Synshorn Hiking Trail
Experience excellent views of Jotunheimen and Bygdin Lake
Essential info
- Destination: Jotunheimen National Park
- Season: June-November
- Difficulty: Medium
- Distance: 4.7 kilometers (out‑and‑back)
- Elevation Gain: 450 meters
- Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours
About Synshorn
The name Synshorn says something about what you should expect at the top of the hike, as “syn” means “sight” in Norwegian. From the 1457-meter high peak, you’ll have a magnificent view of the surrounding Jotunheimen peaks and Bygdin Lake. In the east, you’ll see Vinsteren Lake and the gentler mountains of the municipality of Øystre Slidre.
The trail is relatively easy to climb, taking you through a variety of terrain from rocks and loose gravel to soft moss.
Getting there
Bus
From Oslo or Beitostølen, take the NW161 Valdresekspressen route to the stop Bygdin hotel. Use Norway bus express’ travel planner to organize your trip.
The local bus 137 operating on the route Fagernes - Gjendesheim, also stops at Bygdin Hotel. View the timetable, or use Entur to plan your trip.
Walk for about 10 minutes northeast on Road 51 until you reach the trailhead at Bygdinstøga.
Note: buses between Beitostølen and Leirvassbu (Lom) only operate in summer, approximately from late June through August.
Car
From Oslo, head north on Road E16 towards Bergen for 185 kilometers. When you reach Fagernes, follow signs to Road 51, towards Vågå/Beitostølen. Bygdin is located some 50 kilometers north of Fagernes and 12 kilometers north of Beitostølen. You can park your car at Bygdinstøga.
Note: Parts of Road 51 (between Garli and Maurvangen) is closed during winter and typically open from April to December.
Trail description
From Bygdinstøga, follow Bygdisheimvegen until you reach a stream. Turn to the right and follow the marked trail up the hillside. The trail takes you in the northwestern direction for about one kilometer, before turning eastwards.
Continue eastwards for nearly another kilometer until you reach the first peak. There is quite a steep drop-off to the south from this peak, so be aware of your proximity to the edge. The top of Synshorn sits about 100 meters to the north of the steep cliff. Enjoy expansive views of Jotunheimen from the summit.
You can return to Bygdin along the same route or extend your hike by following the ridgeline to the northwest. This alternate route takes you down to the valley floor and in the direction of other great hikes in the area, for example, Rasletinden and Munken.
Amenities
- Shops and restaurants are available in Beitostølen.
Where to stay
Bygdin Høyfjellshotell is a cozy mountain lodge serving great food, including an excellent breakfast.
Map
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