Oksen –"The Bull" is one of the most iconic hikes of Hardanger. Join us on this tour and experience a stunning 360 degree view from the top, seeing fjords in all directions. Ending the day with a thrilling Fjordsafari with RIB.
New 2025 from Brakanes Hotel in Ulvik.
Reception of Brakanes Hotel
Promenaden 3
5730 Ulvik
In the mountains of Hardanger you often find land formations that can remind you about the shape of an animal. The shape is the reason for the name of the formation. Animal names given could also be associated with old folk beliefs, or in memories of historical events.
Oksen – the Bull is one of these mountains. With a top shape looking like the back of a bull on the run. Oksen is an iconic mountain, and hiking to the top is one most spectacular hikes you can do during your visit to Hardanger. If you ask the locals of their favorite hike in Hardanger, our guess is that Oksen will be listed by all of them!
The hike is demanding, 1241 meters of ascent to be climbed. But it is wurth all the struggle, reaching the top and see the Hardanger mountains plunging into deep fjord arms in such a spectacular way.
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. If staying at Brakanes Hotel the transport is included as part of the acommodation. If staying elsewhere choose transport as addon/price 125 NOK.
The trail starts at Tjoflot, first steeply uphill through the forest up to the mountain farm at Vindhovden, You have now climbed 600 meters in height, crossed the forest line, and then we take a well deserved breather on the ground by the old mountain farm houses, the view is strikingly beautiful.
From Vindhovden, you can see the top of Oksen in the distance. The trail continues steadily up the ridge to approx. 900 m. The trip now continues upwards in a some what steeper section where the path is more stony. From 1100 meters above sea level, the altitude meters are calmer, the last stage leads up to 1241 meters above sea level.
And Oksen is ascended!
At the top you get a fantastic 360-degree view of a spectaculr fjordlandscape, and can see the famous Hardanger "cross" of the fjords below you. Eidfjorden to the north, Kinsarvik to the east, Sørfjorden to the south, and the Hardangerfjorden to the west. Added to this can see large parts of Hardangervidda National park, Folgefonna Glacier National park and Vossefjella and Raundalsryggen peaks in the northwest.
Its hard to leave this amazing spot, but the adventure is not yet over. We start descending, facing the view of the Hardangerfjord and the afternoon sun in the west. For the return new views will open, and its like you are joining a new tour.
When reaching Tjoflot, Hardangerfjord Adventure is waiting with their RIB boat. And invites you to join a thrilling RIB fjordsafari, slide past towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, while soaking in panoramic fjordviews, see centuries-old landscape, shaped by proud farming and cultural traditions.
The RIB tour brings you back to Brakanes Hotel.
Fun, stressless and impressive hiking experience
Guide
Hiking poles
Information about local nature and history
Instructor carrying safety and first aid-equipment
Micro spikes or snowshoes if needed
Pictures: your guides help you with taking photos during the entire tour
Self-inflating life jacket
Free transport included as part of the accommodation at Brakanes Hotel
RIB Transportation
Level of difficulty: Medium
The weatherconditions greatly determine the level of difficulty. Please inform yourguide of any medical conditions that might impact you during your hike or in anemergency.
Requirements:
8-9 hours
1200 m ascent
Reception of Brakanes Hotel
Promenaden 3
5730 Ulvik
Conditions in the mountains can be unpredictable and change fast. Temperature can be deceiving as the wind plays an important role. Also think about the effects of sun, rain and snow conditions. Every person’s perception is different, so make sure you bring clothes according to your personal needs.
A general thumb rule is: check the weather forecast, prepare for the worst conditions but do not overload your backpack, weight matters greatly when it’s about saving energy. Use the onion look: layers that can easily be taken on and off.
We do not cancel tours due to bad weather. The only times we cancel is when the bad weather becomes dangerous weather. We will inform you in case of cancellation. Please read our cancellation policies for more information.
If rain and low temperatures are forecasted bring also:
(Early and late in the season: Please make sure to leave a bit of space in your backpack for the micro spikes and be aware that you should be able to strap snowshoes onto the backpack you are bringing.) You can rent certain pieces of equipment on site: rain pants and jackets, hiking boots, backpacks.
To book a private guide, choose the option ‘Private guide’. A group with a private guide, can include up to 8 participants/the price is equal to the price of 8 persons booked. For the private guide, make a booking for 8 persons, when placing your booking info, write ‘Private guide xx persons’ in the cell for your first name. And your full name in the cell for the last name.
Reception of Brakanes Hotel
Promenaden 3
5730 Ulvik
To master the “art” of ski touring takes time. Why not combine it with exploring the beauties of the Hardanger region?
Hop on the fastest boat of this fjord and discover the stunning landscape of the Trolltunga region from a different angle.
This Autumn Trolltunga Active invites you to GO VIKING. Join us on a unique Trolltunga hiking adventure in late autumn.
From 1st Oct to 17th Dec
