Hike to Hananipa in Vaksdal municipality, east of Bergen

About

Experience the panoramic view of the fjord and mountains from Hananipa. The hike is around 6 km back and forth from Nordre Skulstad, and suitable for most people.

About

The hike takes between 2 and 3 hours from the time you park at Nordre Skulstad, until you return to your car. If you park in Trengereid, you must expect to use at least 30 minutes extra each way.

Trengereid is located 40 minutes by car from Bergen city centre. If you go by train, it takes just under 20 minutes from Bergen (you can take all trains going to Oslo, Voss or Myrdal).

Parking:

The hike starts at Nordre Skulstad, close to Skulstadvatnet (lake Skulstad). There is a small parking lot there, but if the parking lot is full you have to park down in Trengereid (we recommend parking at Trengereid train station)

From Trengereid you walk to the start of Skulstadvegen and follow it all the way to the top to Nordre Skulstad. It is about 3.5 km from Trengereid up to Nordre Skulstad, and the walk takes a little over half an hour. If you go on this hike on a Saturday or Sunday, it is possible to park at Trengereid school, at the very beginning of Skulstadvegen.

About the hike:

From Nordre Skulstad you can follow a construction road up to the lake. This is where the hike starts up to Hananipa, the top of which is 718 meters above sea level. The hiking trail is easy to spot and easy to follow. The hike to the top is around 3 kilometers, in relatively easy terrain. The climb is almost 350 meters, so make sure you do not set off to fast. The terrain can be a bit reminiscent of Hobbit land if you are familiar with The Lord of the Rings. Along the way you might meet more sheep than fellow hikers.

From the top of Hananipa you can enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of Vaksdal and Osterøy, the dark blue Sørfjord far down below, and the mountain tops Gullfjelltoppen, Tveitakvitingen and Fuglafjellet. When you get tired of the view (if that is possible…) you can take the same trail back down. The hike itself will then be around 6 kilometers and takes between 2 and 3 hours back and forth, if you were able to park at Nordre Skulstad.

Read our 10 practical tips for hiking in Norway here.