Hiking in Buskerud – 7 mountain tours and long-distance trails from forest to high mountains

Buskerud stretches from the forests around Drammen and Kongsberg to Hallingskarvet and the Hardangervidda plateau. This means that a hike here can be an easy trip on a marked forest path, a multi-day route between DNT cabins or a demanding summit hike over rocks and snowfields.

The highest point in the county is Folarskardnuten in Hallingskarvet , in Hol municipality. The height is usually given as 1,933 meters above sea level , while more precise measurements indicate around 1,932 meters . The peak is a serious high mountain destination, not a simple viewpoint.

Plan for the terrain ahead. Bogs, ravines, wades, rocky scree, slippery rocks and rapidly changing weather affect both time and equipment. Always check current information on UT.no and DNT before setting off.

1. Around Hallingskarvet – approximately 100 kilometers over the high mountains

Route: Geilo–Haugastøl–Krækkja–Finse–Geiteryggen–Raggsteindalen–Geilo
Length: approximately 100 kilometers
Terrain: high mountains, rock, gravel, bog and snowfield
Difficulty: demanding
Suitable season: normally high summer to early autumn, depending on snow conditions

Hallingskarvet rundt is a multi-day route starting and finishing at Geilo. It passes both open high mountain plateaus and more technically demanding sections around Hallingskarvet. The route goes via Haugastøl, Krækkja, Finse, Geiteryggen and Raggsteindalen.

This requires careful stage planning. The cabins are not evenly distributed, and the stretch between Geiteryggen and Raggsteindalen is long and lacks DNT cabins . There you need to plan for overnight camping and carry food, fuel and safety margins.

Parts of the tour go outside Buskerud, across the county border towards Vestland and through areas that are also associated with other Norwegian provinces. Therefore, check the entire route, not just the Buskerud section. Also check the cabin opening times, booking requirements and current status on DNT's cabin overview .

The elevation changes vary between the stages, but it is the overall load that is noticeable. The terrain can be slow even when the map shows relatively few meters of elevation gain. Expect longer days than on a well-prepared trail.

For the tent route, you need a wind-resistant tent that can be pitched on uneven ground. A lightweight hiking tent is only the right choice if it can also withstand wind, rain and repeated set-ups. A sleeping pad with sufficient insulation is just as important. Cold ground can ruin your recovery even when your sleeping bag is warm.

2. Folarskardnuten – Buskerud's highest point

Starting point: Hallingskarvet, often from the Geilo, Finse or Raggsteindalen side depending on the route
Elevation: approximately 1,932–1,933 meters above sea level
Terrain: stone, boulders, steep sections and possible snow
Difficulty: very demanding
Experience level: experienced mountain hikers with good orienteering skills

Folarskardnuten is a destination for those who are already comfortable with high mountain terrain. There is no single, simple standard route that makes the peak accessible to everyone. The route and difficulty level depend on where you start from, snow conditions and how much boulder terrain remains.

The summit requires more than fitness. You need to be able to assess the weather, read the terrain and turn around when visibility deteriorates. Rock scrambling is slow and tiring, especially with a heavy backpack. Slippery rocks and snowfields can also alter an otherwise viable route.

Plan the trip as a full day or as part of a multi-day route. Study contour lines, identify retreat routes and leave a roadmap. Map, compass and offline map on the phone should complement each other. GPS is an aid, not a replacement for orientation.

3. The triangle on Hardangervidda – 72.5 kilometers between DNT cabins

Route: Solheimstulen–Mårbu–Rauhelleren–Solheimstulen
Length: approximately 72.5 kilometers
Time: four days
Total ascent: around 1,048 vertical meters according to DNT's tour description
Difficulty: demanding
Suitable season: normally July–September for hiking

The Triangle is a clear DNT route on the Hardangervidda. A typical plan includes approximately 19 kilometers between Solheimstulen and Mårbu , approximately 21 kilometers between Mårbu and Rauhelleren and a longer return route of approximately 32 kilometers , which needs to be distributed according to current route and cabin planning.

Solheimstulen, Mårbu and Rauhelleren are established DNT cabins, but service, opening hours and booking rules may vary. Check the current tour description on the DNT page for Trekanten on the Hardangervidda plateau .

Hardangervidda may look easy to hike from a distance. This is misleading. Weather changes, fog, bogs, rocky sections and whatnot can make a long stage significantly slower. Water is often available, but you still need to carry capacity for drier stretches and check water levels on the map.

Use a map and compass even if the trail is marked. Keep track of time, weather, and remaining distance. If a long day starts to grow beyond your planning, shorten or turn around before the margins disappear.

4. Rallarvegen – historic cycle route that can also be hiked

Route: Haugastøl–Finse–Hallingskeid–Flåm
Terrain: gravel construction road, mountains and steeper descent
Difficulty: medium to demanding like hiking
Suitable season: summer, when the road is snow-free

Rallarvegen is primarily a cycle route along the Bergen Railway. It can also be walked, but it is important to plan based on the nature of the trail. The gravel road makes navigation easier than on high mountain trails, but the route is long and transport logistics affect the layout.

A practical hike can be divided into Haugastøl–Finse , Finse–Hallingskeid and then on towards Flåm. The height is greatest around Haugastøl and Finse, while the road then descends towards the fjord landscape. The surface is relatively even but not always easy on the feet after long days.

Trains are the natural transport solution to and from the start and finish, but please check current train connections, cycling regulations and any seasonal restrictions yourself. Do not enter your itinerary until you have checked it for the date you are travelling.

Snow may remain late in the season. Check road conditions, avalanche risk, weather and whether parts of the route are particularly busy with bicycle traffic.

5. Hallingskeidvegen – historical hike from Osa to Hallingskeid

Route: Osa–Hallingskeid
Terrain: valley, mountain sides, high mountains and historical routes
Difficulty: demanding multi-day hike
Suitable season: snow-free summer and early autumn

The Hallingskeid Road is a historic hiking route from Osa to Hallingskeid. It connects lowland and fjord-side environments with high mountain terrain and therefore requires a clear plan for both altitude differences and weather.

There is no single stage division that suits all groups. Plan from the map and current trail information. Expect a large climb from Osa up towards higher terrain and with varying surfaces: path, wet sections, rocks and possibly snow.

The route is suitable for hikers who are used to longer days and who can handle changing orientation when fog rolls in. Check bridges, wading, trail markings, any cabin status and transport from Osa and Hallingskeid before you start.

6. Reedbed Trekanten – forest, lakes and wilderness

Route: Storekrakkoia–Fønhuskoia–Vassfarkoia
Terrain: forest, marsh, lake shores and low mountains
Difficulty: medium to demanding depending on stage
Suitable season: summer to early autumn

Vassfaret has a completely different character than Hardangervidda. Here you walk through forest and wilderness terrain with bogs, roots, soft ground and more sheltered valleys. The triangle between Storekrakkoia, Fønhuskoia and Vassfarkoia provides a natural multi-day hike with overnight stays in cabins.

The area covers both Buskerud and Innlandet. Therefore, check which part of the route is currently open and which cabins are open. The cabins are mainly unmanned and require you to be self-sufficient with food and equipment.

The elevation differences are smaller than on the Hardangervidda plateau, but bogs and wet forest land can slow down the pace. Bridges can be slippery and small streams may require detours or wading after rain.

7. Skrim – marked trails near Kongsberg

Goals: Skrimtoppen, Styggemann and Høgstøle
Terrain: forest, mountain forest, outcrops and open heights
Difficulty: easy to demanding depending on variant
Suitable season: spring to autumn, with snow conditions checked

Skrim is located between Kongsberg and Vestfold and is a good option when you want to train for longer high mountain tours without starting on Hardangervidda. Marked summer trails go through forests and over more open mountain areas. Skrimtoppen, Styggemann and Høgstøle can be combined in day trips or longer trips with overnight stays in cabins.

Kongsberg og Omegns Turistforening and DNT Tønsberg og Omegn have cabins in the area. Check the current status, key or booking system and suitable parking before starting. The length of the stage varies between different rounds, so use the current map instead of using a standard measurement.

Skrim is also a good place to practice packing, navigation and weather assessment. The surface is often more accessible than in Hallingskarvet, but slippery rocks, roots and rain still make a difference.

Blefjell and Norefjell – two other areas to plan

Blefjell offers more open mountain terrain and marked trails with cabins such as Eriksbu, Sigridsbu and Sveinsbu . Norefjell offers greater elevation differences and a more high mountain feel, with for example Høgevarde and Toveseter . The areas are managed partly by DNT Drammen og Omegn and partly by local tourist associations.

Cabin types vary between serviced, self-serviced and unmanned cabins. Always check DNT's cabin information before departure.

Equipment for Buskerud's diverse terrain

For multi-day hiking, you need to start with the big pieces: backpack, tent, sleeping pad and sleeping system. See HikingStore's range of backpacks , tents , sleeping pads and sleeping bags .

In the high mountains, you need a tent that is stable in wind. The sleeping pad must insulate against cold ground; a thin pad can cause ground chilling and poor recovery. The sleeping bag or quilt should be chosen based on expected night temperatures, not how warm it feels when setting off.

For technical information on CUIN, down types and how fill weight affects warmth, read our guide to bird down in sleeping bags . Our packing list for summer mountain hiking is also a good starting point.

Public right in Buskerud

The right of public access applies primarily to open land – forests, mountains, marshes and other land that is not used as a farm plot, garden or active agricultural land. Inland land includes fields, courtyards, gardens and built-up areas. The same free access does not apply there.

In the wilderness, you are normally allowed to camp for a maximum of two days in the same spot without the landowner's permission. Stay at least 150 meters from inhabited houses and cabins. In remote high mountain areas, longer stays may be possible, but always be considerate and check local regulations.

The general fire ban in or near forests and open fields applies from April 15 to September 15. Check the fire ban on the same day. Preferably use a closed emergency kitchen and leave no traces.

Dogs are subject to a national leash requirement from 1 April to 20 August , and municipalities may have stricter rules. Motorized traffic in open areas is not included in the right of way. This means that you are not allowed to drive freely with a car, ATV or snowmobile outside permitted roads and areas.

The duty of care means that you must show consideration, not damage nature, close gates, take all waste with you and avoid disturbing animals, birds and other hikers. In high mountains, the Hardangervidda plateau, protected areas and areas where reindeer or other wildlife have special protection, additional rules may apply.

Leave a roadmap, use offline maps, and turn around early. The best equipment is the one that works when the weather changes and margins get smaller.

The next part in the Norway series is Innlandet.