The best walks and hikes in Gullenhaugen Naturreservat

Gullenhaugen Naturreservat is characterized by an extensive spruce forest, featuring trees of various ages and stages of decay. You'll encounter a unique "continuity forest" environment with large living and dead trees, providing a rich habitat. The trails generally follow forest paths, with some routes leading to scenic water features like Vassbråa Lake and Skrukkelisjøen.

Yes, there is an easy trail perfect for a relaxed walk. The Start of Hiking Trails – Skrukkelisjøen loop from Svartungsvegen is a 3.2 km (2.0 miles) path that takes approximately 54 minutes to complete, leading through the forest to Skrukkelisjøen.

For a longer moderate hike, consider the Kjørestua DNT Cabin loop from Haraldstangen. This route is 11.1 km (6.9 miles) long and typically takes around 2 hours and 59 minutes to explore the forest around the Kjørestua DNT Cabin. Another moderate option is the Vassbråa Lake – Kjørestua DNT Cabin loop from Haraldstangen, which is 8.8 km (5.5 miles) and takes about 2 hours 17 minutes, leading past Vassbråa Lake.

Yes, many of the trails in Gullenhaugen Naturreservat are circular. Popular loop options include the Vassbråa Lake – Kjørestua DNT Cabin loop from Haraldstangen, the Kjørestua DNT Cabin loop from Haraldstangen, and the Start of Hiking Trails – Skrukkelisjøen loop from Svartungsvegen. These loops allow you to start and end at the same point.

The primary natural feature is the unique "continuity forest" itself, with its ancient spruce trees and rich biodiversity, including rare spore plants. You'll also encounter scenic water bodies like Vassbråa Lake and Skrukkelisjøen, which offer tranquil spots along the routes. The Kjørestua DNT Cabin is also a notable landmark on some of the longer loops.

Yes, Gullenhaugen Naturreservat offers options for families. The Start of Hiking Trails – Skrukkelisjøen loop from Svartungsvegen is an easy, shorter loop (3.2 km / 54 minutes) that is well-suited for families with children, providing a pleasant walk through the forest to Skrukkelisjøen.

The trails in Gullenhaugen Naturreservat are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from several reviews. Hikers often praise the serene atmosphere of the primeval spruce forests and the diverse flora, making for an engaging natural experience.

Yes, several trails incorporate the Kjørestua DNT Cabin as a point of interest. For example, the Vassbråa Lake – Kjørestua DNT Cabin loop from Haraldstangen and the Kjørestua DNT Cabin loop from Haraldstangen both lead past or around this cabin, offering a potential resting spot.

There are a few distinct hiking routes available in Gullenhaugen Naturreservat, catering to different preferences. These include easy loops and moderate forest trails, ensuring options for various ability levels.

Hikes in Gullenhaugen Naturreservat can range from under an hour to nearly three hours. For instance, the easy Start of Hiking Trails – Skrukkelisjøen loop from Svartungsvegen takes about 54 minutes, while the longer Kjørestua DNT Cabin loop from Haraldstangen can take up to 2 hours and 59 minutes.

The Vassbråa Lake – Kjørestua DNT Cabin loop from Haraldstangen is an excellent choice for this. It combines the experience of hiking through the extensive spruce forest with scenic views along Vassbråa Lake.