Synshorn and Fagerdalen

Fagerdalen and Synshorn are two very nice hikes that can either be combined or hiked separately. Starting and ending point is at Fagerstrand on the eastern shore of Lake Bygdin, close to Bygdinstøga Kafé and Bygdin Høifieldshotel. Getting there is by bus (summer route) from Beitostølen or Fagernes or by car along road 51 (parking against fee).

Tour details

Fagerdalen valley circuit: approx. 8 km in total and 220 m ascend/descend

Synshorn (1475 m.a.s.l.): 4.5 km return and 400 m ascend/descend

Description

The unmarked but clear trail starts more or less right uphill on the left-hand side of the stream running downhill from the Fagerdalen valley. After an ascend of approx. 180 m, the stream is crossed on rocks and approx. 100 m after, the trail splits. To the left you enter the Fagerdalen valley, while straight ahead/right you continue uphill to the summit of Synshorn. You first reach a high point with a stunning view down to the road, Lake Bygdin and towards the mountain of Bitihorn (and most people will claim the mountain here), but the true summit lies 250-300 m further to the north. Return on the same way.

For the Fagerdalen circuit, turn left approx. 100 m after crossing the stream. This junction can be a bit unclear, but heading towards the northern shore of Lake Heimre Fagerdalstjernet, you will re-encounter it shortly. The trail is unmarked. You pass by a nice spot for a swim in the lake and continue straight ahead until you meet the DNT trail (red T's) from Valdresflye to Lake Bygdin, just before the stream Synsbekken. Turn left and follow it downhill (this junction is very unclear, but when reaching Synsbekken you are not supposed to follow the path towards the right uphill, but hold left downhill. Just 50 meters after the intersection, the path is clear again, see last picture) to the lakeshore and then left again along Lake Bygdin back to Fagerstrand. The last 3 km are on a private gravel road (some traffic can occur, be considerate towards each other).