Stedjeåsen Vandring

The trail up to Stedjeåsen is easily accessible from Sogndal center and offers views of the town as well as a lovely view of the Sognefjord near the top. The well-worn route is popular with locals on their daily workouts. While not a long or particularly steep trail, the path to the top is a steady climb and requires an average fitness level.

Make your way towards the red Stedje church, across the river from the town center.

Follow the pedestrian pathway along the underside of the church, before heading uphill. Continue to the end of the street and up the hill between two houses. At the top, look to the left you’ll see a stile and the beginning of the trail.

The dirt trail is quite well worn and obvious for the entire route. There are occasional signs and red dots on trees to guide you, which are particularly helpful in the thick part of the forest. Parts of the trail are rocky and covered with roots, creating natural steps along many sections.

From the trailhead it’s roughly 2 kilometers of steady uphill to the top. It’s not particularly steep but can be demanding on a warm day. Luckily, much of the path is under the cover of trees which offers relief from direct sunlight.

Stedjeåsen sits at 620 metres above sea level. The top itself, marked with a sign, is not that impressive, featuring a clearing surrounded by trees. Instead, look for the sign labeled ‘Utsikt’ (view) and continue along the trail for around 300 metres until you spot a matching sign pointing to the right.

From here it’s just 10 metres or so until you reach a point with a lovely view of the Sognefjord. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic before descending.

When you are ready to head back down to Sogndal, continue back 10 metres to the trail and continue along as it will loop back and connect to the trail you took to the top.

There are no water sources along the route, so be sure to take plenty with you.