Himakana Norway – the Mini Trolltunga

Himakana (Himakånå in Norwegian ) is also known as Mini Trolltunga or Trolltunga’s little sister.

Both Himakana and Trolltunga are incredible rock formations with precipices that overhang their fjords far below. The Himakana hike, however, is roughly a 2-hour round trip compared to Trolltunga’s demanding 9-12-hour trek. 

This makes Himakana a family-friendly hike for all ages.

It has plenty of wow factor throughout the hike, and you spend just a fraction of the time and effort required for other popular Norwegian hikes, such as Trolltunga, Preikestolen, or Kjeragbolten.

🥾 If you’d like to take a tour here – this 5 hour guided tour from Stavanger has 5 ⭐️ reviews.

The beauty of this place is magnified not only by its fabulous nature and views but also by the fact that it doesn’t share the busyness of its nearby big brothers and remains relatively unknown.

The hike rewards you with changing landscapes, a well-trodden marked walking path and absolutely stupendous views from the top of the surrounding fjords.

It is a perfect stop if you are on a Norway road trip and on of our favourite easier hikes in the area.

READ MORE: 🚙 Stavanger to Bergen 2-week road trip

Himakana Interactive Map

Himakana Hike Details

Himikana Level: 🔵 Blue/medium: (medium’ meaning moderate incline with possible steep sections)

Himakana Hike time:  2 hours return trip (We took 3.5 hours with plenty of stops for photos)

Himakana Elevation: 357m above sea level

Himakana Video: Views From The Top

The climb to Himikana follows dirt roads and grass tracks that pass over fences. There are some short, rather steep sections, but generally, it’s a nice, even ascent. 

The early part of the climb involves picking a path through a forest, where the twisted tree roots resemble a scene from a Harry Potter movie.

Exiting the forest, the path opens to views of the majestic Boknafjord and its many islands.

Ferries were plying their route across the fjord, fishing boats dotting the landscape, and the many red cabins tucked into the shoreline made for a picturesque scene.

With a final, steepish section of path conquered a gentle rise through scrubland brought us out onto Himakana. You then realise it’s not just a single rock projecting out into the fjord but a series of closely grouped craggy outcrops.

This gives you some different options when choosing to capture some landscape photos.

And you’re spoilt with 180-degree views covering both Lysevatnet (the fjord at your feet) and the grander Boknafjord (to your left).

You can sign the visitor’s register at the top, which we did, and then take some time to discover a geocache – a fun activity much like a treasure hunt we like to do on our travels.

The Himakana Legend

Like many Norwegian places, Himakana is steeped in legend. The rock face at the top is said to resemble the face of Himakana, a female troll who lived nearby.

The legend tells us that the local people were poor and asked the rich Himakana for money to buy church bells. She agreed, but only on the condition that the bells not be rung while she was alive.

For many, many years, this was the case until one day, the daughter of the priest died. Ignoring the agreement, he rang the bells, with beautiful sounds echoing throughout the valleys.

Himakana was greatly angered, but the chimes turned her to stone on her way down the mountain to the church. The craggy, distinctive rocks at the summit are her angry face, forever immortalised in stone.

The Himakana hike was rewarding in many ways, and we definitely felt that Himakana had worked her magic on us in some mysterious way.

READ MORE: ▶ Our Best Hikes in Norway … So Far

How to Get to Himakana, Nedstrand

Himakana is situated in the Tysvaer Municipality of Rogland and is the perfect afternoon hike. It’s only a 50-minute drive from Haugesund.

Driving Times to Himikana (ONE-WAY):

• From Skudeneshavn = 1.5 hours
• From Stavanger = 2.25 hours
• From Bergen = 3.5 hours

Parking/access  

Access to the start of the hike is from a point 750m from the Joker grocery store in Nedstrand. You’ll need to park here, not on the church grounds.

Just watch for the big, white Nedstrand church off Road 515 with the Joker carpark just opposite.

You will need to pay a small parking fee (Short-term parking <6 hours: 145 NOK
Long-term parking 6> hours: 200 NOK); the proceeds of which go towards maintaining the hike.

From the carpark, follow the ‘Himakana’ signs that start at the church footpath.

OTHER TRANSPORT

Bus: 246 Haugesund – Nedstrand

High-speed ferry: Stavanger – Ryfylke

Ferry: Fogn – Judaberg – Nedstrand – Jelsa

Himakana Hike … That’s a Wrap

Himakana hike ticks all the boxes. It’s family-friendly, has a low degree of difficulty, has majestic views and is accessible for those with moderate fitness.

You can easily hike it all in the morning or the afternoon, and why not plan a picnic at the top? Another family-friendly option is the Bonhusvatnet hike rated as easy and has a flat 4km trail with beautiful mountain views.

Have you visited Himakana before and what was your impression? Can you recommend similar hikes? We’d love to hear about your adventures.

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READ MORE:

• Norway Travel Guide
• Why Stavanger is Worth Visiting
• Norway Two Week Itinerary: Fairytales, Fjords and Waterfalls