Olavsbu to Skogadalsbøen: Rauddalsvatnet and a retraced valley passage: hiking in Norway
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Olavsbu to Skogadalsbøen: Rauddalsvatnet and a retraced valley passage

Distance
49.9 km
Estimated moving time
14 h 40 min
Elevation gain
—
Difficulty
Moderate
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Route description

From Olavsbu, the path enters Rauddalen beside Rauddalsvatnet and then descends into Storutladalen. Rocky high country gradually gives way to the greener valley surroundings of Skogadalsbøen. The lodge itself provides a rewarding finish, with a history linking Jotunheimen’s early travellers and Edvard Grieg’s visit. This extended version retraces part of the valley path, bringing familiar shores and junctions back into the journey. Choose it when you can organise every return and overnight stop beforehand while retaining time for the lake and valley pauses. Arrive prepared for independent mountain living: Olavsbu stands beyond the vehicle road and operates as a self-service cabin.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Added from a track

This route was added from a track. Individual sections have not been checked in the field.

Last updated Update date not provided

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Rauddalsvatnet and the transition from rocky Rauddalen towards Utladalen’s greener side reveal western Jotunheimen at an unhurried pace. Skogadalsbøen adds the history of an early DNT lodge to the mountain journey.
Length
49.9 km
Elevation gain
—
Surface
Нет данных
Olavsbu to Skogadalsbøen: Rauddalsvatnet and a retraced valley passage: route photo 3 in Norway

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car - Hard With children - No With a dog - With caution By bike - No With a stroller - No Mobile signal - No data Reaching the remote start requires a separate walking approach. The complete version with repeated passages is not recommended as an ordinary children’s day. Dogs are permitted subject to local leash rules; agree their specific accommodation at both cabins beforehand. The whole rocky passage is not recommended for riding or stroller use. Continuous coverage is unconfirmed.

Nearby

Mjølkedalstinden and Raudalseggi are separate summit trips from Olavsbu. Fannaråken and glacier approaches from Sognefjellet are outside this valley passage. Continuing down Utladalen towards Vettisfossen forms a separate next stage.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
Olavsbu’s operator publishes summer public transport options via Lom towards Leirvassbu or via Tyin towards Fondsbu, followed by walking. Another option uses arrival at Gjendesheim and a boat towards Gjendebu. These approaches are outside this cabin-to-cabin section; verify current services and boat operation separately. Regular transport directly to Olavsbu is unconfirmed.
By car
DNT describes lower vehicle points at Leirvassbu, Fondsbu and Gjendesheim, followed by a walking approach to Olavsbu. Add your chosen lower approach to the trip and organise collection from the other valley side. Direct vehicle arrival at the remote cabins is unconfirmed.
Parking
Olavsbu’s operator confirms parking at Leirvassbu, Fondsbu and Gjendesheim as lower approach points. They lie outside this passage; check capacity, payment and long-stay arrangements at your chosen location. Vehicle parking at Olavsbu itself is unconfirmed.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Olavsbu Cabin A self-service cabin at Jotunheimen’s mountain-path junction, requiring a DNT key and confirmed operating dates.
Rauddalsvatnet Lake The Rauddalen lake, followed along its southern shore before descending towards Utladalen.
Storutladalen Valley The valley section after Rauddalen, leading towards Storebrui and the Skogadalsbøen approach.
Skogadalsbøen Lodge An early lodge on Utladalen’s wooded side, associated with mountain travellers and Edvard Grieg.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainДанные по набору высоты уточняются.
SurfaceТип покрытия пока не определён.
Риски Rocky paths, wet scree and mountain stream crossings require care. Summer bridges are seasonal: establish whether each necessary crossing is in place. Remain with the marked path in fog and avoid building new cairns. Obtain the necessary DNT key and confirm cabin operation beforehand; a building does not guarantee an open door or staffed meals. Follow protected-area camping rules without disturbing reindeer or grazing animals.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 14 h 40 min
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
A day-by-day plan for the complete multiday version with repeated passages is not established. OMVEIEN’s author estimates about 6 hours for the standard one-way Olavsbu–Skogadalsbøen passage through Rauddalen; that duration cannot cover every repeated passage. Divide the complete outing into real walking stages and confirm overnight arrangements first. Reaching Olavsbu is a separate mountain outing: its operator gives about 4 hours from Leirvassbu and about 5 hours from Fondsbu or Gjendebu. Plan the eventual exit from Skogadalsbøen separately.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
OMVEIEN recommends July–September for summer hiking, subject to snow and seasonal bridges. Olavsbu publishes closure from mid-October until mid-February, while Skogadalsbøen’s self-service period has separate dates. Confirm your specific night before booking rather than transferring the summer walking programme to winter ski paths.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Mountain footwear, poles and rain protection.
Warm clothing, gloves and spare dry layers.
Drinking water, food and water treatment.
DNT key and sleeping-bag liner; confirm cabin nights beforehand.
Map, torch, spare power, first aid and a leash when taking a dog.

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

Olavsbu’s operator publishes summer public transport options via Lom towards Leirvassbu or via Tyin towards Fondsbu, followed by walking. Another option uses arrival at Gjendesheim and a boat towards Gjendebu. These approaches are outside this cabin-to-cabin section; verify current services and boat operation separately. Regular transport directly to.

Is this route suitable for children?

Do not treat this as a basic child-friendly route: check difficulty, length, and trail conditions before going.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 49.9 km, moderate.

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