How hard is the hike to Woodnest?

The hike to Woodnest is a steep forest trail of 20 to 60 minutes from the parking area at Kleivavegen 21 in Odda. It climbs 160 to 225 metres, so bring good shoes and pack light.

Key points

  • The hike takes 20 to 60 minutes and climbs 160 to 225 metres.
  • The trail starts at the parking area at Kleivavegen 21 in Odda.
  • It is steep, with stairs and uneven ground, so bring hiking shoes.
  • You can rent a backpack, head torch and poles for 300 NOK per person.
Rocky forest trail with a marker post leading up the hillside to Woodnest

How long is the hike to Woodnest?

The hike takes 20 to 60 minutes at your own pace. The trail is 320 to 640 metres long and climbs 160 to 225 metres.

The hikeNumbers
Time20 to 60 minutes
Distance320 to 640 metres
Ascent160 to 225 metres
StartKleivavegen 21, Odda

The trail leads up to both Woodnest Originals in the heart of the forest and Woodnest Mountaintops higher up the mountainside.

Where does the trail start?

The trail starts at the parking area at Kleivavegen 21 in Odda, where guests park for free. When you have parked, follow the directions we send you by email to the start of the trail.

Odda is around three hours by car from Bergen Airport, Flesland. The practical information for your stay covers the drive, the ferry and public transport.

Do you need to be fit for the hike?

The hike is steep and can be challenging, depending on your fitness and the weather. The trail is a mix of steel and wooden steps, stone path and uneven ground.

Think carefully about whether the hike suits you before you book. Take breaks when you need them; the views of the fjord and the woods open up as you climb.

Aerial view of the steep pine forest on the hillside above Odda where the treehouses sit

Can children and people with limited mobility do the hike?

Children can stay in the Original treehouses only, and young children will need help on the way up. The trail has steep stairs, uneven ground and cliff edges, and you cannot push a stroller up.

Because of where the treehouses are, there is unfortunately no alternative for guests who use a wheelchair or other mobility aids.

What should you bring for the hike?

Bring hiking shoes and clothes for the weather. We do not provide shoes, and the ground is steep and uneven.

  • Hiking shoes
  • Clothes for the weather
  • A backpack
  • Food and drinks
  • A headlamp
  • A charger

Pack light, since you carry everything up yourself.

Can you rent hiking gear?

Yes. You can rent a backpack, a head torch and hiking poles for 300 NOK per person. In winter you can borrow spikes for your shoes free of charge.

What is the hike like in winter?

In winter you can borrow spikes for free. Snow is never guaranteed, so the trail can be anything from bare to snowy, and you should be ready for both.

Frequently asked questions

What time can I start the hike?

Check-in is from 3 pm, so plan to walk up in the afternoon. Check-out is at 11 am.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Because of the unique design of the treehouses, Woodnest has a strict no pet policy.

Can I get to the trail by public transport?

Yes, but it takes planning. Buses from Bergen to Odda take about three hours and leave only a few times a day. From Odda it is a 10 to 15 minute walk or a short taxi ride to Kleivavegen 21.