Gulfjellet

  • Gulfjellet
  • 987 m
  • Primary factor 714 m
  • Hordaland, Norway
  • Highest in Bergen
  • Location: North 60:23.251, East 005:35.425
  • Climbed every winter

Information:

How to get there: I normally start from Osavann (305 m), a lake at the end of the road leading into Bjørndalen from the main highway E-16, about 20 minutes drive from the center of Bergen. There are several alternative places to start.
Route description: 1. Normal The normal skiing route leaves the parking lot and follows a well marked trail further in the valley, then sharply across a bridge. The trail has three distinct climbs and reaches the hut Redningshytten (600 m). From the hut there is a nice downhill followed by another gentle climb to the bottom of a rather steep section called Korketrekkeren (the corkscrew). From the top of this hill, the trail enters a narrow gorge. (actually, the cairns stay on the ridgetop, but it is much more practical to enter the gorge). The trail is marked with numbered cairns all the way. At the top of the gorge the winter route normally makes an almost 180 degree turn right and climbs over the ridge above before entering a larger basin. After crossing this basin along the left side, the trail again merges with the summer route. From here, the trail heads down into a valley called Middagsdalen, before the final climb to the summit.
2. Via Austlirinden This variant heads across the creek just after leaving the parking lot, then climbs the ridge and crosses the mountain Austlirinden (808m) before descending to the col near Redningshytten. From there, as for the normal route. This alternative is quite good in late spring, since the snow on these north facing slopes tends to last long.
1b Variant, roundtrip from Osavatn Another route that I like to follow on the return in order to make a circle trip, continues north from the top down the first few hills in the direction of Gullbotnen, then sharply left (towards west) following the ridge along the top. Eventually, one can have a fine run down south towards a basin and further along a small creek before turning right down to Svartevannet (384 m) that now serves as a drinking reservoir for Bergen. From here one finds the former trail near the bridge mentioned on the standard route.
2. Glamregjelet Start out along the normal trail, but instead of crossing the river below Svartavatnet (392m), follow the trail that heads up just left (north) of the dam. Hike around Svartavatnet on the north side, but just as the trail bends north around the ridge called Svartavasslia, leave the trail (right), descend to the creek, cross it and contour around the ridge in front of you. You will now enter Glamregjelet, a big gully that can be followed up to lake 727. From here, climb right (east) and follow the ridge Gullfjellhalsen south to the main summit.
2b Variant, Pilatus gully Follow the route into Glamregjelet and climb to just above 600 meter in this gully. A pretty deep and very distinct gully forks sharply right (south) up to the point Ronamanen (890m). This gully has an average slope of about 40 degrees, a bit steeper in the higher part. There is normally a pretty big cornice at the very top (4-5 meter vertical), however, it can normally (at least late in the season), be climbed on the west side (right side as you face up the gully).
2c Variant, Pontius gully Continue up Glamregjelet just a bit higher than Pilatus. A second gully heads up to the right, pretty much parallel with Pilatus. This gully is not quite as deeply set. The average slope is also more gentle, just about 30 degrees. Additionally, this gully is slightly wider and definitely more well suited for skiers.
Comments: The view from the summit is great, mountains in three directions, but also fjords on both sides and the North Sea out west. I have enjoyed a late sunset from the summit several times. One can often ski this mountain until late May. The summit itself is on the city limit of Bergen. The mountain has several steep sections and the weather can change quickly. One should be well equipped. Despite being a `city mountain' it should not be taken too lightly, fog and nasty conditions normally found on much higher mountains can be quite serious.

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