Lårdalstigen is a challenging, but fantastic hike with spectacular views from the edge of the mountain ridge above the Telemark Canal.
The inner part of the Telemark Canal is surrounded by steep and wild mountains. Along the mountain ridge from Dalen to Lårdal, there is a cleared hiking trail that offers many spectacular and exciting experiences. Much of the hike takes place on the mountain edge up to 800 meters above the Telemark Canal. Along this hike there is also a beautiful flora and the geology is very special. Here you can greet the rugged silhouttes of "Risen og Gygri", which stand in stone in front of the edge of the mountain, and read about the legend associated with these rock formations, or look at Bandak lake deep below you through the magnificent "Møyskrivet".
Gløstøylnuten is the highest peak on the hike with its 848 masl. The view over the fjord and the surrounding mountains is both wide, wild and beautiful. Perhaps you will also spot osprey?
Where does the hike start?
Most people choose to start at the top of Eidsborgberget, above Dalen, and hike towards Lårdal – but of course, it’s also possible to start in Lårdal and walk in the opposite direction.
If we’re to make a recommendation, the hike is more scenic and enjoyable if you start in Dalen and walk to Lårdal. Plan your hike and start early in the morning (around 08:00–09:00), and you’ll easily make it in time for the afternoon boat! Expect the hike to take 7–8 hours (minimum 6 hours). You can park your car at the quay area in Dalen (long-term parking is on the opposite side of the motorhome parking), and parking is free. Call Tokke Taxi at +47 909 71 909 to take you up to the starting point at Eidsborgberget (4 km) at a fixed price.
The full length of the Lårdalstigen trail is 14 km. It’s a long day hike, or you can bring a tent or hammock and make it a two-day trip. There is also a small cabin along the way called Heddebu, located just before the last and steepest descent down to Lårdal. Heddebu is open to hikers and has sleeping space for two people (drop-in only). Feel free to sign the guest book there!
Lårdalstigen has become incredibly popular, which we think is fantastic! The boats are often fully booked during the season, so it’s good to know that you can also take the morning boat from Dalen to Lårdal and start the hike from there. We want as many people as possible to experience the trail and get where they need to go!
The boat trip on one of the historic passenger boats is an essential part of the hiking experience! Whether you're heading out or returning, enjoy the journey on deck aboard the M/S Victoria or M/S Henrik Ibsen on the Telemark Canal. Remember to book your ticket in advance at booktelemark.no.
If the boats are fully booked or you're hiking outside the boat season, Tokke Taxi can drive you between Lårdal and Dalen at a fixed price. Alternatively, you can place a car at each end if that’s an option for you. Feel free to contact Visit Dalen (tourist office) for advice and tips.
The beautiful village of Lårdal by Bandak offers idyllic places and a cozy pier area with ferry berths for the boats on the Telemark Canal. There is also accomocation and dining in Bandak Camping in Lårdal. Please be aware that opening hours for serving - and accommodation in spring and autumn may vary, feel free to check with us before you set off so that you are prepared to what applies when you have planned the trip.
Round trip option
If you do not have the possibility to hike the whole Lårdalstigen hiket, you can park your car in Støylsdalen and hike a 6 km round trip around Gløstøylnuten (848 masl) and back to the start in Støylsdalen. Contact the tourist office for more information.
Key facts
Day trip, 14 km one way
Time: 6-8 hours one way
Challenging
Accessible: May - October (depending on weather conditions, check with us before you go!)
Map: Hiking map Tokke 1 : 50 000 and Miniguide Lårdalstigen hike
Remember to wear sneakers with good soles or hiking boots, and to bring plenty of water (at least 2-3 litres on warm days).
The ferry boats come in to Lårdal in the afternoon in high season May-August. Henrik Ibsen leaves Lårdal on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 17.20 and Victoria on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 17.55.
If you want to take the morning ferry from Dalen to Lårdal, the departure time for Henrik Ibsen is Mon, Tue, Thu and Sat at 08:35, and for Victoria Wed, Fri and Sun at 08:00 (high season May-August)
In low season September - October only M / S Henrik Ibsen operates on the Telemark Canal, please check the timetable before you set off, and book the boat in advance!
Useful phone numbers:
Booking Telemarkskanalen: +47 409 20 000
Visit Dalen (tourist information): +47 35 07 56 56
Tokke Taxi: +47 909 71 909
