Top trip to Middagskollane and the viewpoint Signalkulen

About

Duration: 3 hr 30 min (10.4 km)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Season: May–Oct

The Middagskollane hills boast fantastic wooded areas with rich flora and fauna. Unfortunately, there is no view from the summit, but there are several rest places with views on the way up and down. The Signalkulen viewpoint requires a detour from the main hike but is worth a quick visit. There are many waymarked footpaths in the Middagskollane/Blåfjell area, so there are lots of options.

Description of hike
Start from the parking area at Heivannet lake and follow the road towards the slalom hill/Galtetjenn. Pass the barrier and, after 200 m, follow a logging road to the left. Follow this for 500 m until you come to a tractor road heading straight uphill. Walk to the end point of the logging road and continue until the terrain flattens out. The circular hike around the Middagskollane hills starts at the first intersection. The tractor road continues past Høgsetsetra to Havretjenn lake. Turn right at the intersection and continue uphill. This will take you up to the Middagskollane hills, then you follow an area of marshy ground. On the descent, take a detour to the Signalkulen viewpoint then follow the footpath downhill until you’re at the top of the slalom hill/Ristingkollen. From there, follow the footpath down to where it crosses the circular trail, and follow the same road back to the parking area.

Access
Take county road 32 between Skien and Siljan to Solvika Cafe. Turn towards the slalom hill and sign “P 100 m”. Park at the parking area 100 m on the left. You can also take the Grenlandsekspressen express bus or local bus P7 to the Heivannet/Solvika Cafe bus stop.