Trollheimen Triangle Route
Traverse dramatic peaks and deep valleys in the heart of Norway’s Trollheimen Triangle
Discover rich Scandinavian mythology and cultural heritage in a land steeped in history
Experience varied terrain from lush valleys to rugged mountain ridges
Encounter diverse flora and fauna in this protected landscape conservation area
Enjoy the warm hospitality and classic Norwegian cuisine at staffed mountain huts
Connect deeply with nature on a journey where myth meets mountain in Trollheimen
Itinerary
Your adventure begins with a journey to Gjevilvasshytta, an accessible and welcoming starting point for your hiking experience. You have various travel options to reach this destination, including a train to Oppdal followed by a bus or taxi ride to the lodge. Arriving at Gjevilvasshytta by evening allows ample time to unwind and settle in. This serene lodge, easily reached by road, provides a perfect setting to relax and gear up for the exciting hike that awaits you the following day.
On your second day, you’ll venture on what is renowned as one of Trollheimen’s most diverse trails. Starting from Gjevilvasshytta, the journey leads you along a road to a trail marked by a blend of birch and fir forests. The path ascends to a lake and then steeply to Riarskaret, offering spectacular views. Traversing various terrains, it descends sharply to the welcoming Trollheimshytta. The final stretch weaves through open forests and myr terrain, which can be marshy. Waterproof footwear, and possibly poles and gaiters, are advisable for this section. Your day ends as you cross a bridge into the comforting embrace of the cabin.
21 km and 900 m of elevation gain
On the third day, you can take three distinct routes to Jøldalshytta, each offering unique experiences. The standard route via Geithetta presents a steep climb with rewarding views, followed by an easier descent. For a more challenging journey, the trek over Trollhetta’s three summits offers Alpine-like terrain and significant elevation changes, not suitable for inexperienced or poorly conditioned hikers. Alternatively, the path through Svartadalen is ideal for a more relaxed day, featuring scenic valleys and opportunities for swimming while still offering fantastic views and an easy trail. We’ll advise you on a choice based on your experience, weather, and other factors.
16.5 km and 400 m of elevation gain
The fourth day offers a gentler hike back to Gjevilvasshytta, traversing the eastern, more serene parts of Trollheimen. Starting along a rutted road, the route soon leads south with a climb to Skrikhøa, rewarding you with expansive views. A mix of flat stretches and gentle climbs, with more stunning vistas, is followed by a descent into a birch forest. The final stretch of your journey, a walk on a farm road, takes you through Gjevilvassdalen’s picturesque cultural landscape, providing a beautiful conclusion to the day’s hike.
21 km and 600 m of elevation gain
After spending a restful final night in the hut, you can conveniently return home using the same public transportation options that brought you to this remarkable adventure. The journey back is a time to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and scenic beauty of the Trollheimen trails you’ve traversed.
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Pricing
Included in price
4x accommodation with breakfast
Tour design and organization
A travel booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions
Service and support during your hike
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Description
Nestled in Norway’s rugged heart lies the Trollheimen Triangle, a realm where dramatic peaks meet deep valleys, encapsulating the essence of raw, unspoiled nature. This enchanting area, steeped in history and folklore, offers an immersive experience of Norway’s oldest landscapes.
Trollheimen, with its name hinting at a land of trolls, is a testament to the rich Scandinavian mythology. The region’s diverse terrain ranges from lush valleys and serene lakes to jagged mountain ridges, hosting a plethora of flora and fauna. The protected landscape, a conservation area, has been a witness to human activity since the Stone Age.
Hikers traversing this magical terrain are greeted with varying challenges and rewards. The trails, while long and involving significant elevation changes, are not technically demanding, making them accessible to a wide range of adventurers.
The journey is punctuated by the warm hospitality of staffed mountain huts like Gjevilvasshytta, Jøldalshytta, and Trollheimshytta, where classic Norwegian cuisine and cozy beds await to rejuvenate weary travelers.
At Norway Hut to Hut Hiking, we provide a comprehensive service to enhance your exploration of the Trollheimen Triangle. From ensuring hut bookings to providing continuous support and detailed GPS navigation, we aim to enrich your journey through this mystical land.
Our extensive travel booklet offers insights into the area’s history, culture, and geography, allowing you to connect more profoundly with your surroundings.
So, as you contemplate this journey, remember that the paths of Trollheimen are gateways to a world where myth meets mountains, and every step is a story waiting to be discovered.
Trail Map
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Things to know
Hut-to-hut hiking is a form of trekking where you hike from one mountain lodge or hut to another, staying overnight at these locations. In Norway, this style of hiking allows you to explore vast natural landscapes without the need to carry camping gear. The trails connect various huts, offering diverse scenic views from towering mountains to serene fjords. This type of hiking is ideal for those who want to experience nature up close while enjoying the comforts of a bed and, in some cases, prepared meals.
Preparation involves physical training, familiarizing yourself with the hiking route, and ensuring you have the right gear. Begin with cardio and endurance exercises weeks before your trip.
While experience helps, many hut-to-hut trails in Norway cater to beginners as well. All the hikes we’ve chosen are suitable for all levels of hiking experience. We will also help you in assessing your fitness level and experience to suggest the most appropriate choice.
The Norwegian hut system features three main types of huts: staffed lodges, self-service cabins, and no-service cabins. Our agency only uses staffed lodges for the hikes we organize for you in order to give you maximum comfort and eliminate any unforeseen complications with the other two.
Sleeping arrangements vary by hut type. Staffed lodges often have private rooms and shared dormitories with comfortable bedding. Private room availability is a subject of how early your booking will be.
Hut etiquette in Norway revolves around respect and cleanliness. Always register upon arrival, clean up after yourself in communal areas, and be considerate of noise levels, especially at night.
The ideal season for hut-to-hut hiking in Norway is from June to September when the weather is warmer and the days are longer. This period offers the best conditions for hiking, with less snow on the trails and more huts open for accommodation. However, weather can be unpredictable, so always check the forecast and trail conditions before setting off. Summer storms are not really a thing in Norway, but there’s a higher chance of snow even during this time than in central Europe.
Meals are provided in staffed lodges, usually including breakfast and dinner, and sometimes packed lunches. It is still advisable to carry some snacks, especially on longer hiking days. In comparison to the Alps, there aren’t as many huts, meaning you often won’t stumble upon any in between the ones where you’re spending the night.
Stay on marked trails, be mindful of weather changes, and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Carry a basic first-aid kit, know basic first aid, and be prepared for sudden weather changes. For emergencies, it’s essential to know the local emergency numbers and have a means to call for help. We’ll also keep in touch and ensure you’ve safely arrived at each hut during your hike.
In theory, all our hikes can be undertaken by children if they are used to overcoming large distances with elevation gains on uneven terrain. Our recommendation is that they’re at least 12 years old, but you should know your child best, and we will suggest you accordingly.
Norway’s weather can vary significantly depending on the region and time of year. Summers (June to August) are generally the best time for hiking, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, with the possibility of rain and sudden temperature drops even in summer. It’s essential to check the weather forecast regularly and be prepared for all conditions. In early spring or late autumn, the trails can still/already be covered in snow and ice, making them more challenging and suitable mainly for experienced hikers.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you prefer private rooms or are hiking during peak season. Staffed lodges often get booked up quickly. Advance booking ensures a guaranteed place to stay each night of your hike.
In the event of mild bad weather, like rain, it’s usually safe to continue your hike, provided you have the appropriate gear, such as waterproof clothing and sturdy boots. However, in cases of severe weather, such as heavy storms or unsafe hiking conditions, we strive to arrange an additional day’s stay at the current hut, allowing you to continue your hike the following day. Your safety is paramount, and decisions will be made considering the severity of the weather and the availability of accommodations.
The availability of vegetarian and vegan meals can vary between huts. Staffed lodges with meal services may offer limited vegetarian options, but vegan choices might be more challenging to find due to the limited selection. If you have specific dietary requirements, it’s advisable to bring supplementary food items to ensure your dietary needs are met.
Cell phone reception in the Norwegian mountains can be inconsistent, ranging from poor to non-existent, especially in remote areas. WiFi is also not commonly available in most huts. This limited connectivity is part of the charm and challenge of hiking in such natural settings.