The best walks and hikes in Bukollen Naturreservat

Bukollen Naturreservat is characterized by its diverse landscapes. You'll encounter dense forests with flourishing vegetation, transitioning into impressive mountain scenery. Key natural attractions include the breathtaking Trollfossen waterfall, offering unique views of multiple cascades, and the panoramic vistas from the Bukollen Summit at 1,121 meters above sea level.

Yes, several circular routes allow you to start and end at the same point. For example, the View of Trollfossen – Trollfossen loop from Bukollplassen is a moderate 6.3 km trail that takes about 2 hours 13 minutes, focusing on the waterfalls. Another option is the View of Trollfossen – Bukollen loop from Bukollplassen, which is 8.6 km and includes the summit.

The trails in Bukollen Naturreservat offer varied terrain. You might start on a gravel road, which then transitions to blue-marked paths leading through dense forests. As you ascend, the landscape opens up to more challenging, elevated ground and mountain scenery. While generally well-constructed, some sections can be demanding due to elevation changes.

Hike durations vary depending on the route and your pace. For instance, the popular hike to Bukollen, often combined with Trollfossen, is approximately 12 km round trip from Bukollplassen and typically takes about 3 hours (2 hours ascent, 1 hour descent). Shorter options are available, such as the Trollfossen loop which is around 2 hours 13 minutes.

The trails range from moderate to difficult. Most routes, like the Tømmerlia – Veslefjellet loop from Maribohytta, are rated as moderate, involving significant elevation gain. There is also at least one difficult route, such as the Trollfossen – View of Trollfossen loop from Buvassdammen, which covers a longer distance and greater elevation.

While many trails involve significant elevation and can be demanding, options exist for families. Shorter sections or routes focusing on specific attractions like Trollfossen might be more suitable. For example, you can shorten the trip to Trollfossen by starting from Bukollplassen instead of Buvatnet, making it a more manageable outing.

Bukollen Naturreservat is generally welcoming to hikers with dogs. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in a nature reserve, to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Be mindful of other hikers and any specific local regulations.

Common starting points for hikes, such as Bukollplassen and Maribohytta, typically offer parking facilities. For example, many routes, including the Trollfossen loop and the Bukollen loop, begin from Bukollplassen, indicating available parking there.

The best time to hike in Bukollen Naturreservat is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when trails are free of snow and ice. This period offers the most pleasant weather for enjoying the dense forests and mountain scenery. Always check local weather conditions before your visit.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 11 reviews. Reviewers often praise the stunning panoramic views from Bukollen Summit, the unique beauty of Trollfossen, and the varied terrain that transitions from lush forests to open mountain landscapes.

Yes, the hiking trails in Bukollen Naturreservat are generally well-marked. The Ringerike Tourist Information is responsible for marking the trails, making it relatively easy to navigate and difficult to get lost, even in sections with elevation changes.

While specific public transport routes directly to all trailheads like Bukollplassen or Maribohytta might be limited, it's advisable to check local bus schedules for connections to nearby towns in the Flå municipality. From there, you might need to arrange for local transport or a taxi to reach the starting points of the hikes.