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Philosophy
Brangsdalen is a small valley, close to the road and Bøvertun. But because of its position up on the mountain, surrounded by steep valley sides to the north east, it feels very isolated. The only really good route there is a long walk from Krossbu so you reach the valley from the south east instead. The walk is almost completely off the path. That also gives you the feeling of being in the middle of the wilderness.
The isolated position makes Brangsdalen a good place to sit and philosophize on. Majestic nature has often gone hand in hand with philosophy, not least in Norway where some of the most famous philosophers are also mountaineers. In due time an article about Peter Wessel Zappffe and Arne Naess will be presented here. It is however not finished yet, so for now the reader will have to make do with the walk description below.
Walk description
The walk to Brangsdalen is a long one, but not very tiring. The special thing with it is that there are no paths in the area. So few tourists find their way there that no paths get trodden. But that doesn't mean that this area isn't worth a visit. On the contrary, this is one of the pearls around Krossbu. Here you can really get the feeling of being out in the desolate wilderness.
The inlet:
N 61°35.517
E 08°03.420
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Start by leaving the road right after the bridge below Krossbu and take out the compass heading to Øvre Nufstjørna. Walk along the valley side to slowly but surely gain altitude. At the lake you just follow the beach to the right to the streams inlet. Cross the inlet and aim for the east side of Nedre Nufstjørna. Continue up to and cross the inlet to this lake as well.
Trail start:
N 61°36.633
E 08°04.662
The pass:
N 61°36.888
E 08°04.578
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Follow the vaguely marked "valley" that continues up to the northeast to the small lake in the end of Storflya. To find your way onwards down to Brangsdalen you have to find your way through the pass. From the small lake a trail is marked to pilot you through this section.
The pit:
N 61°36.986
E 08°04.514
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The trail continues down the rocky slope and on to a walled pit by the side of the ravine. What function this pit has had is not yet clear. Is it an old hunting pit that you tried to lead the reindeer into? Or a hunting beat where you could sit hidden and take aim at the animals passing by? Maybe it has been a weapons depot for the resistance during the war? Or a hiding place for those who where sought by the nazis? Theories abound and it is up to the visitor to find his or her own explanation.
Brangsdalen:
N 61°37.389
E 08°05.125
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Continue down the ravine to Brangsdalen. Enjoy the stillness out here and take the opportunity to study this nice U-valley that has the peculiarity that it is open in both ends, as it opens high above Breiseterdalen and Bøvertunvatnet respectively. The fact that Brangsdalen is lying isolated high above the surroundings is what contributes to the feeling of being far from civilization. You can either walk the valley in its entire length or you can just walk out to and and sit on the big stone in the middle of the lake. The main thing is that you come to rest and can enjoy the meditative stillness. Those not esoterically inclined can instead watch for the golden eagle, that has been seen breeding here in the valley.
Krossbu:
N 61°34.444
E 08°01.965
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When you feel that it is time to get back to reality again you just find your way back to the ravine and go back the same way you came. Taking the shortcut down to the road from the southwest side of the valley is not recommended. It is too steep and if, contrary to expectation, you make it down in one piece, you have a long asphalt walk ahead of you. So, up through the ravine again instead, through the pass and away to Nedre Nufstjørna. If you want some variation you can walk on the west side of the lake instead, and to the nice waterfall that comes down from Øvre Nufstjørna. Keep your altitude and walk diagonally in the valley side back to Krossbu. Length of the walk, appr. 14 km.
Route: BRANGSDALEN
The inlet: N 61°35.517 E 08°03.420 NUFSTJORNA
Trailstart: N 61°36.633 E 08°04.662 BRANGTRAIL
The pass: N 61°36.888 E 08°04.578 BRANGSPASS
The pit: N 61°36.986 E 08°04.514 THEPIT
Brangsdalen: N 61°37.389 E 08°05.125 BRANGSDAL
The pass: N 61°36.888 E 08°04.578 BRANGSPASS
Krossbu: N 61°34.444 E 08°01.965 KROSSBU
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Brangsdalen is a small valley, close to the road and Bøvertun. But because of its position up on the mountain, surrounded by steep valley sides to the north east, it feels very isolated. The only really good route there is a long walk from Krossbu so you reach the valley from the south east instead. The walk is almost completely off the path. That also gives you the feeling of being in the middle of the wilderness.
The isolated position makes Brangsdalen a good place to sit and philosophize on. Majestic nature has often gone hand in hand with philosophy, not least in Norway where some of the most famous philosophers are also mountaineers. In due time an article about Peter Wessel Zappffe and Arne Naess will be presented here. It is however not finished yet, so for now the reader will have to make do with the walk description below.
Walk description
The walk to Brangsdalen is a long one, but not very tiring. The special thing with it is that there are no paths in the area. So few tourists find their way there that no paths get trodden. But that doesn't mean that this area isn't worth a visit. On the contrary, this is one of the pearls around Krossbu. Here you can really get the feeling of being out in the desolate wilderness.
The trail continues down the rocky slope and on to a walled pit by the side of the ravine. What function this pit has had is not yet clear. Is it an old hunting pit that you tried to lead the reindeer into? Or a hunting beat where you could sit hidden and take aim at the animals passing by? Maybe it has been a weapons depot for the resistance during the war? Or a hiding place for those who where sought by the nazis? Theories abound and it is up to the visitor to find his or her own explanation.
When you feel that it is time to get back to reality again you just find your way back to the ravine and go back the same way you came. Taking the shortcut down to the road from the southwest side of the valley is not recommended. It is too steep and if, contrary to expectation, you make it down in one piece, you have a long asphalt walk ahead of you. So, up through the ravine again instead, through the pass and away to Nedre Nufstjørna. If you want some variation you can walk on the west side of the lake instead, and to the nice waterfall that comes down from Øvre Nufstjørna. Keep your altitude and walk diagonally in the valley side back to Krossbu. Length of the walk, appr. 14 km.