Norway
Hike to Synshorn and a visit to a fairytale forest + waterfall
Rewarding hike up the Synshorn near lake Bygdin of 6 km and 450 m height gain.
Hike up to the Synshorn
Coming from Bygdin, the impressive sight of Synshorn meets the eye as you continue onward towards Valdresflye. The main appeal of this particular peak lies in the unexpected, yet breathtaking view from the top; you will see Fagerstrand and the Bygdin area from a birds perspective, and in the distance, the Bitihorn mountain peak. Moreover, Synshorn stands out both in its placement and its popularity as a hiking destination; it towers sturdy by the road, impossible to miss, and is very popular amongst families, especially with children. It's an easy hike, with a flat top, and has on many occasions been a part of the local mountain relay race. Synshorn lies at 1464 m above sea level and is a rewarding hike because you will reach a high altitude in short time. The hike is about 6 km round trip but you gain 450 m of height so it's not difficult to imagine the trail. It's climbing, climbing, climbing. Some parts are a bit tricky because of the steep stone surfaces. Make sure to wear shoes with good grip. For the rest: fairly easy hike with amazing views at the top. You can extend your trail by doing a via ferrata at the top, but book that with a company before heading off yourself.
A visit to the Stuttgongfossen
If you enter "Stuttgongfossen" on your maps, you will be led to the parking area where you can descend about 300 meters to the waterfall. The very short walk to the waterfall itself is magical: the forest is filled with lychen, mosses and unique vegetation. The waterfall is also very charming and easy to reach.
