About This Hike
Skåla (1,848 m) rises above Loen in Nordfjord and is crowned by the historic Skålatårnet, with the newer Skålabu nearby. The standard summer route starts at Tjugen, about two kilometres from Loen, and gains more than 1,800 metres from close to fjord level. It is a sustained, demanding mountain day: the 16-kilometre return normally takes eight to ten hours, although fit walkers may reach the top in three to five hours. The T-marked trail begins on a forest road, then continues on a good path through stone steps, sherpa-built sections, rock and slabs. Park at Tjugen, where there is paid parking, a toilet and waste disposal. Start early, carry map and compass, enough food and water, plus windproof and warm layers. Snow can remain high on the mountain well into summer, and fog can conceal the route near the top; turn back if conditions worsen and remain on the marked trail, which avoids the very steep terrain beside it.
Highlights
- ✓ 1848m continuous ascent
- ✓ Historic summit tower
- ✓ Fjord to peak experience
- ✓ Major hiking achievement
Getting There
Paid parking at Tjugen (Tyva), about 2 km from Loen, with toilet and waste disposal at the trailhead.
Before You Go
Skåla is a full fjord-to-summit day, even for strong walkers: use Tjugen as the single start point, expect three-to-five hours up and reserve enough energy, food and daylight for the descent. Skålatårnet and Skålabu are DNT cabins, not guaranteed day-use shelters; book Skålabu separately if an overnight is part of the plan. The marked summer path is the right objective—snow, fog or a wish to shorten the day do not turn the route into a safe spring, winter or off-trail alternative.
Information checked: September 2026, against current Loen Skylift and Visit Norway Skåla route, access and season information
⚠️ Safety Notes
- Snow patches can linger above roughly 1,100 metres into summer, hiding the path and increasing the risk of slips and falls.
- Terrain off the marked route is extremely steep, so stay on the path, particularly in fog.
- The exposed 1,848-metre summit brings cold and fast weather changes with little shelter; carry layers and turn back if visibility deteriorates.
- Winter or spring ascent requires separate avalanche and snow skills; it is not the same as the marked summer hike.