On 16.9. Ånderdalen National Park

All day sun, a bit cloudy in the evenings

We wake up with cold noses and feet, despite using all available blankets, the cabin is not well heated. Outside, temperatures were just above freezing. As we prepare for breakfast and our hike in Ånderdalen National Park, we gradually warm up. After a short drive, we park the car at the parking lot and begin the much-praised 12km hike to Åndervatnet, 6 km there and 6 km back.

Last year, this trail was expanded for the park's 50th anniversary. The first 2 km have a solid gravel path with toilet huts and wooden benches. We take a detour on a circular trail to a viewpoint, which is well marked with wooden poles but follows the typical Norwegian hiking trail: very rocky, uneven, many roots, sometimes muddy, lots of ups and downs. However, there were some sections where fiber mats and wood chips were laid on the ground, making it easy to walk. At the viewpoint, there is also a small overnight cabin, similar to those found in Denmark.

At the viewpoint, the peace is suddenly interrupted by a rescue helicopter circling above us. It turns out that a hiker has fallen and broken her ankle. We help bring the injured hiker and the heavy rescue gear of the paramedic, who was lowered by the helicopter, to a meadow. The helicopter lands, picks them up, and flies away. This shows us that the rescue services in Norway work very well even in remote areas.

The remaining 4 km to the lake are very challenging, but there are narrow plank trails over large wetlands, wet meadows, streams, and larger marshy areas.

This requires balance. 3 km before reaching the destination, there is a fire pit with pre-cut firewood, a large bench, and a stream.

Two km before that, there is another signpost, then only wilderness. This national park protects a very special landscape, and we also find few other people here and a lot of peace and quiet.

There is a cabin by the lake where you can also spend the night.

However, we only take a longer break, pick more blueberries and cranberries, and begin our return journey. After eight exhausting and eventful hours, we arrive back at the car, drive back to the campsite, and treat ourselves to some relaxation.