In 2020, the project to mark out the hiking trails for Sirdal's Seven Summits began. This year, it is Vardefjell, Røseknuten, Bergehei (Varden) and Hadvarshei that are on the agenda!
Rødeknuten
Røseknuten, at 1,021 metres above sea level, offers views across Gravatn. One of the chairs from Lister Outdoor Recreation Council is placed here, and this has become a popular peak to visit in recent years. It is within walking distance from Ålsheia, Tjørhomfjellet and Gravassryggen. The marked trail starts in Ålsheia, by the ski centre. You first walk along the road, then past the ski centre. At the end of Bekkedalen, turn left towards Tødnestøl. A short distance later, turn left again up through the valley towards the southwest. Past the cabins and up the hillside. The path runs parallel to the stream. Further on, you come to Nyestøl and can see the ski lift there. You follow the ski trail further into Bekkedalen and pass the connecting lift. You will have Gunnarhei on your right for a stretch, before it flattens out. Then you turn left and walk towards the small and large Røsetjødn. You can also catch a glimpse of Valevatn on your right-hand side. Now you start the final climb up to the summit of Røseknuten and the well-known chair. [An image containing a person, outdoors, snow, sky Automatically generated description] [An image containing text, nature Automatically generated description]
The walk is 11.8km return and has an ascent of 506m, it is graded as demanding.
This year, Vardefjell and Hadvarshei will also get such chairs. So feel free to make the trip to these peaks this year!
Vardefjell
Vardefjell is located in Haughom with parking at the foot of the mountain. It stands at 617 metres above sea level and at the top you have a view over Ovedal and can see all the way down to Øksnedal. This walk can also be done as a circular route! It takes about 30 minutes to reach the summit, and you should allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the return trip. This walk is graded as easy. The walk starts from the car park and begins on a wide path crossing a bridge. Further on, you encounter a marshy area with planks for easy crossing. On your left you will see two small tarns, and when you are parallel to the innermost tarn, you leave the distinct path and head in a south-westerly direction. Here the path splits, forming the circular route. You can now choose to take the path to the left and follow the power pylons for a bit. Then you walk around the tarn and follow the path further along the pylons again. You will now have a marsh on your left and you cross under the power pylons just as you begin the final ascent towards the summit. If you walk onwards from the top, you will reach a viewpoint looking towards Øksendal and you can follow the path around the northern side of the mountain, then further back down to the pylons and where the path split. Then follow the same path you started on back to the car park.
Hadvardshei
Hadvardshei starts at the car park for the Ådneram ski lift. This peak stands at an impressive 958 metres above sea level. The start heads down towards the mountain lift, and at the first junction you turn right, between the small tarns. From there, the route follows the trail to the top of the ski lift. From here, the walk continues along a narrow path towards the northeast, alongside the mountain. By the marsh, you turn right down a small gorge before making your way back up to the mountain edge. Then through some birch forest and across two valley depressions. You have now rounded the mountain and can begin the ascent of Hadvardshei itself. You now have Rubedalstjødna on your left and can catch a glimpse of Hassteintjødn on your right. Once you have reached the tarn, you turn left and cross the stream. Here, the final push begins and you will soon be at the summit, ready to enjoy the 360-degree views all around you!
The hike is classified as moderate and has a length of 7.2 km return.
For more information about the trips, check out the book Vandring i Sirdalsheiane. Here you get detailed info on Sirdals Seven Summit, with maps, elevation profile and waypoints. The book can be bought at, among other places, the tourist information office, GP and Fjellbutikken.
You can also find information about the mentioned trips on the website of Sirdalsløyper, with a link further to Lister friluftsråd.