Fjellenern, the last of a three-parted competition

Fjellenern is the last of a three-(or four) parted competition. Before the run, there had been three other competitions: cross country, randonee and cycling. So the competition is very similar to the triple in Birkebeineren. This last competition was an 8 km long run that started in the centre of Oppdal with the finish line at the top of one of Norway's largest alpine ski area. A lovely run, if it hadn't been for the extra challenges that day. Before we arrived at Oppdal, it started snowing, but being optimistic we did not think it was cold enough for it to stay on the ground. We were wrong! The snow made the path very slippery and made it was difficult to run at times and many chose to walk instead of running. As if the snow in itself did not make it difficult enough, it got more and more windy the higher we got. As a result the run had to be shortened down to 7km since it was impossible to see where the path was supposed to be. The organizers handled the challenges very well and all the other competitions have also been well organized. A very good alternative to the Birkebeiner competition with less people and less hassle.
Of course the weather improved after the run. Looking at the skiing area it almost looked like the season could start very early, this was the first weekend in September! Just to make it clear: even in Norway it is not normal to have snow this early...

Almost at the top, those shoes were not made for running in snow...

Turn around and go back home? looks very cold!

My mother, supportive as always:)

The snow disappeared quickly AFTER the run

Snow also in Dovre

Torbudalen, a nice place for recreation=)

One of the valleys leading into the mountains from Sunndalsøra, is Torbudalen. Many have made this calm and relaxing valley in a spectacular scenery their place for recreation. Although there are several areas for cabins, you hardly notice them when you're driving along the road. This is because the size and number of cabins is strictly regulated. I am ashamed to say it, but for the 10 years I have called Sunndalsøra my home, I have never visited this valley so of course I had to say yes when I was invited this autumn. To get to my friend's cabin I cycled so that I would get the time to enjoy the scenery and really see the nature. The road in itself is actually a tourist attraction, Aursjøvegen, that is worth a visit. If you also make it to Stakrafts power plant in Sunndal, you get to see photoes of how challenging it was to get equipment up the valley when the dams where built. There are several dams along the road, the largest one is Aursjødammen where you also find a cabin for tourists. There are several other cabins in the mountains nearby for those who does not mind a short hike. 
The time spent at the cabin was lovely. Not only was the company impeccable, but the activities was just how I like it: We had a hike to Håkådalshøa. A nice hike, but a bit rocky at the top. Of course games were played and lots and lots of food was eaten. A dip in the lake followed by a visit to the outdoor tub removed every last bit of tension=) On our way home we was lucky to have my friends father arrange some shooting exercise for us. There are also other possibilities in Tobudalen, like picking berries, fishing, photography etc, but there are only so much you can do during a weekend while relaxing...=)

The view down towards Sunndal.

The firs dam, I'm excited:p

Signs along the road telling the name of almost every hill. "Beautifullvalley hill"

Torbudalen seen from Håkådalshøa

Relaxing, again, after the hike=) 

cool:)

=)

Jokran: A hike for the (many) days with poor weather

The marked tourist path from Grøa to Vangshaugen is an excellent place for a run. Compared with other paths in the area it's not slippery in wet weather. The hike/run is a bit steep in the beginning but after a while it gets flat and then it's just to follow the path along the valley. Along the path there are several signs telling the name of the places you pass, some of them are really funny! So you're actually entertained=) At Jokran there is of course the obligatory book to sign ones name in. This is where many people stop and head back home, but I would recommend to follow the path a bit further until you get to Dalavatnet. Both the path and the nature is lovely from Jokran to Dalavatnet. The path also passes a dam for those of you who are nerds like me and like to check out how it's built :p

 

Dalavatnet

I think it's been a while since the last bus arrived

The path is marked all the way so it's easy to follow:)

Jokran

A dam=)

The winter is not far away=)

Excellent for running!

The birkebeiner competition

The Birkebeiner competitions has its roots in the story about how the future king, Håkon Håkonsson, was moved to safety by a dangerous trip over the mountains when he was only 2 years old. This background is made clear by the competition rule that everyone has to wear a backpack weighing 3.5 kg for both the skiing and the cycling competition. For the last competition, the run, you do not have to wear it. The skiing competition was held last winter, and the cycling and running this autumn. You can choose whether you want to take part in one, two or all three competitions. If you take part in all three there is also a combined competition of the three: "the triple". In each competition you have to be below a maximum finish time (based on the best ones in each group) to get an award. If you manage this in all competitions, you get the title "Birkebeiner of the year".

The cycling competition was great fun! And I both understand why the it's sold out within minutes and why people sell their tickets when it's bad weather. Luckily the weather was nice this year and I could only enjoy the beautiful route and the lovely scenery along it. The same also applies for the run which was a 21 km route mostly in the terrain. Much better than running on concrete or asphalt! And much more fun=)

I am very impressed by how well it all has been organized. Especially considering the logistics with having the start and finish at two different locations and also the amount of people participating in the competitions. Well done!

My goal was to become a Birkebeiner of the year, and after managing the requirements in the first two competitions I had only the run left. I got a good night sleep at Suttestad gård, a charming old building  away from the noise. I would recommend a stay at this place for anyone who likes to feel at home and are tired of big hotels. I charged the batteries well, managed to do a good run and reached my goal! It was a lovely feeling=)
What next?

Ready!

FOOD!=) Very important before a long competition

My mother, the sports journalist...? This is where I was some seconds earlier

bikes everywhere

Suttestad gård

The start of the run, many nervous competitors

Besseggen -an overrated hike?

The hike across Besseggen is rated as one of the most beautiful hikes in Norway and is therefore also one of the most popular ones. The hike goes from Memurubu to Gjendesheim in Jotunheimen National park. To get to Memurubu most people take the ferry from Gjendesheim. It is possible to make the trip one day longer by taking the ferry a bit further and starting the hike at Gjendebu. Then you hike across Bukkelægret to get to Memurubu. A rather steep hike at times, but nice indeed:)

Besseggen is famous for its wonderful view with a green lake on one side and a blue one on the other. The view was beautiful, but the rest of the hike was disappointing. For me the hike got ruined by all the people everywhere, it was like walking down the main shopping street in a big city on a Saturday. Not what  I prefer when I am up in the mountains. So even though I understand why it has become so famous, I think the popularity is damaging the experience.

One of the most positive things about Besseggen, was that it gave a great view over to Knutshøe. This mountain seemed so fun to hike that the trip was extended by an extra day. And it was absolutely worth it! The hike was very nice, but maybe a bit more difficult than Besseggen. We only saw a handful of other people on the hike so it was hard to imagine that Besseggen was only minutes away.  

The cabins around Besseggen are very big and nice, but for me they were to similar to a hotel. They lacked some of the personality and charm the cabins in Trollheimen have.

All in all a nice trip, but Besseggen will never be one of my favourites. It is a hike that is fun to have walked, but that I will never do again. I can only recommend the hike to those who doesn't mind hiking in a huge crowd.

Besseggen

On my way to the top of Knutshøe=)

Satisfied with the hike 

Knutshøe

Kongelhjellan, one of the most popular hikes in Sunndal

A short drive up the valley, the start of a beautiful short hike to Kongelhjellan starts. The beginning of the hike is marked with a sign and shortly after there is a place to park the car. The hike follows a broad path that is nice to walk on, although it can be a bit slippery when it is wet. Along the path you can find different kinds of berries in the right season: blueberries, raspberries and wild strawberries=)

The hike takes less than an hour to the top, where you of course find a book to sign your name in. If you continue a bit further you come to a nice viewpoint. A lovely place to have lunch and maybe some dessert if you have picked some berries:)

A nice view down the valley

The path continues to the viewpoint

The start of the hike is easy to find:)

Halsen in Øksendalen

In the valley west of Sunndal, Øksendal, this is a popular afternoon hike. The path starts just above the small craft harbour.  If you walk past some old car wrecks you have found the right path. The hike takes approximately 20 minutes to the postbox with a book to sign ones name in. Any hike in and around Sunndal usually gives a great view even though it is not long. This is because almost all hikes are steep! Therefore I was quite disappointed at the end of the hike when we did not get any view of the fjord at all. It is possible to continue on several paths from the postbox, but they are all overgrown and narrow and doesn't provide a better view. The positive thing about the hike is that it follows a very soft path, no hard rocks. Also abnormal  for this area.

One of the car wrecks, impossible to miss...

Some view of Øksendalen on the way back:)

It is important to sign ones name in the book. That way people can see you've been there=)

Up the valley

Some 30 minutes up the valley Gjøra, a small settlement, lies. This is where Sunndal National Park Centre is located. The centre gives a nice introduction to what the park has to offer and what great adventures that can be found in the area. From tha national centre there is a path leading to several old pastures. They are not still in use, but are worth a visit. One also get a beautiful view as the path to them is rather steep.  

The view from Gravemsætra(Gravem pasture)

The fog can come very quickly, so be aware...

Nisjasætra (Nisja pasture)

A nice place to have lunch

If you continue up the mountains from the centre you get to see farms located high up in the mountain that are still running. Further ahead, in Grøvudalen, there is even an old pasture that is run traditionally each summer that offers products that are made the old fashioned way. The brown cheese made there is delicious. In the area there are also several spectacular waterfalls and on the way to Grøvudalen the road passes one of them.

Jenstad, one of the farms in the area

In this area there are lots of cabins and I can understand why: Visiting one of my friends this summer, my shoulders relaxed momentarily. It must be wonderful to have such a place to go to whenever you need to relax. Also the hiking and skiing opportunities are both plenty and spectacular.

This tree has its own story, a special tree for the people in the area

Grødalen

The view towards Gjøra from Grødalen