Lundeskaret - the classic mountain hike in Jølster !

July 8

We at Lunde Turiststasjon We grew up with the stories and nature of Lundeskaret. That's why the place and the mountains around us here in Kjøsnesfjorden mean a lot to us. Atle's great-grandfather started with glacier guiding in the 19th century and has since Lunde Turiststasjon was a natural starting and ending point for those walking across the glacier.

View towards Lundeskaret and the Kjøsnesfjord in Jølster .

Times have changed and the road to Fjærland was completed in 1986. At that time, the starting point of the trip was moved to the opening of the Fjærland Tunnel.
We took a hike up Lundeskaret last week and would like to show some pictures from this hike, and tell you a little about the trail, which is now free of snow and ice.

The road starts on the left side of the Fjærlandstunnelen

"The ascent from Lunde seems impassable when you see it from below, but the path is safe enough, even though it winds along cliffs and under threatening cliffs" Norvald Tveit, Vi Menn i 1961

The picture above was taken from "Skarholten", here you have to cross the slough and continue on the right side. Fonna is usually here until the end of June, so you should have an ice ax if you want to cross. Many have tried to continue straight up without crossing, it has rarely or never been successful!

This picture was taken where we say "we are going out into the mountains". This is where the steepest part of the trip starts, where you walk in some crevasses in the mountains. This part is well secured and has a good path. The view is fantastic towards Lunde glacier and further down you see the "main altar" on the left and the "Lish altar" down by the fountain in the gulley.

"The road winds in loops upwards, past ledges and along narrow, steep gorges where steps have been made with state assistance. In the worst places, a rope has been laid to hold on to." Norvald Tveit, Vi Menn 1961

In 1906, the tourist association provided funds to upgrade what is still Norway's steepest marked DNT trail. This stone staircase was built then. In 2015 and 2016, Sherpas from Nepal worked to improve and maintain the trail. The trailhead has largely been replaced with thick wire. This work has now been completed and the trail is better than ever.

The view from the top is impeccable, but it probably won't tempt those with a fear of heights to start the descent. In that case, the alternative is to go to Fjærland, Søgnesand or Haukedalen.

As we were about to walk back down Lundeskaret, we met this energetic group. They had taken a hike up after work and wanted to continue into the mountains to enjoy this beautiful summer evening.

DNT is also having joint hikes up Lundeskaret this year.
On Saturday, August 11th, they will go on the Lunde - Fjærland hike, and on Sunday, August 19th, the Children's Hiking Group will go up Lundeskaret.

So we hope that more people will want to hike up Lundeskaret this summer. It is a nice hike, but we recommend going when the weather is pleasant. It is also a good idea to have good shoes and a change of clothes with you, as the weather can change quickly and the top of Lundeskaret is at nearly 1000 meters above sea level.

Have a good trip!