Description

Oksen has a magnificent view 360 degrees to almost the whole of Hardanger, to both fjords and mountains: Samlafjorden, Sørfjorden, Eidfjorden, Granvinsfjorden, mountain areas on Voss and Hardanger.

Almost everyone can take this trip if enough time is taken for the ascend. History; Oksen protrudes into the Hardangerfjord from the north.

On Oksen, in the Middle Ages, there was a common rule, that they would notify the lighthouse in Ullensvang if enemy ships came.

Around the year 1000, the king created a land protection by dividing Norway into ship riders.

Each ship would hold a ship with food and crew, sails and maintenance of equipment.

Such a ship lay in Kinsarvik.

As part of this land protection plan, it was also expected that they would build houses in the mountain to keep watch with free visibility.

If a ship came to know a light would be lighted, and its area would be notified. The last time this system was used where during the Napoleonic wars (1808-09 and 1814). Tour description; Getting to the starting point and parking: In the roundabout on the north side of the Hardanger Bridge, take the first exit towards Ulvik.

Out of the tunnel, in Vallavik, take off and drive Fv 302 in the direction of Djønno / Tjoflot, and drive along the fjord to Tjoflot (about 17 km).

From Tjoflot there is a small dirt road up to 250 m.a.s.l.

There is plenty of space for parking at the end of the dirt road. The trip starts with a tractor road which eventually crosses into a forest path.

Follow signes towards Oksen.

On the way you will come to some great spots for some photographies, so hold your camera close.

Out of the forest you have reached the Vindhovden which is about 600 meters above sea level.

Here is an old farm overlooking the fjord (as described in the history section).

It is usually here that you come to the snow and can put on your skis, but this obviously varies on the season and weather. From the Vindhovden, it goes uphill a while before a steep section takes rises a hundred height meters up to the summit.

This is the most demanding part on the trip, so here you may want to keep your distance and take some precautions.

The last section of the ascend is slaughtered upwards until you reach the the top. Here you can enjoy a famous and a Norway worthy view over Hardanger! The descend follows the same route as ascended