Route Type:
Full day guided mountain hike with summit
Distance:
13-15 km
Elevation Gain:
750 metres
Difficulty:
3/5 (see below). No experience necessary!
Group Size:
2 to 8
Dates:
July to September
Want to book a private tour?: Get in touch.
Nordre Kongsnuten
Nordre Kongsnuten stands at 1,609 metres above sea level pressed against the majestic glacier Hardangarjøkulen. It offers sweeping views of Finse and an intimate look at the blue ice of Hardangarjøkulen.
The hike
We cross Finse Lake at the dam and pick our way through the rocky glaciated landscape to the small hut of Apelsinhytta. Your guide will tell you about the history of Finse and introduce you to the nature, particularly the galciology and hyrdology, of the area.
A steep, rocky trail takes you up past the level of the glacier ice as you climb towards the summit. The climb is fun and we take our time to enjoy the challenge. At the summit you are reqarded with an incredible panoramic vista of the glacier and can look down on the ice at the crevasses and formations.
The nature
After the reward of the summit, we carefully descend back to Apelsinhytta before picking up a new trail to take us to the toe of the glacier. Here we can have fun carefully exploring the glacial river and morraine before reaching the ice where we can look up on where we just took the panormaic to look down on.
Being around the ice has a magical, other worldly feel and as we hike back through the increasing green terrain back to Finse, you will feel alive and connected to nature here (even if you may also feel a little tired!).
Physical Requirements
5/5: Suitable for those with good physical fitness. Demanding mountain hike in rocky and uneven terrain, with steep sections and 750 meters total elevation gain.
Bring:
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Sturdy & waterproof hiking boots (over the ankle)
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Wool base layers, windproof jacket and outdoor pants
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1-2 extra layers of clothing (warm sweater / puffy jacket)
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Hat, buff and windproof mittens /gloves
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Backpack (20 – 35 liters)
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Water Bottle (at least 1 litre)
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Sunglasses & Sunscreen
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Lunch and snacks
Please no jeans or cotton layers. They become very cold when they are wet.
Included:
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Trained and qualified guide
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All safety and group equipment
Important:
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You must be able to communicate in English to join our excursions.
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To ensure your safety we may refuse participation if you are not properly dressed for hiking in the conditions.
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Hikes are timed to allow arrival or departure with connecting trains to Oslo and Bergen.
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Minimum age is 12.
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The route is highly dependent on conditions and, whilst summiting a peak is nice, safety and the guide's decisions come first.
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Note there is no walking on the glacier ice included with this tour.
Getting to Finse
Finse can only be accessed by train; there is no road. Book train tickets at www.vy.no Read about getting to Finse in detail in our blog 'Getting to Finse by train.'
Accommodation
Staying overnight in Finse is highly recommended to fully experience the remoteness of this little village.
Accommodation options include DNT Finsehytta and Hotel Finse 1222.
Read about all the accommodation options in Finse in our blog, 'Where to stay in Finse, Norway.'
Private trips available?
Yes! Get in touch.
