Rakssetra in Nordfjord - Mountain pasture, fjord & mountain views - FJORDS.COM

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#Rakssetra is every instagramer’s wet dream. Rakssetra in Nordfjord is an idyllic mountain pasture with traditional cabins set against fjord, mountain and wild nature backdrops. The hike up from Oppheim between Loen and Stryn leads to stunning panoramic views over Nordfjord, Olden and the surrounding peaks, perfect for nature lovers and cultural experiences. Map: Jostedalsbreen 1:50000.

Featured Image: Rakssetra in Nordfjord, Photo: Eirik Heen

Let´s put jokes aside. The view from Rakssetra down to Nordfjord, Oldebukta and Olden is fantastic. The abandoned mountain pasture is located up on the hillside at Oppheim between Loen and Stryn. It belongs to the farm Rake which is further down towards the fjord.

Season and important safety information

SAFETY & RESPONSIBILITY: Follow the Mountain Code when hiking in Norway. Conditions can change from summer and sunshine to winter and frost within minutes. Always be prepared for rapidly changing weather.

Read about your personal responsibility and how to stay safe in Norwegian nature.

BEFORE YOU GO: Weather and conditions are crucial. Always take this into account before setting out. Avoid the hike in bad weather, fog, thunderstorms, snow or icy conditions. Bring appropriate clothing, good hiking shoes, a map and compass, and enough food and water. Always check the weather forecast before you go.

DIFFICULTY: Moderate. This is a general assessment based on distance, terrain, elevation gain and exposure.

DURATION: 2–3 hours.

ELEVATION: This hike starts at approximately 280 masl (Parking lot at Oppheim). Highest point at approximately 540 masl (Rakssetra).

SEASON: June to September. These are approximate months and depend on weather, temperature and snow conditions in the mountains.

SUITABILITY: Parts of the trail are a bit steep, but it is easy and nice to walk. Just before you get up to Rakssetra you have to cross a river. Crossing the river can be challenging and sometimes impossible when there is high water flow. From Rakssetra you can walk the same way down as you went up.

NAVIGATION: We recommend always bringing a map and compass in case of fog.

MOBILE COVERAGE: Mobile coverage is often limited or unstable on many of the hikes described on this website, and in some areas there is no mobile coverage at all. It is recommended to bring an extra power bank for your mobile phone.

LIVESTOCK ON GRAZING LAND: Keep a safe distance from grazing animals, avoid sudden movements and close gates behind you. Dogs must be kept on a leash as required by regulations for much of the year. Read more about how to behave around animals and nature in Norway.

OFFICIAL TRAIL DESCRIPTION: Descriptions on fjords.com may be incomplete or contain errors. Always check updated information from official sources before you go. Many hikes in Norway can be found on UT.no, which provides maps and elevation profiles. Here is a trail description of Rakssetra on UT.no.

The road up to Oppheim and the parking

Just east of Rake, between Loen and Stryn, drive up Oppheimsvegen Road towards Oppheim. Drive Oppheimsvegen all the way to the end, about three kilometers. There is a parking lot (parking fee) at Oppheim, this is where the hike to Rakssetra starts.

The hike up to Rakssetra

Rakssetra between Loen and Stryn. Olden on the other side of the fjord.

From the parking lot at Oppheim, you first walk a short distance on a gravel road before you turn left and continue on a marked trail. The trail goes up in the forest between Oppheim and Rakssetra, you walk in the forest all the way.

Rakssetra (540 masl) is an abandoned mountain pasture that is currently used by those who owns it. It is also a popular hiking destination and is used as recreation for others. There is a beautiful cultivated landscape around the farm, and it is nice to sit there and eat your packed lunch while enjoying the beautiful place and the great view down to the fjord, Olden and the Oldedalen Valley.

The Traditional Pasture Farming in Norway was inscribed in the UNESCO Heritage list on December 4, 2024. A great example of traditional pasture farming in Norway is exactly the old pastures at Rakssetra.

Although the mountain dairies are no longer in operation, sheep spend the summers at Rakssetra. There they maintain the beautiful cultural landscape around the old mountain dairies, to the delight of all those who visit Rakssetra.

The hike up to Rakssetra takes between half an hour and an hour to walk. Parts of the trail are a bit steep, but it is easy and nice to walk. Just before you get up to Rakssetra you have to cross a river. Crossing the river can be challenging and sometimes impossible when there is high water flow. From Rakssetra you can walk the same way down as you went up.

NOTE – It is not allowed to camp on or near Rakssetra since it is privately owned. Read more about Rakssetra and how to relate to “allemannsretten” (the right to roam) on Visit Nordfjord’s website.

Loen Shuttle Bus – a new way to experience Loen and Lodalen valley

Loen Shuttle Bus at Breng Seter in the beautiful Lodalen. Photo: Loen Active.

Loen Shuttle Bus is a transport offer for visitors in Loen and Lodalen valley. This is a way to reduce the environmental footprint in the area and to simplify logistics.

The bus have three daily departures through Lodalen valley to Kjenndalstova and to Oppheim where, among other things, the hike to Rakssetra starts. Whether you want to hike to Rakssetra, experience lake Lovatnet or swim at Breng Seter, you can now leave your car and hop on the Loen Shuttle Bus. With a flexible day ticket, you can travel as much as you want.

This is an easy and flexible way to experience the area, and is an offer that can reduce the traffic load on the narrow roads. Now guests and visitors can leave their own car and motorhome. The result is less traffic, a reduced environmental footprint, a safer road and (if possible) an even nicer Loen.

Nordfjord – What to See and Do

The mountains, glaciers, fjords and coastline of Nordfjord are some of the most beautiful landscapes Norway has to offer. Hjelle in Oppstryn, Loen Skylift, Briksdalsbreen glacier and Hoddevik beach are great places to visit when you are in Nordfjord. Nordfjord is located in the northern part of Vestland County, in the middle of Western Norway.

Visit Nordfjord

Visit Nordfjord is the official destination company for the Nordfjord area.

From the road up to the parking lot of Rakssetra there is a great view towards Nordfjord and Olden.

Accommodation in Stryn and Oppstryn

Hjelle Hotel at Hjelle in Oppstryn
Cabins at Glomnes at Hjelle in Oppstryn
Folven Adventure Camp in Oppstryn
Strynsvatn Camping in Oppstryn
Lidasanden by Lake Oppstrynsvatnet
Stryn Hotel in Stryn
Visnes Historic Hotel in Stryn
Stryn Camping in Stryn

Loen and Olden – Useful Links

Gondola in Loen – Loen Skylift
Adventure Company in Loen – Loen Active
Briksdal Adventure Adventure in Olden – Briksdal Adventure

HOTELS, MICHELIN AND USEFUL LINKS

Here you will find an overview of recommended hotels and accommodations in Western Norway – FJORDS HOTELS, FJORD SPA and FJORDS LIVING. You will also find an overview of MICHELIN KEY HOTELS in Western Norway – hotels recommended by Michelin.

There are 13 restaurants that have awarded Michelin Stars and Michelin Guide’s Point Of View in Western Norway. Seven of the Michelin restaurants are located in Stavanger, five in Bergen, and one in Bekkjarvik on the coast near the Hardangerfjord. Here you will find an overview of MICHELIN RESTAURANTS in Western Norway.

USEFUL LINKS is an overview of websites with useful information about Norway and the fjords.

Rakssetra in Nordfjord – Idyllic mountain pasture with fjord and mountain views