Top 10 Summit Hikes

Suldal is home to countless hikes, long and short, challenging and easy. Close to nature and often alone in the mountains and forests. Here are our top 10 summit hikes.

1. Hellandsnuten

Blue (Moderately challenging)
In Sand, it's often said that you're not a true local until you've hiked to Hellandsnuten. The hike starts at Joagarden kindergarten and ascends through varied forest terrain. You'll pass some steep sections, and towards the summit, you'll reach the treeless mountain plateau. The trail is well-marked, and improvements have been made along the route, including Sherpa steps in parts of the steepest sections.
The hike can be strenuous, but it's well worth the effort, as the view from the top is almost unbeatable. From Hellandsnuten, you get a wide view of the fjord and mountain landscape around Sand, and over the five fjords: Sandsfjorden, Hylsfjorden, Saudafjorden, Vindafjorden, and Lovrafjorden.
The hike takes approximately 5 hours.
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2. Reinsnuten

Red (Challenging)
In the Gullingen area, Reinsnuten stands out on the horizon with its characteristic mast at the summit. Park just before you turn up towards Gullingen tourist center and Breiastølsdalen. From here, follow the gravel road through charming cabin areas all the way up to Stavastølen. Then, follow the trail up to Reinsheia, with a great view over Gullingen, the cabin areas, and Mosvatnet. The terrain flattens out, offering a natural break before the final, steep ascent to the summit. Up here, a magnificent view awaits you, overlooking the high mountains, the Gullingen area, and also out towards the fjords in the direction of Stavanger. On a clear day, you might even glimpse the city far in the distance.
The hike takes 4-5 hours.

‍Bonus Tip: Base yourself at Gullingen tourist center and hike all the surrounding mountain peaks. If you complete six of the "approved" peaks, you can crown yourself a "Nutfant".
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3. Kleppsnuten

Blue (Moderately challenging)
In Erfjord, turn off from Hålandsosen towards Østerhus. Follow the road towards Tveit and Liarstølvegen, before parking at the large gravel parking lot by "Trædet"/"Treet". Right by the parking lot, you'll see signs for Kleppsnuten. Here, follow the marked forest road for a short distance, and then the marked trail. Great views of the farms on the other side of the valley will appear behind you. Continue to the summit with magnificent views of the fjord and mountains.
The hike takes approximately 2 hours.  
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4. Grytenuten

Red (Challenging)
Grytenuten offers one of the most spectacular views in Suldal, with panoramic vistas over the Ryfylke basin, Haugalandet, and Sunnhordland. The hike starts at Kjølvikstølen community center on the Ropeid peninsula, and follows a marked trail to the summit, where you'll be rewarded with expansive views in all directions. There is also an alternative route to the summit from Østebøneset.
The hike takes 4-5 hours.  
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5. Vinjanuten

Black (Very challenging)
Park at Vinjar school in Suldalsosen. From here, follow the road past the church and further up to the uppermost residential area, where you'll join the marked trail towards Prestastølen and Vinjanuten. This is a long and demanding hike with significant elevation gain. In return, you'll be treated to fantastic viewpoints and continuous natural experiences on your way up, with views over the Suldal valley, Ryfylkeheiane, and the fjord landscape to the west.
You can return the same way, or choose the circular route via Fisketjønsvardane and Gunntveitåsen, before descending back to the main road in Suldalsosen, approximately 3 km from the starting point.
The hike takes approximately 7 hours.
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6. Junkervarden

Blue (moderate)
Start at Jelsa school and follow the signs to Storli. Continue onto the forest road, then turn left after the road forks – after approximately 300 meters. At the summit, you'll be rewarded with fantastic views over the Ryfylke basin and Ryfylke's best-preserved coastal village: Jelsa. The hike takes approximately 3 hours.
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7. Fjetlandsnuten or Røssenuten

Blue (moderate)
Park in the large gravel area at Fjetland and follow the road past the uppermost farm and into the birch forest. The terrain here is easy to navigate, and the trail continues above the tree line. You'll reach a junction where you can choose to go to Røssenuten or Fjetlandsnuten. Both peaks offer magnificent views over Halvøynå.
The hikes take approximately 3-3.5 hours.
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9. Natlandsnuten

Red (challenging)
Park in the parking lot at Hedlebrekk by Gullingenvegen. From here, follow the forest road and then a trail. The route is signposted to Natlandsnuten; turn off the gravel path onto a regular marked trail. The hike continues into the mountain pastures (stølane) in Frøkjedalen, and after you've rounded the lake, the ascent to the summit begins. Once at the top, you'll find lovely bathing spots to cool off on a warm summer day. Enjoy the magnificent view!
The hike takes approximately 5 hours.
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10. Nipe

Red (challenging)
From Nesflaten, turn onto Roalkvamvegen and then Bråtveitvegen. You'll reach the shooting range, where you can park. The hike is steep and covers challenging terrain, but along the way, you'll find a table and bench with a fantastic view over Suldalsvatnet – a perfect spot for a natural break. From the summit, a magnificent view over Suldalsvatnet awaits.
The hike is 6.7 km round trip along the same path and takes approximately 5 hours.

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For more information about hiking maps, check out "Hiking" on our website. Here you can download free hiking maps, or you can pick them up at Suldal Tourist Information.
You can also find more information on ut.no. Please travel responsibly, be considerate, and mindful of the environment. Enjoy your trip!