Gjuvhold
Gjuvhold is the perfect place for a family trip. Apart from the distance from civilization (you can get there from Oslo in less than 3 hours), the route itself is short and not very demanding. On the other hand, the view that awaits us overshadows what can often be seen from much higher peaks. The hill itself is 723m above sea level. but we start the hike from a height of about 570 meters, so the difference is not that impressive. The trail to the top and the viewing point located a bit lower is just over 1 km long, which is also not an ambitious achievement. However, for the view from this place, it is worth going to Gjuvhold.
The summit is located on the eastern shore of Lake Tinnsjå, the same one where the Norwegian Resistance sank a ferry carrying German heavy water supplies during World War II. Gjuvhold is situated between this lake, and a little higher Gjuvsjå Lake. Right next to road 364, where the trail begins, there is a small parking lot, and due to lack of space, you can also leave the car on the next one, several dozen meters away.
The route runs entirely through the forest. Even the viewpoint is just a gap between the trees. Gjuvhold is located exactly in front of the narrow bay (Vestfjorden) that ends in village of Mæl. It is a natural gate and the beginning of a long valley (Vestfjorddalen) with steep mountain slopes on both sides. A winding road leads along its bottom to Rjukan and Vemork to the west. The mouth of this valley is the first thing that catches your eye after reaching the viewpoint. The second is the majestic Gaustatoppen (1883m above sea level) rising in the distance.
Gjuvhold was my second target of the day. I left the nearby Haugefjell and walked on this route. The parking lot was quite crowded, and after 20 minutes of walking, when I got there, there were already a lot of people. Some of them must have camped here, because I could still see travelers swinging in hammocks. Spending a night in such a place and a morning with such a view has to be an great experience. I have to remember it for the future.
