Valsøybotn: Hiking Destinations and Views

Valsøybotn can be explored through specific landscape views and hiking destinations. From the summit of Hjelmkona, the view stretches out to the sea and the Tustnastabbene; in the other direction, it extends across Trollheimen. Fossdalen lies at the innermost end of Valsøybotn. This overview combines expansive mountain views with trails to a lake, an old mountain farm and another mountain destination. To plan your trip, it is worth considering the starting point, route and destination of each hike individually.

Botn Opp: Ascent and Route Options

Botn Opp starts in Valsøybotn below Fossdalen Stadium and follows the road towards Botnavatnet. It is a strenuous fitness hike on a gravel road with a consistently steep ascent. Free parking for Botn Opp is available in Valsøybotn below the stadium. After the steepest section from Reinslivatnet, you can either follow the road or take the old Kukleiva trail, which crosses the road several times. This choice comes after the steepest section. There are good opportunities for swimming along the route at Botnavatnet, so the lake is both a point of reference on the route and a place to swim.

A description updated in 2022 also links Botn Opp to the annual uphill race and cycling race organised by Valsøyfjord IL. If an event is important to your plans, check the specific dates in advance.

The Hike to Botnasetra

The hike to Botnasetra starts at the Hardbakkhytta car park in Valsøybotn. It first follows a gravel road to Botnavatnet, then continues along a trail to an old mountain farm, or sæter. The route therefore has a clear sequence: road, lake, footpath and mountain farm destination. The connection to the sæter gives the hike a specific cultural and historical point of interest in addition to its natural setting. The hike to Botnasetra focuses on the old mountain farm destination and the described route via the lake. Starting at the Hardbakkhytta car park gives you a specific point of reference. The two hiking options therefore differ in concrete ways: Botn Opp is characterised by a steep ascent and a later choice between the road and Kukleiva; the hike to Botnasetra goes via Botnavatnet to an old mountain farm.

Botnavatnet features in both hike descriptions, but in different ways: for Botn Opp, the road heads towards the lake and there are opportunities for swimming along the route; on the hike to Botnasetra, the lake lies between the gravel road and the footpath that continues to the old mountain farm. This lets you distinguish between two differently described experiences at the same named location.

Fossdalen and Other Nature Destinations

Fossdalen lies at the innermost end of Valsøybotn. There is a waterfall there where you can swim in summer. From Fossdalen, you can hike to Møkkelfjellet, which is 630 metres high. This puts two different nature destinations in the same named area in focus: summer swimming at the waterfall and a hike to Møkkelfjellet. For seasonal planning, it is important to note that swimming at the waterfall is possible in summer; the hike to Møkkelfjellet is another destination in Fossdalen, independent of this. Both options can help you take Fossdalen into account when choosing where to stay.

Discover more destinations: Valsøyfjord, Liabøen, Halsa

Go to the main travel overview: Halsa.