The best hiking routes in Vigdalen landskapsvernområde

Vigdalen landskapsvernområde protects a high mountain valley that transitions from steep, birch-clad slopes into a gentler alpine basin. Managed by Breheimen nasjonalparkstyre, this landscape is shaped by traditional summer farming, meaning you will walk through a mix of active pastures, old stone walls, and open mountain terrain rather than untouched wilderness. The valley floor is dominated by wetlands, bogs, and the rushing Vigdøla river, which dictates where you can cross.

Underfoot, the terrain consists of rough, unmarked paths, boggy ground, and rocky tracks that require careful stepping. Unlike the barren high plateaus nearby, this area retains a greener, more sheltered character due to its lower elevation and farming history. There are no paved walkways or extensive boardwalk networks here, so hikers must be prepared for wet peat and slippery stones.

In July and August, the mountain pastures are rich with alpine flowers, and the livestock are still grazed in the valley. This is a quiet, working landscape where the main sights are the historic summer farms and the transition from forest to tundra, rather than dramatic peaks or deep gorges.