Lærdal to Oftedalen

In the summer we set out on a day hike from the Norwegian Lærdal valley to Oftedalen. The Oftedal hike is only about 7 km, but it packs in serious elevation gain and epic views. The trail is well signed all the way, and if you have more stamina you can continue a few more hours to Torsteinen for the best view. We stopped at Oftedalen - a small cluster of huts and lots of sheep - and it made for a perfect day hike. The weather was amazing, which helped a little.

The trail

The hike starts with easy trail access directly from Lærdal. We were fortunate enough to stay at a house right by the trailhead, so we could step out the door and onto the path. That made the morning simple and relaxed.

The path climbs steadily. Despite the short distance, the elevation gain keeps it interesting - you earn the views. The trail is clear and well marked, so navigation is straightforward. If you're after a longer day, continuing to Torsteinen is meant to be worth it; we were happy to call it at Oftedalen and enjoy the huts and the sheep.

Oftedalen

Oftedalen is a small cluster of huts and grazing land, with plenty of sheep. It felt like a proper mountain pasture - quiet, open, and with the valley laid out below. We stopped there for a break and took in the view back towards Lærdal.

Where to stay

We had work-related housing, so nothing to recommend from our own stay. If you're visiting Lærdal, though, this holiday house looked awesome - close to the old town, which is a popular spot for tourists and has the true Lærdal charm. It's a more authentic stay than the standard hotels in town.

Final thoughts

Lærdal to Oftedalen was a perfect day hike. Short in distance, big on elevation and views, and with easy access from Lærdal. If you're in the area and want a rewarding day out without a long drive, this one is well worth it. And if you've got the legs, pushing on to Torsteinen is meant to be even better. We'll save that for next time.