Day 2: "The Bull" awaits
In the mountains of Hardanger, you’ll often find landforms that resemble the shape of animals. These shapes are the reason for their names. Some names are also rooted in old folklore or memories of historic events. Oksen (“The Ox”) is one of these mountains, with a summit that looks like the back of an ox on the run. It’s an iconic mountain, and a hike to its summit is one of the most spectacular experiences you can have during your visit to Hardanger. If you ask locals about their favorite hike, chances are they’ll all mention Oksen.
The hike is demanding, involving 1,241 meters of elevation gain. But it's worth every bit of effort to reach the top and see the dramatic fjords and mountains plunge into deep fjord arms. The hike takes 8–9 hours in total, so make sure to bring appropriate clothing.
- We meet 09.30 at the reception of Brakanes Hotel. Here will the guide inform about weather forecast, last update on the conditions, and check that you are all well prepared for the adventure of the day. You will be transported by car along the fjord to Tjoflot, the last few kilometers will be on a narrow road, surrounded with a cultural picturesque landscape, farms and farm houses, and hundreds of fruit trees.
- The trail starts at Tjoflot, climbing steeply through the forest to the mountain farm of Vindhovden. At this point, you’ve climbed 600 meters and crossed the tree line. We'll take a well-earned break at the old mountain farm buildings, where the view is breathtaking. From Vindhovden, you can see the distant summit of Oksen. The trail continues steadily uphill along the ridge to about 900 meters. Then it gets steeper and rockier until 1,100 meters, where it levels out before the final stretch to the summit at 1,241 meters above sea level. And "The Bull" is ascended!
At the top, you’ll enjoy a magnificent 360-degree view of the dramatic fjord landscape, including the famous Hardanger "cross" of fjords: Eidfjorden to the north, Kinsarvik to the east, Sørfjorden to the south, and Hardangerfjorden to the west. You’ll also see large parts of Hardangervidda National Park, Folgefonna National Park, the Vosse mountains, and Raundal Ridge to the northwest. It’s hard to leave this incredible spot, but the adventure isn’t over yet. We begin the descent with the afternoon sun behind us and views over the Hardangerfjord. The return route offers new scenery—it feels like a different hike altogether.
When you reach Tjoflot, Hardangerfjord Adventure awaits with their RIB boat. You’ll be invited on an exciting fjord safari. Glide past towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls while enjoying panoramic views of the fjords and a centuries-old landscape shaped by proud agricultural and cultural traditions.
The RIB ride returns you to Brakanes Hotel, where you can enjoy a well-deserved dip in the pool before dinner.
