Steinsetbygdi: Steinsetfjorden, Ski Trails and Cultural Landscape

Steinsetbygdi brings together Steinsetfjorden, ski trails, cycling routes and a valuable cultural landscape. Different experiences offer different focuses: in winter, there is a lit ski trail loop; by the lake, fishing and a cycling route are highlights; and longer tours lead through other landscapes. When planning your holiday, it helps to first consider whether you mainly want to explore Steinsetbygdi or also include the nature and cultural attractions of the wider destination of Etnedal. This makes it easier to search for a holiday apartment that suits the kind of stay you want.

Cultural Landscape and Nature in Steinsetbygdi

Large parts of Steinsetbygdi are considered a valuable cultural landscape, and its biodiversity is also described as very valuable. One notable natural feature is the dragon’s head (Dracocephalum ruyschiana), a plant species classified as vulnerable (VU). It has been recorded at three sites in Steinsetbygdi: along roadsides, on natural pastures and on rock outcrops. These sites reflect different aspects of the landscape, from pastureland to rocky terrain.

Steinsetfjorden is another focal point for nature experiences and tours. The Steinsetfjorden rundt cycling route has a rest area suitable for fishing and photography. The route thus combines exercise by the lake with a place to pause and enjoy the view over the water or take photographs.

Ski Trails for Winter

Steinsetbygdi has a 1.5-kilometre lit ski trail loop. The trails are groomed by snowmobile by Nord-Etnedal grendelag; conditions can vary by season. At Dalen, the trails from Steinsetbygdi connect with Leirin’s trail network, groomed by a piste machine. This offers two different scales for planning a trip: the local loop and a connection to a larger trail network.

The wider destination of Etnedal also has an extensive range of ski trails: around 300 kilometres of machine-groomed ski trails are listed within the municipality. The trail network at Lenningen covers around 60 kilometres, including routes through open mountain terrain above the tree line and up to Spåtind at 1,414 metres. These regional details complement Steinsetbygdi’s lit loop with further options across the wider area.

Cycling Routes of Different Distances

The Steinsetfjorden rundt cycling route is 19 kilometres long, with 345 metres of elevation gain. A cycle path runs along the south side of the lake, allowing you to cycle around Steinsetfjorden. Another loop, Nord-Etnedal rundt, is around 37 kilometres long, with approximately 702 metres of elevation gain. It starts at the former Joker Steinsetbygda or at Valdres Høyfjellshotell; in its final kilometres, it follows Steinsetfjorden back to the starting point.

The two routes can be compared by distance and elevation gain: the loop around Steinsetfjorden is the shorter of the stated routes, while Nord-Etnedal rundt covers more kilometres and elevation. This longer tour passes through four summer-farm areas in eastern Valdres and partly above the tree line, where expansive views are noted. Most of the route lies outside Steinsetbygdi. Which tour best suits your stay therefore also depends on whether you want to focus on the lake or take a longer loop through the landscape.

Goaren, at 1,065 metres, is described as an easy summit hike in the nearby area. The route there goes from Fagernes via Nord-Etnedal to Steinsetbygdi; access conditions may vary. This adds a hiking option to the cycling routes in the area.

Fishing at Steinsetfjorden

Brown trout is the predominant fish species in Steinsetfjorden; perch are also found there. Fishing permits are available for rod fishing and otter fishing, and boats are permitted with both types of fishing permit. Boat rental for fishing is available through Steinsetfjorden Fiskeforening. As arrangements may change, please check the current conditions for fishing permits and boat rental before travelling.

Fishing here can be combined with other activities by the lake: the cycling route goes around the fjord, and its rest area is suitable for fishing and photography. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can consider Steinsetbygdi as a base for a stay focused on cycling, ski trails or time by the water.

Culture and Nature in the Wider Destination of Etnedal

Beyond Steinsetbygdi, Etnedal offers other cultural and landscape attractions. Lunde Bru was built in 1827–1829 and is Norway’s oldest and largest dry-stone arch bridge still in use. The area around the bridge has benches, a shelter, paths, toilets and information boards. The Etna flows beneath the bridge, where it is used as a swimming spot in summer.

Bruflat kyrkje is another cultural attraction in Etnedal. It is listed as a church under Norway’s Cultural Heritage Act. It probably dates from around 1750 and is a timber-built cruciform church. Etnesenndammen, meanwhile, has been restored and is an important cultural heritage site connected with log driving on the Etna. These regional destinations add other historical points of interest to Steinsetbygdi’s local attractions around Steinsetfjorden and its routes.

When choosing a holiday apartment, you can therefore set your priorities: Steinsetbygdi offers the described connections to the lake, cycling, fishing and ski trails; the wider destination of Etnedal adds further nature and cultural attractions. For activities with conditions that may change, check the latest information before travelling.

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