Middagshesten from Rellingsetra

The trail to Mount Middagshesten involves a good deal of climbing which will soon reward you with a beautiful view in several directions. The view from the mountaintop stretches to Norddalsfjorden, the Dyrdalen Valley with amazing mountain lakes and the mountains Torvløysa, Storvasshornet, and Skorene. This trail is suitable for children from 7 years old who are used to mountain hiking.

From the car park in Rellingsetra, first walk over the mountain pasture and pass between the upper houses at the farm before following the farm road for a short while. You will see a ski lodge up on Selhaugen Hill and turn up to the left near a small river. Climb up the old slalom slope. The path is marked with red “V” letters further up. After you ascend the slalom slope, the path will flatten out slightly before it starts climbing uphill again in the direction of Kvithaugen. Walk further along the valley between the mountaintops Nonshaugen and Middagshesten. You will see a sign that points to Middagshesten at the height of 940 m above sea level. Here, you need to do a more strenuous climb and walk past some large rocks before you come up the flat area that leads you to the foot of Mount Middagshesten. Keep an eye on the red “V” letters as you walk further across this rocky area. The final steepest climb starts roughly halfway through the ridge of the mountain. This section begins with a small scree area and continues up quite steeply. Watch out for loose stones. You will come up to the mountain ridge itself only a small distance away from the cairn on Mount Middagshesten. Notice the place where you come up so that you can find the right way back down. Follow the same path on your way back. Alternatively, you can return to the starting point by following the mountain ridge in the direction of Lake Storvatnet. You will then come down to some small lakes before you can find the uppermost path that leads down to Rellingsetra. This path is currently not marked or prepared, so we recommend joining someone who is familiar with the area. 

Drive in the direction of Norddal for about 5 km from the ferry terminal in Eidsdal. Take the right turn into the village by the convenience store and drive for about 2 km before turning right over a bridge. The road continues up to Hatlestad with no other junctions. You will pass the waterfall Dyrdalsfossen on your way. Drive over the car park in Hatlestad, pay a toll fee and follow the private gravel road for about 3 km until you reach Rellingsetra. There is limited space at the car park so please share a car with other hikers, if possible.