Hiking Kvanndal to Kvanndalsstølen

The Støls Trail has existed since the 17th century, however 1,800 steps were added in the last four years, built by skilled Sherpas from Khunde in Nepal. The path between Kvanndal and Rong is the 17th stage of the Bergen Trail.

I hiked on June 3rd from Kvanndal to Kvanndalsstølen which is located at 600 m above sea level, offers a wonderful view of Oksen.

It is fascinating to think that Saint Olav came by ship into the Hardangerfjord to Folkedal and walked on foot towards Voss in these mountains 1,000 years ago.

KVANNDALSSTØLEN, Altitude: 560 m

Length: approx. 4 km

Time: 1.5- 2 hours from parking one way

Graduation: heavy hike

The Støls path is narrow, winding and steep with varying surfaces. From the ferry pier in Kvanndal you walk up Kvanndalen, first on a gravel road for 500 meters and then on a tractor road for 1500 meters before crossing the river and starting the climbs. From here you walk up the steep valley side at about 500 meters altitude on a path to Kvanndalstølen.
My photos are shown in reverse order, from the end at Loflaten until the beginning at Kvanndal. The first part of the hike was easy until the steps. The steps requires stamina and a good pace. I heard and saw sheep grazing along in the woods too. When I reached Kvannstol 2 hours later, I rested and had a break. The weather got cooler, more windy so I decided to start my hike down but took the path towards Loflaten instead. That trail was more demanding due to marshland, more streams of water and when the decent started into the woods it got even harder. Many branches, roots, overgrown vegetation and slippery stones on the path made the hike slower, I walked very carefully downwards and half way through I felt my knees complaining. I came to the main road at 2,5 hours later and then I walked 2 kilometers on the road back to Kvanndal where I had parked my car.
Overall I am happy that I managed the hike but a word of caution is necessary. Wet and slippery paths can be very demanding and dangerous.