Distance: 27.9km (281.2km).
Ryphusan is the only place to find accommodation over the mountains after Kongsvoll, the next possible places will be the campsites when coming down from the mountains. Hence it was a problem for the pilgrims during the pandemic, when Ryphusan was closed. It was solved by providing taxi rides to the campsites for those not feeling up to walking all the way.
The walk from Kongsvoll to the old mountain farm barn at Ryphusan was another walk under the threat of rain, but none materialized during the time.
As I have walked the Vårstigen section before, and had lots of time at hand today, I decided to see a bit more of the old way over the mountain. From where the pilgrim path leaves it to climb up into higher grounds, I followed Vårstigen further down on its original route.
On the climb up Vårstigen after Kongsvoll.
Passing by remains of old farms on the descent towards Nestasvollan (not on the pilgrim path).
View over Drivdalen from Vårstigen on the part not on the pilgrim path.
At Vårstigsætra farm in the mountains.
Haugtjønnin lakes.
Having walked down to Nestasvollen meant I had to climb all the way back up again the same way, but the walk was beautiful passing by remnants of old mountains farms and getting views of the Drivdalen valley.
Rain was imminent in all horizons when I crossed over the mountain plateau after Vårstigsætra, but I remained unscathed by it. It still felt like the most remote section of the pilgrim path to Nidaros.
I climbed up to the summit of Vesle Elgsjøtangen at 1450m. Lovely and dramatic views awaited me at the summit, while the wind constantly pummelled me.
The way over the mountains.
At the summit of Vesle Elgsjøtangen.
Light through the clouds.
Vinstradalen valley, approaching Ryphusan.
The two pilgrims that I shared the table with yesterday was already present when I arrived at Ryphusan. However, they were tired and went early to bed.
Ryphusan in the evening.
Quiet was the mountains as it turned into evening and night. Sky became purplish. It is an atmospheric place to spend the night at for a pilgrim.
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those two other pilgrims must of been a bore....
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