Join in on a historical hike on the Sverrestigen Viking trail through the beautiful Raundalen valley. Raundalen is a 25km long valley that stretches from the landmark of Rastalii, all the way to Upsete. Thanks to its wild nature and interesting history, Raundalen is the perfect valley for hiking; a rare gem, just a few minutes out of Voss!
Join in on a historical hike on the Sverrestigen Viking trail through the beautiful Raundalen valley. Raundalen is a 25km long valley that stretches from the landmark of Rastalii, all the way to Upsete. Thanks to its wild nature and interesting history, Raundalen is the perfect valley for hiking; a rare gem, just a few minutes out of Voss!
Some 840 years ago, in late October 1177, Sverre Sigurdsson approached Voss from the east. He was the leader of the Birkebeiner-rebels based in eastern Norway. Supported by an army of seasoned fighters, Sverre was on his way to Bergen. He was campaigning for the throne and had many enemies. Unexpectedly, Sverre and his men were stopped near Voss by an army of farmers assembled from the nearby villages.
King Sverre, outnumbered, was engaged in battle and forced to escape back the way he came. The farmers had blocked the normal passage east. Instead, Sverre and his army were forced to climb past a steep and exposed cliff section near the mouth of the valley called Raundalen. This route still holds the name «Sverre’s path» (Sverrestigen).
On this hiking adventure, you meet your guide in the center of Voss, who will bring you to the starting point of your hike by catching the local train to Klyve, just a couple of minutes from Voss. From Klyve you will quickly reach the start of Sverrestigen, one of the most remarkable trails in Voss. The trail starts close to the deep gorge that shapes an impressive entrance to the Raundalen valley. From here on we follow in the footsteps of the Viking King Sverre Sigurdsson! The trail is steep and exposed and can seem insurmountable and your guide can choose another trail in case the conditions become too difficult.
The trail leads you to Klyvsnolten (730 m), at the top of Rastalii. Before we continue on the ridge, we stop for a lunch break and enjoy the unique panorama of all the mountains of Voss.
The next stage brings us to Fjossstølen, a typical mountain-farm area. There we meet the old Raundalen trail and follow it down through the forest to Klyve. The local farmers had blocked this very trail back in 1177 and you can thus enjoy both perspectives of this episode of Norwegian History.
After a comfortable downhill walk, you end up in the Raundalen road where you catch the train back to Voss.
