“Hatten” translates to “The Hat,” given its unique shape when seen from certain angles. This short hike packs a punch with its steep ascents and airy sections.
Trail Overview
- Starting Point: Botsheia parking lot (near Jørpeland)
- Distance: ~3.5 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~406 meters
- Duration: 2-3 hours (depending on pace)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (steep sections and light scrambling)
Quick Info Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Botsheia parking lot |
| Trail Distance | ~3.5 km round trip |
| Elevation Gain | ~406 meters |
| Estimated Time | 2-3 hours |
| Best Season | May to September |
| Trail Difficulty | Moderate to challenging |
The Hike: What to Expect
1. The Start: Forested Trails
The trail begins at Botsheia parking lot and ascends steeply through a sparse pine forest. The path is well-marked in the start, but the marking can be confusing further up the trail. The path is narrow in places, with roots and rocks that require careful footing. Especially when wet. You’ll soon reach a junction—take the path to the right to continue toward Hatten.
2. The Ascent: Steep and Scenic
The trail gets steeper as you ascend, with several sections requiring light scrambling. In some spots, ropes and ladders are installed to help hikers navigate the exposed parts of the trail.
3. The Views: Panoramic Lysefjord
At the summit, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views over the Lysefjord and surrounding mountains in multiple directions
4. The Descent: Take It Slow
The return journey follows partly another route back. We struggled with finding this path as you can see from the map.
What to Bring
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good grip.
- Clothing: Layers suitable for changing weather conditions.
- Navigation: Bring a GPS device or a well-charged phone to stay on track.
- Snacks and Water: Bring enough for the climb and a break at the top.
- Camera/Phone: You’ll want to capture the incredible views!
Tips for Hiking Hatten
- Check the Weather: The trail is exposed in some sections, so avoid hiking in strong winds or heavy rain.
- Travel Light: The steep ascent is easier with a light pack.
- Bring Poles: Hiking poles can be helpful on the descent.
Why Hike Hatten?
Hatten is a great less busy alternative to Preikestolen. The scrambling on the route is fun.
Download the GPX File
I’ve uploaded the GPX file for Hatten below. Download it to your GPS device or hiking app for real-time navigation.
Conclusion
Hatten is the best alternative of for the busy and expensive Preikestolen hike!
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