Vats: Bergsjøen, Vatsfjorden and the Vats Mountain Church

A circular walk around Bergsjøen, fishing spots along the Vatsfjorden, mountain views and the Vats Mountain Church give your trip to Vats a variety of highlights.

Walking around Bergsjøen

Bergsjøen rundt is a circular trail in the mountain area near Bergsjøstølen. The route goes around the entire Bergsjøen lake and is about 8.5 km long. The well-maintained path runs through open terrain and offers views of Reineskarvet. There are several rest stops along the way, and the route is suitable for families and hikers of all ages. As a mountain experience, it is characterised by its peaceful surroundings and lack of challenging climbs.

Several sections of boardwalk make it easier to get through wet areas. At the end of the circular route, there is a self-service kiosk at Bergsjøstølen Fjellstue.

Fishing at the Vatsfjorden

You can fish for Arctic char and trout in the Vatsfjorden in both summer and winter. Easily accessible fishing spots from the shore are found particularly on the western side, where the road runs along the lake. Designated parking areas are located along the lake. This makes fishing a possible focus of your trip, whether you prefer the warmer or colder season.

Church and traces of history

The Vats Mountain Church was completed in 1990 and is located near Rødungen in the Bergsjø area. It is a prominent landmark for hikers, cabin guests and visitors. Services are held there during the winter season, at Easter, on Christmas Eve and during parts of the summer. Along with its location, this gives the church a seasonal connection to visits to the area.

At Rødungen, between Holustølen and Osestølen, remains of older charcoal and iron production facilities have been preserved, along with traces of historic settlement. Anyone interested in the area’s history can include these signs of earlier production and settlement in their excursion plans.

Mountain views and seasonal differences

Rødungsberget is 1,248 m high and offers views across Hallingdal and Skarvheimen. The hike starts either from a car park near Rødungstøl Høyfjellshotell or from a large car park along Tovikvegen. The Bergsjøen rundt circular route also offers views of Reineskarvet, which, at 1,791 m, belongs to the Vats/Bergsjø area.

Skarslia Ski og Akesenter operates during the winter half of the year, weather permitting. The road along the Vatsfjorden is also cleared in winter.

Getting there and choosing a starting point

To drive to Vats and the Bergsjø area, turn off the Rv 7 at Hallingmøblar and follow Nordbygdvegen for about 16 km. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider which of the activities mentioned should shape your trip: for shore fishing, the Vatsfjorden is an obvious point of reference; for Bergsjøen rundt and the Vats Mountain Church, your focus is on the Bergsjø area. This way, you can start your search with the surroundings you want, rather than making assumptions about the amenities or distances of particular accommodation.

More places to search: Ål, Torpo.

Go to the main travel guide: Ål.