And so I have been on the sixteenth overnight stay on my challenge for the year: 52 Weeks of Wilderness: A Year of Adventure Camping and Hiking in the Stavanger Area, Norway
Minimum one overnight sleep in nature every week in 2024.
Stavanger Adventure offers premium private guided hikes, tailored to fit your preferences for a personalized and unforgettable outdoor experience.
Our latest hiking adventure took us to Løtopt, a region roughly a two-hour drive southward through the country's scenic routes. This time, four of us embarked on the journey, eager to explore the rugged beauty that awaited us.
The trek began with a walk along a waterway, following a path carved directly into the steep mountainside—a clever shortcut etched by past inhabitants to avoid the arduous trek over the mountain. This historical route served as a lifeline for those living by the water, connecting them to the wider world.
Weather on the trail was as unpredictable as it was varied, oscillating between rain showers and clear skies. Yet, the warmth of the sun was a welcome companion, drying our dampened spirits and clothes alike as we made our way forward. We traversed ancient heaths and former main arteries, once the vital thoroughfares connecting east and west in southern Norway.
Several hours into our hike, we encountered a considerable obstacle: the forest path we were following had succumbed to a recent winter storm. Fallen trees barred our way, turning our journey into a complex puzzle. With determination and a bit of backtracking, we navigated through the tangle of nature's aftermath.
Our persistence was rewarded as we descended into one of the most stunning valleys I have ever witnessed. There, nestled within the woods and sheltered from the wind, we found the perfect campsite. We constructed a fire pit from the soaked, thick logs strewn around us, which proved to be an excellent way to contain our campfire. The evening was spent in high spirits, cooking and enjoying each other's company before retiring to our hammocks under a star-filled sky.
Waking up to the morning coffee in the wilderness was nothing short of bliss. The following day greeted us with glorious weather, and after a few more hours of hiking over the heath with breathtaking views, we returned to our car and set off back home.
In summary, the trip was a resounding success, filled with stunning natural landscapes and the best of company. I would love to recommend this trek to others, but caution is advised. Until the aftermath of the downed forest is addressed, for safety reasons, it might be wise to consider alternative routes. Nonetheless, the memories of this adventure will remain etched in our hearts for years to come.
See you on the trail!!
Espen
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