History, crisp mountain air, majestic vistas, diverse terrain, and picturesque surroundings are some of the highlights of this hike.
Short summary
The Topphøna Hike is a spectacular circular route offering breathtaking views and a poignant connection to history. This hike takes you through a landscape that bears witness to a tragic plane crash in 1961.
Enjoy sweeping vistas across the Ryfylke region, with Stavanger to the west and Karmøy to the northwest. To the southeast, you'll spot Reinaknuten, a prominent navigational landmark for seafarers. The trail combines both rocky and forested terrain.
WEEKDAYS
PRICE:
1-2 Persons - 6.190 NOK
3 Persons - 7.190 NOK
4 Persons - 8.190 NOK
HIKERS:
Max 4 persons
Minimum age: 12
DURATION:
Approximately 6 hours
PICKUP TIME:
15:30
LENGTH:
Approximately 5 km
DIFFICULTY:
SATURDAY/SUNDAY
PRICE:
1-2 Persons - 8.190 NOK
3 Persons - 9.190 NOK
4 Persons - 10.190 NOK
HIKERS:
Max 4 persons
Minimum age: 12
DURATION:
Approximately 8 hours
PICKUP TIME:
08:30
LENGTH:
Approximately 5 km
DIFFICULTY:
Hike Description
Following the pickup, our hike commences with a 40-minute car journey to the trailhead located at the Holtaheia parking area. During this drive, we traverse the world's longest and deepest underwater tunnel for cars, facilitating a swift crossing of the water expanse separating Stavanger from the hiking trail. A portion of the route takes us along one of the nearby fjords in the Stavanger region, providing a scenic glimpse of the Norwegian countryside.
Once at the hike's starting point, we conduct an equipment check, making any necessary adjustments. Following this, a brief safety briefing is provided, covering trail information, expected conditions, and useful hiking tips before embarking on today's exciting adventure!
We begin our adventure at the Holtaheia parking area. This trail offers two alternative routes
to reach the ultimate destination at the edge of Topphøna. We usually turn this hike into a circular hike by taking the eastern route, which passes by the memorial site first. After a bit of ascent and descent, you'll reach a trail junction where we can choose to include a short detour to an observation point at around 532 meters above sea level. From here, you can peer down at your destination, Topphøna.
The Topphøna peak grants you splendid views of Tysdalsvatnet, Vatne camping, and Bjørheimsbygd. On the return, following the western route, you also have an opportunity for a side trip to another viewpoint at approximately 458 meters above sea level. If we decide to have an easier hike, we will take the western route in both directions, making it a "level 2 - friendly adventure.
Plane crash
On this hike, you'll get up close and personal with history as you explore the remnants of the crash.
The "Holtaheia Accident" occurred on August 9, 1961. The flight was transporting an entire school class from Croydon, a district in south London. The crash was a result of the pilot's decision to deviate from the planned flight path for reasons unknown.
Tragically, 34 boys aged 13 to 16, along with two teachers, lost their lives in the accident, in addition to the three crew members. Never before had so many children perished in an aviation accident.A memorial honoring the 39 lives lost in the accident was unveiled at Holtaheia on May 13, 1962. Today, this area is a popular hiking destination, and scattered remains of the plane can still be found across the expansive landscape.
Weekday Hike
Embarking on a weekend day hike provides us with the luxury of abundant time, allowing us to relish every nuance of the journey. Although the trail replicates that of our weekday hike, the extended duration and prolonged breaks promise to elevate the overall experience even further :)
Our leisurely pace grants us the freedom to immerse ourselves in the enchanting surroundings, appreciating the smallest details along the way. We'll carve out ample moments for making a campfire, make some food, and the pursuit of additional activities like fishing and swimming, should the interest and opportunities present themselves. So, lace up your hiking boots, embrace the unhurried rhythm, and let's make the most of this weekend adventure!
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Hike Includes:
Simple meal.
Transportation.
Headlamp if needed.
Fishing Gear if applicable.
Hot beverages and some snack.
Pickup and drop-off at agreed point.
Experienced guide designated to your personal group.
Premium photos taken of you during the hike using premium-grade equipment.
Tasting of the different traditional Norwegian "hiking chocolates" during the hike.
Please Bring:
Required
Proper hiking boots (can be rented).
Rain-proof jacket (can be rented).
Recommended
Water-resistant pants (can be rented).
Small backpack (can be rented).
Base layer.
Insulated layer.
Warm, thick socks.
Packed lunch/snacks if desired.
Swimwear if desired.
Sunset Hike
During the season, time of Sunset will change. Here, we provide a list of sunset times so
that you can determine whether to expect a sunset during the trip you're booking.
April
15.04
18.04
21.04
24.04
27.04
28.04
30.04
- 20:53
- 21:00
- 21:07
- 21:14
- 21:21
- 21:23
- 21:28
May
01.05
05.05
10.05
15.05
20.05
25.05
30.04
- 21:30
- 21:40
- 21:51
- 22.02
- 22:13
- 22:23
- 22:32
Juni
01.06
05.06
10.06
15.06
20.06
25.06
30.06
- 22:35
- 22:41
- 22:47
- 22:51
- 22:53
- 22:53
- 22:51
July
01.07
05.07
10.07
15.07
20.07
25.07
30.07
- 22:50
- 22:47
- 22:41
- 22:34
- 22:25
- 22:15
- 22:04
August
01.08
05.08
10.08
15.08
20.08
25.08
30.08
- 21:59
- 21:50
- 21:37
- 21:24
- 22:10
- 20:56
- 20:42
September
01.09
02.09
04.09
06.09
08.09
10.09
12.09
- 20:36
- 20:33
- 20:28
- 20:22
- 20:16
- 20:10
- 20:04
Topphøna Weekday Hike - Timeline Example
15.30
16.30
17.30
18.30
20.00
21.30
We meet at the pickup point with warm greetings and install you in the car. While in the car, we'll dicuss the day's objectives, lay out the day's plan, and start getting to know each other a bit.
Upon reaching the hike's starting point, we'll conduct an equipment check and make any necessary adjustments. Following this, we'll provide a brief safety briefing before embarking on today's exciting adventure!
After a short accent we reach the memorial site. Here, at the memorial site, we take some time to reflect, pay our respects, and honor the memories of those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash of 1961.
After a delightful hike through a mix of rugged terrain and scenic beauty, offering an enriching hiking experience, we finally reach the summit of Topphøna. Here we have a good long brake, doing some photographing, make a fire and having something to eat and drink.
The hike from Topphøna back to the parking area is a scenic descent through diverse terrain, providing you with beautiful natural surroundings as you make your way back to your starting point.
Regrettably, our time together has come to an end as we arrive back at the drop-off point. We say our goodbyes and hope to meet again.
Weekend Day Hike - Timeline Example
08.30
09.30
12.00
13.00
15.30
16.30
We meet at the pickup point with warm greetings and install you in the car. While in the car, we'll dicuss the day's objectives, lay out the day's plan, and start getting to know each other a bit.
Upon reaching the hike's starting point, we'll conduct an equipment check and make any necessary adjustments. Following this, we'll provide a short safety briefing before embarking on today's exciting adventure!
After a delightful journey through diverse landscapes offering splendid vistas, we finally reach the summit. Here, we take a well-deserved break to savor the panoramic views and refuel with some food and drinks.
We descend into the summit and head for the lower area. Here, we find a nice spot to take a longer break, lighting a campfire and preparing some food.
We have now returned to the car, tired but filled with impressions from today's hike.
Regrettably, our time together has come to an end as we arrive back at the drop-off point. We say our goodbyes and hope to meet again.
Pickup Point
Our standard pickup point (displayed below) is outside the main entrance, facing the water, of the hotel "Raddison Blue Atlantic Hotel" in Stavanger sentrum. If you need another pickup point in the vicinity of Stavanger centrum, this can be arranged but you need to clarify this with us while booking.