Oltedal: Hiking, Rock Formations and Local History

Discover Oltedal through its hiking trails, distinctive rock formation and stories from local history. The hike to Hågå starts at the old power station near Moen and offers a view from the top. The Vassbotn circular trail follows a nature path along Oltedalsvatnet to Glåneberget. Uburhellaren, meanwhile, brings together an unusual geological origin and its role as a refuge during the April days of 1940. Different experiences take centre stage: a view from above, a route along the lake, or an outing to places of natural and historical interest.

Hikes and starting points

The hike to Hågå starts at the old power station near Moen in Oltedal. If you are travelling by car, the route described follows the RV-45 and the turn-off at Lafthuset (Coop / Viking of Norway). From there, take Bygdaveien and then continue through Moen to the power station. It is about 400 to 500 metres from the turn-off from the RV-45 to the turn-off for Moen. This sequence provides specific directions for driving to the starting point.

The hike to Hågå offers a view from the top. Choosing this route makes for an outing focused on the view at the destination above. Alternatively, the Vassbotn circular trail follows a nature path along Oltedalsvatnet to Glåneberget. The route described combines a circular trail with a stretch alongside the lake; a detour to a well-preserved bomb crater from the Second World War adds a historical site.

Vassbotn and traces of history

Vassbotn is a former croft. The foundations of its buildings are still visible, offering a tangible indication of the former settlement. The circular trail also includes a detour to the bomb crater from the Second World War. Here, visible remains of a former settlement and a trace of the war offer different points of connection to the past.

Bus 48 takes you to the Moen Oltedal stop. From there, the start of the Vassbotn circular trail can be reached on foot by heading towards Oltedal power station and continuing to the Uburhedlaren car park. Below Vassbotn is a beach that has been a destination for a local Good Friday outing since 1991. This tradition is tied to a specific occasion: Good Friday. It adds a local outing tradition to the hiking and history themes.

Uburhellaren: rock formation and refuge

Uburhellaren was formed when a huge rock broke loose from the mountain and came to rest on other rocks. This created a large chamber beneath the block. Its weight is estimated at 70 to 80 million kilograms. This explains the site’s unusual shape: a single rock forms an overhang, beneath which the hollow opens up.

Uburhellaren also has special significance in the history of Oltedal. During the April days of 1940, the rock formation served as a refuge for some of the population; up to 80 people stayed there. The signposted and marked hiking trail to the site passes through rough, rocky terrain and includes steps in some places. These trail features are part of planning an outing, along with the destination’s historical story.

Oltedal Church

Oltedal Church, also called Oltedal kyrkje, is a working church in Oltedal, Gjesdal, Rogaland. It has a Y-shaped floor plan and masonry construction. It was designed by Olav Urstad and consecrated on 10 February 2002. As the parish church, it replaced Oltedal Chapel. The church’s architecture, name and function give it a distinct place among Oltedal’s cultural attractions.

If you would like to explore more local pages, you can also visit Dirdal, Gjesdal and Ålgård.

Return to the main travel overview: Gjesdal.