Hiking Through Etnefjellet: Our DNT Family Adventures to Storavassbua, Løkjelsvatnhytta, and Olalia Fjellstove

Is there anything better than going on a family adventure in nature in Norway, where every step brings new surprises and every view is more stunning than the last? This summer, we made one of our dreams come true: going on ‘hytte’ tours! We hiked to three amazing DNT (Den Norske Turistforening) cabins in the Sauda- and Etnefjella: Storavassbua, Olalia Fjellstove, and Løkjelsvatnhytta – all offering a perfect mix of challenge, fun, and cozy cabin vibes. We got so many positive and curious responses to our Instragram posts about these trips, which made us decide to create a full blog filled with information and inspiration. Ready to read? Let’s go!

(warming: our enthusiasm is quite contagious and can easily spread the ‘I-wanna-go-there-too’ bug)

Storavassbua: A Gorgeous Gem Near Sauda

Our first trip was to Storavassbua, right next to the stunning lake called Storavatnet. The three cabins have 34 beds that you can book in advance and 15 drop-in spots, incase you’re not quite sure about your schedule. The main cabin has two four-person rooms, and 14 beds in the loft. The smaller cabin has 10 beds in a loft. There are also two beds (bunk bed) in a mini cabin where you can stay with your dog(s). Storavassbua is a self-service cabin, fully equipped with kitchen utensils, cooking supplies, and a well-stocked provision room, so you can cook up your own meals using the cabin’s gear. Just remember to bring a sheet bag or bedding, as sleeping bags aren’t allowed.

Together with Thaddeus’ parents, we started our hike from the Skeivane parking lot. We set our GPS to ‘Trollplassen’ though, since it was easier to find on Apple Maps for us. While doing research for this blog, I found a Google Maps link to the parking lot on the UT.no website. There is a gorgeous waterfall with lovely swimming opportunities near the parking lot. We spent some time here on our way back and it felt like a magical, surreal place to be. From here it is a 5 km trek that takes about 2,5 hours, depending on your company. We were a group of 7 with people from 4-70 years old and we did not rush at all. We took lovely breaks along the way to have a picnic the scenery along the way makes it feel like you’ve stepped into another world. The last stretch felt almost tropical, with two massive waterfalls which stream towards the lake and lush green landscapes that gave an extra cool adventurous vibe. Our daughters Jools and Pippa were way ahead of us, which felt safe for us, because they had their ‘walkie talkies’ (portophones) with them so we could stay in touch. The ‘walkies talkies’ were a huge hit and our children also used them to warn grandma and grandpa for big of loose rocks along the way or to let each other know that someone wanted to take a little break/was hungry/thirsty/needed support.

Once we reached the cosy cabin, we spent the afternoon preparing food, reading and kayaking. The kayak trip to the other side of the lake, where you can find another beautiful waterfall, was so fun. We also went for a dip/swim in the lake. The water was icy cold, but felt so good and refreshing.

This trip to Storavassbua will forever hold a very special place in our hearts. The company was the best and the scenery was just picture perfect. So so so amazing being able to experience this with Thaddeus’ parents and our children.

You can find our post about our first DNT trip on Instagram by clicking here

Olalia Fjellstove: Biking, Climbing, and Berry-Picking Fun

Next up was Olalia Fjellstove, Haugesund Turistforening’s largest cabin, with 45 beds spread across a stunning complex that includes the main fjellstove, the Sikringshytte, and Olabu. For booking details and availability, check the DNT website or their Facebook page for the latest updates. The Sikringshytte and Olabu are open year-round and always unlocked, offering self-service accommodation for spontaneous adventurers.

What our children Pippa and Sol were most excited about when we started preparing for this trip, was the fact that they were going ‘cycle the hike’. The trail from the parking lot to Olalia Fjellstove is 5.5 km and super fun to take on as a cycle challenge. Our two youngest children tackled the steep hills with determination, but also needed a little push from us (Thaddeus, Jools, grandma Monique and me) when the going got tough. They loved the ride and felt so accomplished when they reached the hytte. We enjoyed waffles, coffee and hot chocolate on the terrace, overlooking the beautiful area.

While enjoying our treats, we could hear waterfalls and were curious to see if we could maybe go for a swim there. After an adventurous search, we found a spot to play in a stream right above the waterfalls, but weren’t able to fully swim. It was fun enough though! Olalia feels like an adventure hub, with even a climbing park near the cabin that’s perfect for kids (and adults!) of all ages to test their balance and bravery.

Another fun part of our trip? The kids had a blast picking wild berries along the way, snacking on nature’s free treats and staining their fingers purple. It is moments like these that remind us how wonderful it is to slow down and enjoy what is right in front of us.

Olalia Fjellstove itself is a blend of the old and the new, rebuilt in 2014 with parts of the original 1939 cabin integrated into the design. The kitchen is fully equipped, and there is a provision room stocked with basics, so you can prepare your own meals.

You can find our Instagram post about our trip to Olalia by clicking on this link.

Løkjelsvatnhytta: Making New Friends and Exploring the Fjells

Our final adventure was to Løkjelsvatnhytta, and this time it was just the five of us. This cabin, with its 32 beds (16 of which are drop-in spots), sits in dramatic yet accessible terrain, making it a great choice for families. The hike from the Skarstøl parking lot is a fun two-hour walk (some fairly easy climbing included), perfect for little legs and big imaginations. Løkjelsvatnhytta is self-service, equipped with kitchen supplies, cooking gear, and a provision room stocked with essentials. Just like the other cabins, don’t forget your sheet bag or bedding, as sleeping bags aren’t allowed.

During our visit, we met another lovely family, and the kids spent hours playing together around the cabin. From building rock towers to finding frogs and exploring the trails, it was pure joy watching them make new friends in such a beautiful setting. We also enjoyed swimming in Løkjelsvatnet. The water was super cold, but that didn’t stop us from jumping in!

You can find the post on Instagram about this third DNT adventure when you click here.

Let’s do this again!

These DNT cabins —Storavassbua, Olalia Fjellstove, and Løkjelsvatnhytta— are more than just places to stay; they are like gateways to unforgettable experiences. Whether you kayak on a crystal-clear lake, climb big boulders, bike through berry-filled trails, or simply enjoy the peace of a cozy cabin; there is something for everyone. Ever since we moved to Norway in 2021, going on a hytte tour has always been on Thaddeus’ wishlist. This summer, we got a bit of a taste of it while visiting these cabins one by one by hiking from our car to the cabins. I think we’re ready for the ‘real deal’ next time: going from the car to hytte to hytte to hytte to hytte and then back to where we parked the car.

Can’t wait…!

Hiking in Etnefjellet has truly brought us closer as a family, teaching us resilience, patience, and the pure joy of being together in nature. We would 100% recommend this to anyone who loves being active outdoors. So grab your gear (Check the PS part of this post to read more about that), follow the red T’s, and discover the magic of Norway’s fjells for yourself.

Big hugs,

Annette

PS: It is highly recommended that you use proper hiking shoes/boots, wear layers of clothes, bring rain gear and use backpacks that don’t kill your back. During our first trip to Storavassbua, I used a random regular backpack and filled it to the max with heavy stuff and I regretted this after hiking 200 meters. A couple of days after our trip, Thaddeus’ dad bought me a beautiful (yes, that’s important too, I think haha!), but more importantly supportive + high- quality backpack that’s friendly for my back and shoulders when carrying a heavy load. The one I got is called ‘Finse tursekk 60L’ from Heldre, a great Norwegian brand. You can find this one at the Heldre webshop or in one of the Sport Outlet stores across Norway. They also have webshop.