Himakana Norway – the Mini Trolltunga

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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.

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View from Himakana (Himakånå) ©Lifejourney4two

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

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Stunning 180-degree views from the top of Himakana (Himakånå) ©Lifejourney4two

Planning a Trip to Norway?

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A well-marked trail all the way to the top ©Lifejourney4two
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The early part of the Himakana trail ©Lifejourney4two
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Wooden walkways are provided when the going gets a bit rocky underfoot ©Lifejourney4two

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

LEVELS OF HIKING IN NORWAY

Norway classifies its walks and hikes depending on the degree of difficulty as follows:

  • 🟢 Easy (Green) – Novice Hikers/ No experience necessary
  • 🔵 Medium (Blue) – Intermediate with some hiking experience /average fitness level
  • 🔴 Demanding (Red): Experienced walkers, high fitness level, well-equipped with good hiking boots, basic navigation skills, map, and compass.
  • ⚫️ Expert (Black) – Longer and more technical hikes /Experienced hikers/ high fitness level well equipped with good hiking boots/ basic navigation skills/map and compass

Himakana Video: Views From The Top

Himakana 'Mini Trolltunga' hike, Rogaland, Norway

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.

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Overlapping tree roots add an element of mystery to this magical forest ©Lifejourney4two
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The forest fires up the imagination ... ©Lifejourney4two

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.

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Views across Boknafjord; halfway on the ascent ©Lifejourney4two
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More halfway mark views on the way to Himakana Peak ©Lifejourney4two

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).

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Himakana – the mini Trolltunga ©Lifejourney4two

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

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Views over Boknafjord ©Lifejourney4two

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

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Nedstrand Church opposite the parking for the Himakana Hike ©Lifejourney4two
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The start of the Himakana Hike ©Lifejourney4two

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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Himakana Hike Pinterest pin

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Lars

Lars, grew up in the Australian countryside and discovered his love for nature early on. Leaving Australia at 20, he began a life of travel and exploration. As a co-owner of Lifejourney4two with Shelley, Lars captures their journeys through his photography. Join him here and see the world through his lens.

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