Ritland Crater Hiking Trail
Visit a 500 million year-old crater
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Photo: Eldfinn Austigard
Essential info
- Destination: Ryfylke
- Season: April-October
- Difficulty: Medium
- Distance: 6.2 kilometers (loop)
- Elevation Gain: 360 meters
- Duration: 2-3 hours
About Ritland Crater
Ritland Crater is an impact crater created by a meteorite approximately 500 million years ago. This trail leads to a viewpoint of the crater where there is a small shelter known as a “gapahuk”. The shelter features information about the crater and is a nice spot to rest and enjoy a picnic. The return trail leads down into the crater itself before returning looping back around to the beginning.
Getting there
The trailhead to Ritland Crater is a short detour from Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke. In Hjelmeland, look for the sign to “Ritlandskrateret” just before you reach the ferry dock and turn right onto Vågavegen Road.
Follow this road out of town and after about 17 kilometers, turn right towards Kleivaland. Drive for 2 kilometers to the end of the road and park in the marked area.
Trail description
The trail is well-marked, along dirt roads and trails.
Across the road from the parking lot, follow the signposted road past the farm towards “Utsikt Ritlandskrater”. Continue following the signs as you ascend, switching between trails and farm roads
Once you’re ready to head back to the parking lot, head back along the trail from the shelter for a few hundred meters and then follow the marked trail to Kleivaland. The trail leads south down the hill into the crater. At the bottom of the hill turn right and follow this trail back to Kleivaland.
Facts
- Fridtjof Riis identified Ritland Crater as a possible impact crater in 2000.
Amenities
- Free parking
Map
Questions or comments? Let us know.
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