How To Hike to Skageflå (Map & Instructions)

The Skageflå Hike is one of the most beautiful hikes in Norway’s Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and historic mountain farms clinging to impossible slopes.

This incredible trail leads you to Skageflå, one of the most famous abandoned mountain farms in Norway, perched dramatically 250 meters above the fjord. The view from the farm—looking straight across to the Seven Sisters Waterfall—is one of the most iconic in all of Norway.

The hike combines history, nature, and unforgettable fjord views. You can start the hike either by taking a boat to Skagehola (the fjord-side trailhead) and hiking up to the farm, or by hiking down from Homlong near Geiranger village.

It’s a moderately steep climb, but the reward is outstanding panoramic scenery and a tangible sense of stepping into Norway’s past.

SKAGEFLÅ HIKE OVERVIEW

Start / Finish: Skagehola (boat landing) / Geiranger Village (via Homlong)
Distance: 5–6 km (one-way)
Duration: 2.5–4 hours (depending on route and pace)
Elevation Gain: Around 250–350 meters
Difficulty: Moderate (steep, with some exposed sections)
Best Time to Hike: Late May – September

WHY HIKE TO SKAGEFLÅ

Standing on the grassy ledge of Skageflå Farm feels like standing at the edge of the world. Once home to a small community of mountain farmers, this farm was abandoned in the early 1900s but has since been restored to preserve its heritage.

From here, you can look directly across to the Seven Sisters Waterfall plunging 410 meters into the fjord below, while the Suitor Waterfall faces it on the opposite cliff—legend says he tried to woo the sisters.

For me, the sense of peace at Skageflå was unforgettable. The farm buildings, the sweeping view, and the complete silence—broken only by distant waterfalls—make it one of Norway’s most magical hikes.

GETTING TO THE TRAILHEAD

The Skageflå hike can be done in two main ways:

Option 1 – Boat to Skagehola, hike up to Skageflå, then continue to Geiranger

This is the most popular and scenic way.

Take a fjord cruise or local taxi boat from Geiranger harbor to Skagehola landing (about 15 minutes).
The trailhead starts right above the boat dock, where a sign points steeply uphill to Skageflå.
From there, it’s about 1.5 hours up to the farm, and another 1.5–2 hours to hike back down to Geiranger via Homlong.

Boat tickets can be booked in advance or at the Geiranger harbor office. Most services operate between 9 AM and 6 PM during the summer season (late May to mid-September).

Option 2 – Hike from Geiranger via Homlong to Skageflå and back

If you prefer not to take a boat, you can start directly from Geiranger village.

Follow signs to the Homlong trailhead (about 20 minutes from the village center).
From Homlong, take the Skageflå trail that ascends through birch forests and steep switchbacks to the farm.
This route takes around 3–4 hours round trip, depending on your fitness level.

HIKING INSTRUCTIONS

SKAGEHOLA TO SKAGEFLÅ (1.5 hours ascent)

After disembarking at the small dock of Skagehola, the trail immediately climbs steeply up the rocky hillside. Wooden steps and chains have been installed in the most difficult spots, so it feels safe even though it’s steep.

The path zigzags through grass and rocks, revealing ever-expanding views over the fjord. The turquoise waters of Geirangerfjord gleam far below, with waterfalls tumbling from the cliffs.

After about an hour, the slope eases slightly, and soon the Skageflå Farm comes into view—a cluster of wooden buildings balanced on a grassy ledge.

Take time to explore the old farmhouse and barns, which are open during summer months. There are picnic tables where you can sit and soak up the view. It’s one of the most rewarding lunch spots in Norway.

SKAGEFLÅ TO HOMLONG / GEIRANGER (2–2.5 hours descent)

From Skageflå, continue uphill for about 20–30 minutes to reach a plateau with magnificent views across the fjord. This section is more exposed, but the trail is well-marked.

Eventually, the path begins to descend through dense forest, passing several small waterfalls and open viewpoints before reaching Homlongsætra, another traditional mountain farm.

From here, the trail winds steadily downhill until it emerges near Homlong, just outside Geiranger village.

You can finish your hike at Homlong car park or walk another 20 minutes along the road back into Geiranger.

HIKING MAP FOR SKAGEFLÅ

Below is a map of the Skageflå hike showing both main routes (Skagehola to Skageflå, and Skageflå to Homlong).

Red markers: Trail sections and key points (Skagehola, Skageflå, Homlong)
Blue markers: Boat landing and Geiranger harbor
Green markers: Viewpoints overlooking Seven Sisters

You can download offline maps using Maps.me or AllTrails—search for “Skagefla Hike, Geiranger.”

If you prefer a physical map, look for Nordeca Turkart: Geirangerfjorden 1:50,000.

BEST TIME TO HIKE THE SKAGEFLÅ TRAIL

The best months are June to September, when the snow has melted and the trails are dry.
In early June, waterfalls are at their fullest from snowmelt. July and August offer long daylight hours (up to 18 hours of light), making it perfect for day hikes.

By late September, autumn colors paint the valley gold and orange—but the boat services to Skagehola stop around mid-September, so plan accordingly.

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE SKAGEFLÅ HIKE

Hiking Boots: The trail is steep and rocky; sturdy boots with good grip are essential.
Trekking Poles: Helpful for the steep descent to Geiranger.
Water & Snacks: There are no facilities on the trail except at Skageflå.
Waterproof Jacket: Sudden rain showers are common in Geirangerfjord.
Camera or Drone: The aerial views over Seven Sisters are breathtaking (check drone restrictions first).
Map or Offline GPS App: Cell coverage can be spotty on the upper sections.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Skageflå Farm dates back to the early 17th century. The farmers who lived here had to climb ladders and ropes to reach their homes from the fjord, hauling livestock and supplies by hand.

In 1993, King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway celebrated their silver wedding anniversary at Skageflå, highlighting its national importance as a cultural landmark.

OUR EXPERIENCE

We took the first boat from Geiranger at 9:00 AM, and by 9:30, we were climbing from Skagehola under clear blue skies. The air was crisp, and the sound of waterfalls echoed through the valley.

It took us about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Skageflå, where we sat with coffee and snacks looking across to the Seven Sisters. The view was unreal—like a painting.

We continued upward for another 30 minutes to the ridge before descending through the forest to Geiranger, arriving back at the harbor around 2:00 PM.

In total, the hike took just under 5 hours with plenty of stops for photos and lunch.

If you’re visiting Geirangerfjord, this hike is an absolute must—a perfect blend of adventure, history, and world-class scenery.

FINAL TIPS

Start early to avoid the midday boat crowds.
Wear sturdy footwear—the trail can be slippery after rain.
Bring cash or a card for the fjord boat.
Check the weather forecast before hiking—fog can obscure views from the farm.
If you’re not confident on steep trails, hike up from Homlong and return the same way.

Skageflå Hike Summary

Feature	Details
Location	Geirangerfjord, Western Norway
Start Point	Skagehola or Homlong
Distance	5–6 km (one way)
Duration	2.5–4 hours
Elevation Gain	~300 meters
Difficulty	Moderate
Season	May – September
Highlights	Skageflå Farm, Seven Sisters Waterfall, Geirangerfjord Views