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Jordalsnuten Hike

By François · updated in May 202605/2026My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Moderate Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
4h30 Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
9.5km
out and back
Elevation gain
850m
Type of route
Out and back
Maximum altitude
1,043 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
No
Marked
No
Popularity
Low
County
Vestland
Start point
60.02955, 6.53886
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

Take a spectacular hike to Jordalsnuten, located near Odda in the heart of Norway's magnificent Hardangerfjord region. From the 1,043-meter peak, take in the breathtaking panorama: a 360° view of the fjord, the Buarbreen glacier, and the surrounding mountains.

This route was one of my favorites. It showcases the diverse beauty of the Norwegian landscape with high-altitude lakes, waterfalls, fjords, rugged mountains, forests, and a glacier in the background. The most surprising thing? This marvel remains little known and uncrowded, even though it is only a few kilometers from the famous—perhaps too famous—Trolltunga hike. My advice: Go to Jordalsnuten without hesitation! It's much less crowded, more accessible, free, and more varied. It's wild Norway in all its glory!

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Jordalsnuten Hike

Difficulties of the hike

The route is moderately difficult, with an elevation gain of 850 meters over a 9-kilometer round-trip distance. There are no significant technical challenges, except for a few steeper sections at the start of the climb.

You will walk on a generally well-defined but unmarked trail. Apart from a single sign indicating the direction to the summit at the second lake, there are no other signs along the way. Don't worry, though; there are very few junctions. For added safety, we strongly recommend downloading the GPX track or studying the map beforehand.

What you'll love

  • Breathtaking views from the summit: the Hardangerfjord, the Folgefonna glacier (with its Buarbreen glacier tongue), Lake Sandvinsvatnet, and a myriad of spectacular peaks.
  • The beauty of the high-altitude lakes (Fossasete, Liasete) that punctuate the ascent, offering contemplative and refreshing breaks.
  • Exceptional landscape diversity throughout the route: dense forests, waterfalls, fjords, lakes, and glaciers.
  • A peaceful and wild itinerary, far from the crowds, and ideal for lovers of authentic adventure.

Practical information

Parking

There is a small, free parking lot with six to eight spaces at the start of the hike in Stand. Arrive early during the high season!

Best time to go

From mid-June to September, on average. See the Norway FAQ for more details.

Lac Sandvinsvatnet
Lake Sandvinsvatnet
The first high-altitude lake, Fossasetevatnet
The first high-altitude lake, Fossasetevatnet
The first high-altitude lake, Fossasetevatnet
The first high-altitude lake, Fossasetevatnet
River fed by the Buarbreen glacier
River fed by the Buarbreen glacier
Cascades
Waterfalls
Highland cow
Highland cow
Buarbreen glacier
Buarbreen glacier
Town of Odda
Town of Odda
The magnificent Hardangerfjord
The magnificent Hardangerfjord
Buarbreen glacier
Buarbreen glacier
The emerald lake Sandvinsvatnet and Hardangerfjord from Jordalsnuten
The emerald lake Sandvinsvatnet and Hardangerfjord from Jordalsnuten
A moment of contemplation at the summit of Jordalsnuten
A moment of contemplation at the summit of Jordalsnuten
Buarbreen glacier
Buarbreen glacier
Lots of curious sheep that day!
Lots of curious sheep that day!
The emerald lake Sandvinsvatnet and Hardangerfjord, with the summit of Jordalsnuten on the left (drone shot)
The emerald lake Sandvinsvatnet and Hardangerfjord, with the summit of Jordalsnuten on the left (drone shot)
Magnificent milky green lakes (drone shot)
Magnificent milky green lakes (drone shot)
The two lakes Fossasetevatnet (below) and Liasetevatnet (right) encountered along the route (drone shot)
The two lakes Fossasetevatnet (below) and Liasetevatnet (right) encountered along the route (drone shot)
High-altitude lakes and Buarbreen glacier (drone shot)
High-altitude lakes and Buarbreen glacier (drone shot)
Rounded summit of Jordalsnuten (drone shot)
Rounded summit of Jordalsnuten (drone shot)
Strandfossen waterfall below (drone shot)
Strandfossen waterfall below (drone shot)
Lake Sandvinsvatnet and Hardangerfjord (drone shot)
Lake Sandvinsvatnet and Hardangerfjord (drone shot)
Lake Sandvinsvatnet and Hardangerfjord (drone shot)
Lake Sandvinsvatnet and Hardangerfjord (drone shot)
Fossasete Lake (drone shot)
Fossasete Lake (drone shot)
Fossasete Lake (drone shot)
Fossasete Lake (drone shot)
Fossasete Lake (drone shot)
Fossasete Lake (drone shot)

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/norway/jordalsnuten/