エトネの山小屋＆キャビン・トップ7

Tucked high in the Etne mountains, Blomstølen is a charming no-service cabin managed by the Haugesund Turistforening. The hike from Øyno Farm in Stordalen Valley offers a gentle but scenic ascent, passing old stone walls, meadows, and traces of historic mountain farms. Whether you're on foot or bike, the trail rewards your effort with expansive views from the Bjødnanuten summit and a peaceful overnight stay in nature.

Perched by Sandvatnet and rebuilt in 2010, Sandvasshytta is Haugesund Turistforening's oldest mountain cabin in the Etnefjell region. The self-service lodge offers 62 beds, remains unlocked and open year-round, and guests are responsible for kitchen tasks, fetching water, and cleaning. Accessible via a marked trail from Markhus at Øvra (about a 4-hour walk), the cabin provides rowboat access, some phone-free solitude, storage for dogs, and a nearby Viking grave to explore.

Great cabin. Just luxurious. The last bit of the route here (along the lake) from Sauda is difficult when wet. Tip: There is only one spot to get reception for your phone or internet. This is exactly the spot from where I took the picture.

The café is open; please check Facebook for opening times: https://www.facebook.com/olaliafjellstove Payment is only possible with Vipps (only works with Norwegian bank accounts). Upon request, the friendly couple who run the hut would have accepted cash, but we didn't have any with us. The hut has plenty of covered outdoor seating and a climbing park for children.

Cozy cabin (for DNT members) in a picturesque location on the lake, superbly equipped and furnished.

The hut is at the far end of the very pretty ~11k Sandvatn circuit. Park at the lower dam (end of the gravel road) then walk back the last km or so and pick up the marked and signposted trail to the East. At the far end of the circuit, just North of the hut there is a bridge that allows to cross above the upper dam. At the southern end one can cross back over the dam. Find the route by searching for Sandvatn at https://ut.no/turforslag/115687/fottur-til-vre-sandvatn but note that the southeastern part is not entirely correct. Import the trail using Komoot’s known paths and you’ll be fine.

Self-catering hut of the DNT. Nice starting point for tours in the Indre Etnefjellet.