Hikes in Sortland

Between Eidsfjorden and SortlandssundetThe Skata is a majestic peak amidst the mountain range in the main part of Langøya island. Resembling a pyramid, it rises from a chain of mountains. The strenuous and long path is rewarded with fantastic views over the fjord landscape and the alpine mountain world of Vesterålen.

A Summit of SuperlativesThe 1021 meters of Stortinden are climbed in just an incredible 2.35 kilometers. Nowhere else on Vesterålen and Lofoten do you reach such an impressive height over such a short distance! Accordingly, the ascent is very steep and not manageable for everyone. The panoramic view from the summit is magnificent. Especially the view into the high alpine world of Hinnøya is overwhelming.

beautiful, scenic, and easy hike on the Kollen

in the Hinnøya Alps This beautiful and very diverse hike is the only continuously marked long-distance hiking trail in the two archipelagos. It begins almost at sea level and leads through marshlands up into alpine terrain at elevations ranging from 400 to 730 meters. Along the way, it passes through the small Møysalen National Park and adjacent nature reserves. We have deliberately not specified daily stages so that everyone can decide for themselves which destinations to aim for and where to spend the night. Including the ascent of Møysalen, the hike takes a good three days.

From Sea Level to the Highest Peak of the VesterålenThe Møysalen National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Norway, covering 51.2 km². Its protection, as well as that of the adjoining nature reserve, extends from beautiful fjords unique in their kind in Norway (Inner, Ingels and Lonkanfjorden) through lush deciduous forests up to the alpine mountain world of Møysalen. The mountain got its name from the two fossilized maidens Lille Møya and Store Møya (Møyene), the distinctive peaks south of Møysalen. The saddle-shaped Møysalen is interpreted as the roof of their hall or as the saddle (both Norwegian "sal") of their riding animal.

Nice little walk that is different from those by the sea. Ideal as a way to stretch your legs.

Dreamlike Hiking in the Alpine Setting of HinnøyaOn the island of Hinnøya, you can undertake extensive tours with an alpine character. Far from civilization, you reach the Snytindhytta after an 11 km approach. The hut also serves as an intermediate station on a multi-day tour or as a base for exploring the nearby surroundings. In addition to the route we have described, there are three other approaches to the hut. The Snytindhytta is also a popular destination for ski tours.

Hike at Midsummer to the top of Steiroheia

East of Sortlandsundet, the strait between the islands of Hinnøya and Langøya, lies the most alpine region of the Vesterålen, extending south of Hinnøya. Here, in a landscape predominantly shaped by glaciers, lie the 1,000-meter peaks of Møysalen, Tverrelvtindan, and Stortinden. The heart of the region is under special protection as Møysalen National Park. This hiking tour starts north of the park, heads south into the national park, and then continues westward past Møysalen to the village of Hennes on the Hadselfjord, the southern arm of the Sortlandsund. The suggested stage divisions are intended as a guide and can be adjusted as desired.First Stage: Austpollen – Snytindhytta a 11 km, b 4:00 hours, c 840 hm, d 500 hm> Right from the start near the small fjord arm Austpollen01, the alpine character of the trek becomes clear, as the very first ascent runs between the steep ridges of the 1,118-meter-high Tverrelvtindan and the 1,021-meter-high Stortinden. As is usually the case on Hinnøya, you begin in a sparse birch forest and then enter a landscape of berries and heather. The trail climbs over the Sørheia hill to Lake Tverrelvvatnan02. The following section along the Tverrelva stream—with its pools and small waterfalls—offers pure scenic delight as it leads to Rundvatnet03, situated 100 m higher.The trail continues uphill along a wide, rocky ridge to the Vangpollskaret pass04, the highest point of today’s stage. Here, you’ll have your first unobstructed view to the west, looking out over Lake Øvre Vangpollvatnet all the way to Sortlandsund. After a short descent to an unnamed saddle05, a high-altitude trail leads to the Blokkporten hill06 and, via the Løbergdalsskardet saddle07, gently down to the beautifully situated Snytindhytta complex08, an unstaffed shelter operated by the Vesterålen Hiking Association. If you wish to camp here, you must stay at least 150 m away from the shelter; for a small fee, you may use the shelter’s facilities.Stage 2: Snytindhytta – Midre Møysalvatnet a 9.7 km, b 4:30 hours, c 700 hm, d 740 hm> The second day is a lake tour in the Møysalen area. The route begins with three small, circular lakes known as Småvatnan09. A short, steep ascent then leads up to the Sjettevasskaret saddle10, where you enter the “official” Møysalen National Park. You’ll now hike at a leisurely pace with the 883-meter-high Nordtinden on your right through a magnificent high valley, passing Lake Langvatnet11 on its left shore. Following its outlet, the trail descends steeply into the forest and past a waterfall into the Vestpolldalen12. This valley lies almost at sea level on the tiny Vestpollen fjord arm and collects not only water from several lakes but also meltwater from the largest Møysalen glacier, Fonnissen, and a glacier located further east. Crossing the wide valley, with its marshy patches, several stream crossings, and a route that’s not exactly easy, is an adventure in itself. It’s a good thing there are red paint marks on the trees!Through a forest with lush ferns, you now climb up to Lake Nedre Møysalvatnet13, above which the eastern flank of Møysalen rises. The trail along the eastern shore, which is sometimes hard to follow, is once again a very wet affair. At the end of the lake, you cross several tributaries, then follow a trail marked with cairns 120 meters uphill to Midre Møysalvatnet14. There are some nice campsites here. However, you could also continue climbing for a good half hour and find a suitable spot at the Memuruskaret saddle. Alternative route: Mountaineers can include the ascent of the 995-meter-high ski mountain Snytinden on this day. To do this, leave your heavy luggage behind the second Småvatnan lake and, equipped with provisions and cold-weather gear, follow a faint trail directly and steeply eastward. This additional hike takes two and a half to three hours. Third stage:Midre Møysalvatnet – Hennes: a 12.4 km, b 4:00 hours, c 240 hm, d 540 hm> Immediately after setting out, you’ll come to an important fork in the trail on the shore of Midre Møysalvatnet. To the left, the trail leads to the southern exit of Møysalen National Park; to the right, it heads toward the summit of Møysalen and Lonkanfjord. So, take the right path and hike through high-alpine scenery up to the Memuruskaret saddle15, where the trekking route meets the standard Møysalen trail. The long descent into the head of the Norddalen valley16 is steep and rocky. Following the former track of a small mining railway, you’ll now hike through the scenically magnificent valley to Lonkanfjord17. The trek concludes with a 6-km-long trail that runs along the fjord—though it’s quite rough going. From the Kaljord ferry landing18, it’s another 1.5 km along the quiet road to Henne19, where you’ll pitch your tent one last time at a small campground next to the National Park Center. Alternative Route: Those who feel confident tackling the challenging 1,262-meter-high Møysalen can leave their excess luggage at the Memuruskaret saddle and, with an additional effort of three and a half to four hours total, ascend via the standard route to the highest peak in Vesterålen.

If there are no clouds, i would try the summit too. Hopefully next time.