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Skåla
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Skåla is a prominent mountain peak in Stryn municipality, Vestland, reaching an altitude of 1,848 meters above sea level. It is famous for hosting Norway's longest continuous uphill climb, as the trail starts at sea level in Loen and ascends nearly 1,850 meters to the summit without a single downward section. At the peak stands the iconic Skålatårnet (Skåla Tower), a circular stone tower completed in 1891 by Dr. Hans Henrik Gerhard Klouman. Originally, the tower was intended to serve as a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients, following the contemporary belief that thin alpine air was a cure for the disease. Today, the tower is operated by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) as a self-service cabin, providing a unique lodging experience for adventurous hikers. Climbing Skåla requires significant stamina, but rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Jostedalsbreen glacier and the Nordfjord.
- Location: Norway
- Top sights: Huaren · Loen Skylift · Loen kyrkje
- Nearby: Stryn (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -7 | -7 | -5 | -1 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 10 | 6 | 1 | -4 | -6 |
| Rain mm | 232 | 185 | 185 | 134 | 130 | 145 | 165 | 185 | 224 | 189 | 221 | 253 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The absolute starting point for the brutal ascent is typically directly located near the scenic village of Loen in the Stryn municipality. The extremely well-marked path firmly begins at the fjord's edge.
Best season
Due to the extreme altitude and pure steepness, the steep trail is usually safely clear of deep snow only from mid-July to September. Winter ascents are strictly solely for extremely experienced skiers.
Terrain & paths
The notorious trail is famously steep and highly relentless, aggressively featuring a continuous grueling climb on rocky paths and massive stone steps. The demanding terrain perfectly requires top fitness.
What to bring
Strong trekking poles are highly rigorously recommended to safely save your knees during the brutal steep descent. Bring plenty of water, high-energy snacks, warm layers, and sturdy mountain boots.
Parking
There is usually a fully designated official parking area directly near the primary trailhead in Loen, but it can aggressively become crowded on clear days. Arriving very early is highly firmly advised.
Safety
The sheer, absolute physical demand of this totally continuous severe climb should definitely not be entirely underestimated. Weather at the high summit can be totally freezing even when warm below.
Time needed
Safely completing this extremely strenuous hike usually tightly takes around five to eight long hours for the massive round trip. The harsh descent heavily often takes nearly as long as the entire ascent.
Geography
Facts
- Summit elevation of 1,848 meters above sea level
- Boasts Norway's longest continuous vertical climb
- Skåla Tower was built and opened in 1891
- Used in the 19th century as a TB sanatorium
- The ascent begins from the Nordfjord in Loen
- Managed as a trekking cabin by the DNT association
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Skåla (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the Skåla summit?
On the summit stands Skålatårnet, a round stone tower that serves as a mountain cabin.
How difficult is the hike up?
It is a very steep hike with over 1,800 meters of elevation gain, requiring good physical condition.
Can you stay overnight in the tower?
Yes, the tower and the new Skålabu cabin offer overnight accommodation on a self-service basis.
Where does the trail to Skåla start?
The trail starts in Tjugen, near the village of Loen by the Nordfjord.
When was the tower built?
The tower was built in 1891 as a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients, as mountain air was considered healing.
Skåla: where is it located?
Skåla is located in Norway.
Skåla: what is there to see?
Highlights include Huaren, Loen Skylift, Loen kyrkje.
Skåla: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Skåla: why is it worth visiting?
Skåla is a prominent mountain peak in Stryn municipality, Vestland, reaching an altitude of 1,848 meters above sea level.
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