Mt. Skåla
Norway's longest uphill
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. In the uphill race Skåla Up - Northern Europe's toughest downhill race the record was 1 hour 7 minutes and 6 seconds for men, and 1 hour 20 minutes and 6 seconds for women. Incomprehensible to most people who have done the trip, but clearly quite possible.
At the top of Skåla. Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik/Fjord Norway
Norway's best hiking route?
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 trail.
Summer night at Skåla. Photo: Cole Rise/Matador Network
About the tour in the summer
The tour starts from Tjugen, about 2.5 km from Loen, almost at 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. If you want a guide on the tour, please contact Loen Active.
Top trip to Skåla. Photo: Bernt Nesje
Summit tour in winter to Skåla
Skåla is also a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts. The starting point is the same place as the summer route. Follow the forest road all the way up and continue on the path up Fosdalen. Cross the valley floor at around 700 meters above sea level and walk up the large mountainside towards Skålavatnet. Here you are in Jostedalsbreen National Park. Continue from Skålavatnet and up to the large cut below Rongjuvnibba. From there, follow the ridge to the left up towards the broad summit ridge. Continue along the cairns to the tower at the top. On the north side of the summit ridge there are enormous scree slopes, and the north wall goes 1000 m straight down. You must be aware of possible avalanche risk along the Fosdøla and Skålaelva rivers, on the north side of the summer route after passing Skålavatnet. If the fog rolls in, you should be very careful towards the end of this hike, as it is steep on both sides of the summit. On the descent, follow the summit path downwards and drive all the way down the south side to the cut. Follow the route you came up further down. If there's a lot of snow, it's also nice to ski from the summit straight down the wide west side towards Skålavatnet. Remember map and compass! Skålabu is perfect for overnight stays all year round. Read more about safety in the mountains here. We recommend a guide on the trip. Breogfjell has internationally certified mountain guides and offers guided tours in Loen. If you are planning a trip on your own, it is crucial that you have the necessary skills for safe travel in the winter mountains.
Skålabu. Photo: Frikk H. Fossdal/Bergen and Hordaland Turlag
Venerable stone tower and modern cabin
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 operated by Bergen and Hordaland Turlag. You can book accommodation in Skålabu in advance here.
Participants return after Skåla Up. Photo: Jan Erik Sandbakk
Downhill race Skåla up
The uphill race Skåla Opp was held until 2022. The race started at Tjugen (29 m above sea level) and finished at Skålatårnet at the top of the mountain at 1,843 m above sea level. The race was organized for the first time in 2002, and set in motion a huge volunteer effort in the small village. The race had both a competition class and an exercise class. "Mini Skåla Opp" was also organized for the youngest. More information can be found on Skåla Opp's website.
