Oksen 1241m asl
Mount of Oksen has been one of my target for long time. The mountain seems fabulous on the map, located at the intersection of four fjords, so you can imagine that reaching the summit could bring an unforgettable visual experience. The four fjords mentioned above are the Hardangerfjord with its arms: Eidfjord, Sørfjord and Granvinfjord.
Get Directions
My plan was to get to the small village of Djønno at the foot of the mountain, place a tent somewhere or spend the night in the car and go to the top in the morning. The village, consisting of a several houses, surrounded by fruit orchards, was tucked between the slope of the mountain and the fjord shore. Nevertheless, the view from the main road crossing the village was stunning. The Hardangerbru Bridge visible in the distance, spanning both sides of the Eidfjord, was a perfect fit for the camera frame. Unfortunately, I have not found a place for a tent. Every free space of the land was used by local farmers for crops. I had to stretch out in the car.
I woke up early in the morning and went out on the trail. The path was well marked and, it is one of the six trails leading to Oksen. Yes, this mountain can be climbed over and over again, from a different side each time. I planned to enter from the east, from Djønno village and descend the western path to the village of Tjoflot. Then, along the asphalt road along the fjord, I would come around back to Djønno.
Climbing through the forest was not the most pleasant walk, but when I left the woods my effort was rewarded. The view of the Eidfjord behind my back and the sun trying to break through the clouds was just like from fairy tale. Out in the open, I was caught by a gusty, cold wind, and I had to put on my jacket and hat very quickly. From this point, the route was not very demanding anymore. The terrain was still rising constantly all the way to the top, but it wasn’t too steep. Gusty wind was more challenging, and it grew stronger the higher I climbed.
Until the highest point on the route was reached, I was accompanied by the view of only one fjord, the mentioned Eidfjord behind my back. But when I got to the top, I saw a sight that exceeded all my expectations. Extending southwest, the Hardangerfjord was majestically beautiful. From the south, the long Sørfjorden, disappearing in the distance seems like a poster from Lord of the Rings movie. The last of the fjords, Granvinfjorden, was barely visible in this place, but I barely noticed that, fascinated by entire surrounding.
Unfortunately, I didn’t stay at the top for too long. A strong wind chased me away after a short while. I found the path to the west without any difficulty, amazed at the beauty of the view before me. Going down to Tjoflot, practically right down to the tree line, I could see the panorama of the Hardangerfjord and Sørfjorden. It really was a fabulous tour. At its end, just before entering the forest, there are three idyllic shepherd’s huts.
In the forest I was not bothered by gusty wind, but for some time my fingers, shapely from the cold, had problems with proper functioning. I got to Tjoflot, another agricultural village surrounded by apple and plum orchards. I followed the asphalt road along the fjord all the way to Djønno and my car. It was a long and arduous march. The two villages are about 10 km apart, and I have often wondered if it would be a better option to return to the starting point again through the summit. Finally, tired but happy, I got to my car. I changed clothes and was able to safely go home.
