TOPPHØNA
PRIVATE HIKE
Short summary
The Topphøna Hike is a stunning circular route that blends breathtaking views with a poignant historical connection. This trail winds through a landscape that still bears the marks of a tragic 1961 plane crash.
Along the way, enjoy sweeping panoramas of Ryfylke, with Stavanger stretching to the west and Karmøy visible to the northwest. To the southeast, the towering Reinaknuten serves as a historic navigational landmark for seafarers. The hike offers a dynamic mix of rocky paths and serene forest trails, making for a truly memorable adventure.
HIKERS:
Max 4 persons
Minimum age: 10
DURATION:
Minimum:
6 hours
LENGTH:
Approximately:
5 km
DIFFICULTY:
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Hike Description
After pickup, we embark on a scenic 40-minute drive to the Holtaheia parking area, the starting point of our hike. Along the way, we travel through the world's longest and deepest underwater road tunnel, swiftly crossing the waterway that separates Stavanger from the trail. A stretch of the journey follows a picturesque fjord, offering a glimpse into Norway’s breathtaking countryside.
Upon arrival, we perform an equipment check, making any necessary adjustments. A brief safety briefing follows, covering trail details, expected conditions, and essential hiking tips before setting off on today’s adventure!
We begin our adventure at the Holtaheia parking area, where two route options lead to the spectacular viewpoint at Topphøna. Typically, we opt for a circular hike, ascending via the eastern route, which first takes us past the memorial site.
After a series of gentle ascents and descents, we reach a trail junction, where we have the option to take a short detour to an observation point at approximately 532 meters above sea level. From here, we can gaze down at our final destination—Topphøna.
At the peak, we are rewarded with stunning views of Tysdalsvatnet, Vatne Camping, and Bjørheimsbygd. On the return journey, we follow the western route, with an optional stop at another scenic viewpoint at 458 meters. For a more relaxed adventure, we can take the western route both ways, making this a comfortable "Level 2 - Friendly Adventure."
Tragedy in the Mountains – The Holtaheia Plane Crash
On this hike, history comes to life as we explore the remnants of a tragic event.
The Holtaheia Accident occurred on August 9, 1961, when a flight carrying an entire school class from Croydon, South London, deviated from its planned route for reasons still unknown. The crash claimed 39 lives—34 boys aged 13 to 16, two teachers, and three crew members—marking the deadliest aviation disaster involving schoolchildren at the time.
A memorial was unveiled at Holtaheia on May 13, 1962, honoring those lost. Today, this area is a popular hiking destination, where scattered plane wreckage still remains, serving as a poignant reminder of the past.
Organisasjonsnummer: NO 832 127 922
Email: stavangeradventure@gmail.com
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