The wake Skåla
Skåla, the beautiful giant, towers over Loenbygda. A hand-built path winds through the rough stone wall, 1848 vertical meters from the edge of the fjord. And at the top there are even two DNT cabins - one very old and one very new. This coming weekend, Skåla Opp will be held - Northern Europe's toughest downhill race. The record is 1 hour 7 minutes and 6 seconds. Incomprehensible to most people who have made the trip, but clearly quite possible.
Norway's best hiking route?
Skåla. Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik/Fjord Norge
The hike up is spectacular, with views of the fjord, mountains and glaciers, and is traditionally considered to be the summit hike in Norway with the greatest difference in altitude from fjord to mountain. On the old paved paths and stone steps from 1891 onwards, you walk in Jostedalsbreen National Park. It's a cultural experience to hike here, with fantastic fjord scenery on all sides. Countless volunteer hours, heavy lifting and good cooperation have created this unique nature experience, and now Skåla is one of the tours nominated as Norway's best hiking route. We have no doubts, and hope more people vote for Skåla. You can vote until August 31 at this link.
About the tour
The tour starts from Tjugen about 2 km from Loen, almost inside Lovatnet. There is a parking lot and an information board about Skåla. The hike starts on a tractor road and continues on a path some way up into the forest. In some places, the path is paved, and when you get high up, the path turns into stone steps. The trail is marked according to a national template all the way. At the top of Skåla you are 1848 meters above sea level, and you get a fantastic view of Jostedalsbreen, the mountains and the fjord. The hike is suitable for people who are normally well trained, and you should normally allow between 3 and 5 hours for the ascent. It is possible to get a guide on the trip. See the tour description here.
Venerable stone tower and modern cabin
Skålabu. Photo: Bergen and Hordaland Turlag
The bowl tower. Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik/Fjord Norway
Skålatårnet and Skålabu are unmanned DNT cabins that are out of the ordinary, for those who want to stay overnight or make a cup of coffee at the top. Skålatårnet was built in 1891, originally as a sanatorium, and the focus is still on public health, with exercise and fresh mountain air. Skålabu was completed in October 2016, and will relieve the tower in order to preserve it during the winter months. Both cabins are run by Bergen and Hordaland Turlag.
Downhill race Skåla up
Motbakkeløpet Skåla Up starts at Tjugen (28 m) and finishes at Skålatårnet at the top of the mountain at 1,843 m. The race was organized for the first time in 2002, and always involves an enormous volunteer effort in the small village. The race has both a competition class and an exercise class. This year, Skåla Opp will be held on August 18. There will even be a Mini Skåla Opp for the youngest runners. More information can be found on Skåla Opp's website.
Notes: Skålabu and Skåla are fully booked on August 17 and 18 due to Skåla Opp.
