Welcome to one of the most beautiful things Geiranger has to offer, namely the history heavy Skagefla mountain farm. This is a piece of Geiranger’s history that will take you back in time to when many lived in the steep mountain ledges. The tour starts at Skagehola, which is located at the bottom of Skagefla. Our boat will take you there from either Geiranger city center or Grande, depending on which suits you best.
Skagefla is located 250 metres above the fjord. As you move up the mountainside, you can get a little insight into what life was like by visiting one of the abandoned mountain farms. There are stories that tell how those who settled on the farms had to tie up their children to keep them from falling of the steep mountain slopes.
The written record for Skagefla dates as far back as 1613, and at its peak the farm housed over 120 animals. Settlers in the mountain farms knew that nature was capricious, and they were often exposed to avalanches and rockfalls. In 1837, much of the fields at Skagefla were destroyed by a landslide, which was part of the reason for the farm being divided into two the following year.
After that, the path to Skagefla was more treacherous than before due to the steep and challenging mountainside. Legend has it that when the sheriff came to collect taxes, farmers removed the logs that had been placed to aid climbing, so the sheriff had to turn around. Skagefla lay deserted for short periods due to difficult accessibility. It was not until 1855 that Skagefla was allocated funds to improve the path. Today, steps have been carved out for better accessibility.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For whom is the trip to Skagefla suitable?
The unique thing about the Skagefla mountain farm is that you get to experience the farm as is stood, walking the same path that the farm’s residents climbed before you. This farm is filled with the silent stories of the people and animals that lived there. The actual path up to Skagefla goes through some open terrain, but it is secured in the most exposed areas by steps in the mountainside and railings. If you are used to foresting and walking, this path should suit you. However, due to its steep and open terrain, smaller children should always be accompanied by an adult. The trail offers a fantastic view of the fjord, and, depending on the walker, takes somewhere between 30 minutes to an hour to walk.
Is Homlongsaetra available via Skagefla?
Those who want to visit Skagefla often take the trip further into the mountains to Homlong, which is located about 2.4 kilometres from Skagefla. It’s an easy hike without any steep climbs. If you want a slightly bigger challenge, you can hike to Homlongsaetra, and idyllic farm that was used as a summer pasture by Skagefla. Homlongsaetra offers panoramic views of Geitfonnegga, located on the north side of the fjord. It’s a beautiful hiking destination for those who want to extend the nature experience.
How do we plan our trip to Skagefla?
Bonseye will take you by sea to Skagefla. There are three daily departures from the Geiranger town center or the Grande. You’ll be fitted with a life jacket and don’t have to worry about what to bring on the boat trip. On arrival at Skagehola, hop off and start on the trail that creeps up the mountainside. In the most open and challenging sections, steps have ben carved into the mountain. After you have explored Skagefla – and maybe dreamed your way back a couple of hundred years in time – we either bring you back to Geiranger by boat or you can choose to continue hiking up to Homlongsaetra. Bring good shoes, clothing suitable for the weather and season, and toilet paper. It’s a steep hike to Skagefla, so it’s important to stay nourished and hydrated on the trip.
How much does the trip cost?
At Bonseye, we have very competitive prices. For this trip, you pay 100 KR each way, as well as a payment fee. We offer departures three times a day from Grande and the Geiranger city center and the trip to Skagefla takes 15 minutes.
The boat trip offers beautiful scenic views, and we provide the necessary safety equipment.