Hæddena, Orrkleivhaugen, and Åsheimfjellet (04.03.2023)

© Helwig Hauser

© Helwig Hauser

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

Trip Summary

We thought that Osterøy would be nice for another hike and so we chose Hæddena right north of the bridge to Osterøy as our goal for the day. This time, however, we wished to get there via the nice-looking ridge, which is directly about the long tunnel of Osterøyvegen (basically the continuation of the bridge). The map had suggested that a simple trail should be leading up there, as well. We parked right after driving through "the other tunnel" (of Hausvegen, "only" some 150m long, or so) and aimed at taking this trail up to the ridge. In order to do so, one should first follow the northbound trail (into the direction of Haus) up to Vikno (or almost all the way there), before then turning around and up a gentle ridge. Instead, we turned right way earlier, ending up in very steep terrain north of the tunnel of Hausvegen. It was still possible without problems to get up there, but if one isn't all that much into very steep ascents without a trail, then maybe the actually intended route, while a slightly bit longer, is the preferable option there. Once up to about 140masl, however, we were reunited with the trail and following this trail then further upwards to the ridge was nice (one gets the impression that this, actually, is a trail that must have been used for a long time, already, as one is stepping up over some impressive stone steps there every now and then! From about 260masl, then, the trail levels out a little bit and once continues over the ridge in northwards direction towards Setri. As soon as we came close to the wet area in the east of the ridge, we then decided that we could equally well also leave the trail and head up to Egga in the east. While then without a trail and up via quite steep terrain, this ascent did not pose real difficulties and soon after we found ourselves on top of Egga. To optimally enjoy the views from up there, we first stepped towards the southern "end" of this ridge. Once satisfied with the views, we then turned around and headed northwards into the direction of Snøya. Bushes and trees contributed to making this ridge crossing a bit less straight-forward than what one also could enjoy. Still, it wasn't long before we had made it up to Snøya. From there, we then connected to Hæddena, following the trail (also this trail has some steep sections and given the snow and ice a bit of care was needed). Due to the temperature, wind, and weather, we did not stay for long on Hæddena, but instead started our way back from there right away. At first, we headed back to Snøya, following the same trail. From there, we continued towards Orrkleivhaugen, also following the trail (the westward descent from Snøya also is quite a bit steep and one should come prepared, especially when the conditions are not favorable). At Orrkleivhaugen, we then enjoyed a nice moment with sun and a place that was conveniently sheltered from the wind, offering wonderful views down to Sørfjorden in addition -- quite a bit of luxury! :-) After a short break there, we then continued further towards Åsheim. Once down to the saddle between Orrkleivhagen in the east and Åsheim in the west, we briefly considered to short-cut back to our car (instead of continuing further to Åsheimfjellet. Assuming, however, that we likely would not come back just for this hill, we then still included an exploration of Åsheimfjellet. The actual "top" of Åsheimfjellet is then not exactly the most exciting hiking goal that one can imagine (not even the trail bothers to actually lead up to the "top"). One can still imagine, however, the those, who live in Haus, likely enjoy also Åsheimfjellet as an appreciated opportunity to get out and stretch their legs. Once done with our exploration of Åsheimfjellet, we then connected back to the saddle, descending into Tveitadalen from there. This brought us on the (likely quite old) trail to Vikno (and from there back to our car). Altogether, this really was an interesting hike with some nice views, mixed weather, and both challenges as well as easy stretches. :-)

Photos

Selected photos are available as Google photo album.

Useful Resources

See also the related FB-page Hiking around Bergen, Norway.
Web page WestCoastPeaks.com provides useful information about Hæddena and Hoklane and also Petter Bjørstad has a useful page about Hæddena as well as another one about Hoklane.
Web page UT.no from the Norwegian Trekking Association recommends another hike that includes Hæddena.