest road in northeastern direction, which eventually would have brought us to the soccer fields in the north of Småvatnet. Before getting close to them, however, we turned right (and in southern direction), ascending to the little cliff that extends towards the south from the soccer fields. Once up there, we then continued along minor trails to stay close to the water. Walking around the little peninsula, which extends southwards into Småvatnet there, we soon later arrived at Slettebakksvika. While the eastern end of Småvatnet (south of Slettebakksvika) is characterized by significant cliffs (not very high, but clearly very steep), it's possible to continued somewhat half way up and along the lake. With the evening sun shining in from the west, it was quite a treat to follow what apparently was the connection to Gullaksdalen in the past. A little further south we then connected to the gravel road the extends towards Gullaksdalen "in the middle" between Storavatnet in the east and Småvatnet in the west. At Gullaksdalen, we read up a little more on the interesting history of this place (with all the dangerous gun powder production there). We then continued further southwards (still along Småvatnet) until we came to Vassenden. There, instead of entering the gravel road, we surrounded the little hill in the west of Vassenden, enjoying some nice views from it, also. Thereafter, we descended to the gravel road and followed it in northwestern direction (now on the other side of Småvatnet). Where this gravel road eventually turns away from the lake (in western direction), we left it and continued along the shore of Småvatnet further northwards. Coming closer to a farm there, we did not wish to disturb their business more than necessary and thus connected to the road instead of continuing towards Østredalen. Once on the road, it was just to walk back to the car. Nice to have the opportunity for such a lovely evening walk not far from home! :-)

Photos

Selected photos are available as Google photo album.

Useful Resources

See also the related FB-page Hiking around Bergen, Norway.
Web page UT.no from the Norwegian Trekking Association recommends a similar hike.