The best hiking routes in Høydalen landskapsvernområde

Høydalen landskapsvernområde offers a distinct walking experience shaped by its high-elevation valley topography and traditional summer farming history. Unlike the rugged, jagged peaks of the nearby high alpine zones, this landscape is characterized by a wide, U-shaped mountain valley where the terrain transitions from lush, grassy pastures on the valley floor to steeper, boulder-strewn slopes. The area is managed to preserve both the natural mountain ecology and the cultural landscape, meaning you will walk past active or historic summer dairy farms, known as sætre, surrounded by stone walls and grazing land.

Underfoot, the walking is defined by a mix of established dirt tracks, faint sheep paths, and sections of open, pathless terrain where you must navigate across dwarf birch, heather, and glacial moraine clay. The valley floor features wetter, peat-rich soil where small streams cut through the meadows, requiring careful stepping, while the higher slopes consist of drier, coarser scree and granite boulders. There are no constructed boardwalks or heavily manicured gravel paths here, so walkers should expect natural, uneven ground.

In July and August, the valley is defined by its vibrant green pastures and alpine wildflowers, which contrast sharply with the grey stone fields above. This is a quieter alternative to the highly trafficked national park trails nearby, offering a direct look at how traditional Norwegian mountain farming has shaped the local vegetation over centuries. Walkers should choose this area for its cultural heritage and moderate valley gradients rather than high-altitude ridge scrambling.