Synshorn Hiking

A beautiful hike from Bygdin Mountain Hotel

Utsyn mot sør. Bygdin hotell i nedre kant av biletet. Bitihødn bak. Photo: Thor Østbye
Synshødn Photo: Thor Østbye
Heimre Fagerdalstjedn midt i biletet med Torfinnstindane rett bak. Photo: Thor Østbye
Utsyn mot sørvest med austenden av Bygdin midt i biletet. Photo: Thor Østbye

Essential info

Destination: Jotunheimen
Season: June–November
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 4.7 kilometers (out‑and‑back)
Elevation Gain: 450 meters
Duration: 0.5–1 hours

About Synshorn

The name Synshorn, or Synshødn, which translates to "view mountain" says something about what you should expect to experience at the top of the hike. From the southern peak, 1457 m. a. s. l., you have a view towards Bygdin, over the peaks in Jotunheimen and eastward to Vinsteren and the more gentle mountains in the municipality Øystre Slidre.

Getting there

Bus

From Oslo, take the NW161 Valdresekspressen route to the stop: “Bygdin”. This bus stop is located minutes from the trailhead to Synshorn.

Note: the NOR-WAY Valdresekspressen route between Bygdin and Leirvassbu only runs from late June through late September.

Car

From Oslo, head north on E16, towards Bergen, for 185 kilometers. When you reach Fagernes, follow signs to road 51, towards Vågå/Beitostølen. Bygdin is located 50 kilometers from Fagernes and 12 kilometers past Beitostølen.

Note: Road 51, "Valdresflya", is typically open from the end of April through December. You can see the road status at Vegvesen.no or you can call for road updates (in English): +47 815 48 991.

Trail description

The hike starts at Fagerstrand in Bygdin and takes you in the northwest direction for about one kilometer. At this point, the trail will turn to the east. Stay in this direction for nearly another kilometer until you reach the first peak. From the first peak, there is quite a steep drop-off to the south, so be aware of your proximity to the edge. The top of Synshorn sits about 100 meters to the north of the steep cliff. From the top of the peak, you will see expansive views of Jotunheimen National Park.

You can return to Bygdin along the same route or extend your hike a little longer and follow 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.

Facts

The trail is easy to climb and takes you over a variety of terrain from rocks and loose gravel to soft moss.

Where to stay

Bygdin Fjellhotel (Mountain Hotel) is located along road 51 on the southern edge of Jotunheimen National Park. Visit their website to learn about their accommodations and availability.