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In early September, I embarked on an overnight hiking adventure to Reinaknuten with my son, Linus. It was his first time visiting this beautiful area, and I was excited to introduce him to its wonders. Allow me to share with you a detailed account of our hike in the Stavanger area.
The hiking trail is an ancient route across the mountain, and the terrain varies from pine and birch forests to bare and easily traversable mountain landscapes. On clear days, the view from Reinaknuten is absolutely stunning, with views spanning large portions of Ryfylke and North Jæren.
The adventure starts with an approximately 40-minute car ride from Stavanger city centre. Deep inside the Ryfylke Mountains at an elevation of 350 meters above sea level, having just traveled under the (292m) fjord from Stavanger, we arrive at the starting point of the hike. Even at this point, we relish a stunning view that practically begs for striking selfies.
We enter the Bjørheimsheia (The home heath of the Bears), and as we follow the trail uphill through the ascending terrain, we pass through an enchanting pine forest. Along the path, you'll notice the remnants of old mountain farmsteads, bearing witness to past activity in the area. As we continue, the pine forest gradually gives way to a mixture of heathland and birch forest as we make our way towards the mountain.
We pass by the mountain Skjørbu, where it's possible to bag a bonus peak for those with the energy and time. However, we won't prioritize this and instead aim for the steep pass to the north. Before reaching the pass, we pass by some charming small lakes and have the opportunity to greet the local sheep.
On our way up the slope, we take a short break, turn around, and snap some photos of the view looking back towards Sjørbu. As we crest the hill, “Long mountain lake” unfolds before us, and you truly begin to sense the beauty of this area.
From here, the ascent becomes steep, but as we've now passed the treeline, we have a clear vantage point, and the terrain is relatively easy to traverse. After the steepest climb, we reach a plateau where the trail follows a small lake. This pond not only offers picturesque scenery but also a brief flat section, which is a welcome respite.
However, we can hardly wait to discover what the next elevation will reveal to us, and we continue our journey towards Krossen. The peak stands at an impressive 718 meters above sea level, with just a short detour from the trail to reach it.
Krossen doesn't disappoint at all, and we spend a good while taking in the views before returning to the trail. The path ahead is dry, easy to walk, and straightforward. The terrain has its ups and downs, but the beautiful scenery and the sight of our destination are great sources of motivation.
Water sources in the mountains are scarce due to minimal rainfall, but we make a stop at a 'hidden' spring concealed beneath large rocks. Here, you'll find perfectly clear, pure water that has been naturally filtered through the moor, and it's simply a pleasure to enjoy.
It's late afternoon when we arrive at the small lakes below Reinaknuten, where we set up camp. We pitch the tent, start a small fire, and grab a bite to eat while enjoying the afternoon sun. Eventually, the fish in the lake make an appearance, but tonight, our agenda includes summiting the peak of Reinaknuten.
We left the camp a bit later than planned, so we had to hurry up the steep ascent to reach the top before sunset. Fortunately, we made it in time, and what a magical experience awaited us!
The view from the top of Reinaknuten is nothing short of breathtaking. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, it paints the sky with hues of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over the surrounding landscape. From this vantage point, you can see the rugged, undulating terrain stretching out in all directions, with rolling hills and valleys below.
To the west, the shimmering long mountain lake glistens like a jewel in the fading light, reflecting the sky's vibrant colors. To the east, the landscape extends into the distance, with forests, lakes, and peaks dotting the horizon.
As the sun continues its descent, the stars begin to emerge one by one, creating a celestial tapestry overhead. The view from Reinaknuten offers a profound connection with nature and a sense of awe-inspiring beauty that leaves a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to witness it.
A charming encounter atop the summit was with some tiny airborne creatures we affectionately dubbed 'summit mosquitoes.' These miniature beings seemed determined to hover over the highest points, whether it be a rock or a head. We were initially surprised by their presence as they emitted a noticeable hum, but soon discovered they were entirely harmless.
After savoring the magical view from the top of Reinaknuten, and said goosbye to the mosquitoes, we made our way down at a slow pace, our headlamps lighting the path ahead. Once we reach our campsite, we're greeted by the warm glow of the campfire we started earlier. As we settled into the comfort of our tent, exhaustion from the day's adventure starts to set in, and we quickly drift off to sleep.
The next morning, we woke up feeling refreshed. After a leisurely breakfast of coffee and oatmeal, we decided to try our luck at fishing. It doesn't take many casts before we're rewarded with the sight of the day's first beautiful mountain trout. The beauty of these fish serves as a testament to the unspoiled wilderness that envelops us. They possess a striking golden sheen adorned with remarkable specks of black, silver, and vibrant red. Each fish is a living canvas, a masterpiece crafted by the untouched natural environment they live in.
While these mountain trout are undoubtedly delicious when pan-fried to crispy perfection, this time, we made the conscious decision to release them all back into their pristine habitat. With our campsite dismantled and our gear packed away, we began our journey back home.
Rather than following the same trail back, we choose an alternate route that leads us down into the valley alongside Long Mountain Lake. To reach the water, we had to navigate a steep rocky slope. While it seemed intimidating at first glance, we approached it with care and caution, ensuring a secure and safe descent.
From the base of the rocky slope, we are treated to a panoramic view of the picturesque valley below, and we begin our trek alongside the water's edge. Along the way, we find ourselves pausing several times to enjoy the delicious blueberries, as they prove too tempting to resist. Additionally, we took the opportunity to greet the fish inhabiting the clear waters before indulging in a refreshing dip in the crisp mountain lake water.
Our path from here continued along a well-trodden trail that traced the water's edge and led us down the valley, where we had originally parked our car. As we journeyed homeward, our hearts and minds were filled with the memories of this incredible adventure, and the tranquility of the untouched wilderness stayed with us long after we left the mountains behind.
To sum it up, this hiking trail is a passage through nature's wonders, offering a glimpse into the diverse landscapes and breathtaking vistas of the Ryfylke Mountains. With each step, we discover the beauty and tranquility of this remarkable wilderness, leaving us with cherished memories to last a lifetime.
If you like us to guide you on this captivating round trip, we extend a warm welcome!
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See you on the trail!
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