The best walks and hikes in Stordalen

Stordalen offers a wide selection of hiking opportunities, with over 50 routes available. These trails cater to various skill levels, from easy walks to more challenging expeditions across diverse landscapes.

Stordalen's terrain is remarkably diverse. In the Norwegian section, you'll find varied mountainous landscapes with high plateaus, fjords like Innvikfjord, and dense grey alder forests. The Swedish side, in contrast, features subarctic environments with small lakes, extensive mires, and unique permafrost formations. You can also encounter canyons and rivers throughout the region.

Yes, Stordalen has several trails suitable for families. For an easy and accessible walk, consider the Abisko East Train Station – STF Abisko Mountain Station loop from Abisko Östra, which is 3.2 miles (5.1 km) long and takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. A shorter version of the Tvinnefossen Waterfall loop, 2.2 miles (3.5 km), is also suitable for families.

Stordalen is known for its impressive waterfalls and stunning views. The Norwegian section features waterfalls like Tvinnefossen and Holvikfossen. For a trail that includes both, try the 4.4-mile (7.1 km) Holvikfossen Skywalk – Holvikfossen Waterfall loop. Peaks like Mount Røyrdalsfjellet (894 m) and Geitenakken (987 m) offer extensive views, including distant glaciers and the North Sea.

Yes, Stordalen offers several excellent loop trails. A popular moderate option is the Abiskojåkka Canyon – Meditation spot Abiskojokk loop from Abisko Östra, which is 10.9 miles (17.6 km) and provides scenic views through the canyon. Another loop, the Meditation spot Abiskojokk – Abiskojåkka Canyon loop from Abisko Östra, covers 11.6 km with similar moderate difficulty.

The best time for hiking in Stordalen is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when trails are clear of snow and the weather is most favorable. This period allows full access to the diverse landscapes, from mountainous areas to mires, and offers the best conditions for enjoying waterfalls and viewpoints.

Yes, Stordalen has a rich history intertwined with its natural beauty. The Stordalen Mountain Lodge, which has hosted hikers since 1936, served as a headquarters for the Bjørn West resistance group during World War II. Trails in the area incorporate significant historical stops and memorials related to these wartime events, allowing you to experience both nature and history. You can learn more at the Bjørn West Museum or find information about a specific hike at Visit Norway.

While Stordalen itself doesn't host large accessible glaciers directly on its hiking trails, you can enjoy views of distant glaciers from peaks like Geitenakken (987 m). For a more direct glacier experience, the Haugabreen glacier, located in the inner part of Stardalen (near Jølster) within the Jostedalsbreen National Park, offers glacier hiking opportunities to explore ice caves and formations.

The hiking routes in Stordalen are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an impressive average rating of 4.5 stars from over 1400 reviews. Hikers often praise the region's diverse landscapes, from dramatic canyons to subarctic mires, and the variety of trails suitable for different ability levels.

Absolutely. For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, Stordalen offers difficult routes with significant elevation gain. A prime example is the Abiskojåkka Canyon – Nuolja Summit (1,169 m) loop from Abisko Östra. This 10.3-mile (16.5 km) trail takes approximately 6 hours to complete and features a substantial ascent to the Nuolja Summit.

Yes, the Swedish section of Stordalen Naturreservat is notable for its subarctic environments, which include extensive mires and unique permafrost formations known as palsar. While specific trails highlighting these features aren't listed, exploring this side of the region will bring you closer to these distinct natural phenomena.