Image credit: Frode Jenssen
Adventure Tours

Stetind – Climb Norway`s National Mountain

Stetind is one of the greatest climbs you can do in Norway. Located in Nordland, Stetind is Norway’s national mountain. The summit is within reach even for those with no previous climbing experience. Join us for a guided hike up Stetind!? You need to be fit and have a good head for heights.

Stetind seen from Halls foretop. Photo: Johnny Haglund.
Stetind as seen from Halls foretop. Photo: Johnny Haglund.

Stetind is a classic Norwegian peak nearly 1400 metres above sea-level . Well known among mountain climbers, and has been so for a long time. The top of the peak looks as if it has been formed by four blows of an axe, three vertical and one crosswise. For ages it has been a landmark (also among fishermen in Lofoten) which, well visible from far off, rises high above other nearby peaks.

Norway’s national mountain – no wonder why Stetind in 2002 was voted to be Norway’s national mountain.  Stetind is described as a perfect obelisk in pure granite with sweeping ridges rising straight from the fjord.

Stetind, one of the classic alpine climbs in Northern Norway
Stetind, the exposed ridge from the foretop to summit. Photo: Nordland Adventures.

William C. Slingsby, the British father of Norwegian mountaineering said about Stetind: “The ugliest mountain I ever saw”. Perhaps this had something to do with his failure at achieveing the summit. Stetind was first ascended in 1910. Stetind is 1392 m high and of natural reasons one of the most famous and celebrated  mountains in Norway. Its shape is like a giant needle. See it and you’ll never forget it. The peak is a “world in itself”, formed by screes and steep, smooth and slippery slopes of naked rock.

Price

NOK 4000

per person
Minimum 2 people.
Check Currency Calculator to convert into your currency.

  • Level

    Very Hard. Climbing Stetind is a strenuous trip which includes climbing. Please see details below.

  • Duration

    10 - 12 hours from meeting point.

  • Group size & Capacity

    One guide can handle 3 (4) people.

  • Season & Availability

    June - September.


Book Guide to Climb Stetind

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What You Need to Know Before a Guided Climb to Stetind

  • Do I need any outdoor experience?

    Is this trip for me? Stetind is a hard and demanding trip. This trip is designed for people in very good physical condition, with previous alpine experience, and a good head for heights. You will benefit from previous climbing experiences, but this is not absolutely required.

    The tour involves steep uphill walking for 3 – 4 hours only to reach the Halls foretop. The walk down might be the toughest part for the legs and knees. We do recommend using walking poles.

    Grading: this trip is graded as Very Hard.

    More about the grading system in Norway.

    Minimum age: reccomended minimum age is 16 years.

  • Terrain, distance and elevation

    • Stetind via normal route: Our guided tour to Stetind follows the `normal route` which is the easiest way up. The tour to starts with a good trail through a wonderful birch forest. At 700 m above the sea, terrain gets rougher, filled with boulders and sparcely vegetation. From the foretop  we will traverse the exposed ridge to the top of Stetind.
    • Halls foretop: When reaching the foretop we will take a rest. The guide will give you a safety talk and an introduction to the gear that we will use. Here we will also be exposed to the 750m ridge of serious exposure above 800m granite slabs just a few degrees off vertical, on both sides.
    • Mysosten block is the crux of the route. The main crux of the route is the epic “finger traverse”. It is barely three or four metres in length but quite difficult. The technique is to “hand traverse” a crack in a ledge that rises diagonally. If you need help here we will do everything necessary to make you do it. None of our clients have failed here, but it has been some blood and tears.
    • The return: Going back Mysosten block requires an abseil on the return route. If you have not done abseiling before, this is a scary place to start! Only 30m of abseiling, above an 800m slope of pure granite. We are controlling your moves also here, and trust the ropes, they can hold a load of 3000 kgs. Enjoy!

    For a more detailed route-description, check out westcoastpeaks.com.

  • What do I need to bring?

    You should bring

    • Bring your own hiking boots.
    • Personal clothing: be prepared for wind and rain (snow).
    • Gloves and a varm cap.
    • Day pack (min 30 l).
    • Snacks for a long day.
    • Water will be found on our way up to 700 m a.s.l.
    • Camera.

    We will provide

    • All necessary climbing Equipment.
    • An experienced, knowledgeable, english speaking guide.
  • Where and when do we meet?

    • Meeting point is by Stetind Parking. Please see map above.
    • Where is Stetind? Stetind is located in Tysfjord in Northern Norway, beetween the cities of Bodo and Narvik.
  • How to get to Stetind?

    Transport is not included in the price. Feel free to ask if you need help to figure out how to get to Stetind. Rental car is recommended.

    Public transport: Going by bus needs proper planning. Getting to Kjøpsvik by bus from Bodø or Narvik might be an option.  If you plan to go there on your own: check timetable for bus Bodø – Narvik.

    Ferries: for ferry-boats across the fjord (Tysfjord) check timetable from Drag to Kjøpsvik or Bognes to Skarberget.

  • Can I book if I’m on my own?

    • Yes, you can! The groups on several of our trips are made up of solo travellers. You are welcome to come on your own and make new friends.
    • What is the minimum number of participants? To run this tour, a minimum of two people must book. If this minimum is not met, we reserve the right to cancel the tour. You will then have the option of being rebooked on an alternative date or receiving a full refund.
    • Private tour as solo traveller? If you are the only one to book but you wish to go ahead with the tour on your original date, another option is to book a private tour. In this case, you will need to pay for the minimum number of participants required.
  • Weather cancellation policy

    A guided tour to Stetind is not reccomended in wet conditions. Climbing is easier on dry rock, and more important: to enjoy the outrageous view from the top.

    Check weather forecast for Nordland.

  • Where to stay near Stetind?

    Stetind Hostel – Kjøpsvik
    You need to stay one night near Stetind before the climb. We recommend Stetind Hostel in Kjøpsvik

    stay@stetindhostel

    www.stetindhostel.no

    Stetind Hostel, Kjøpsvik (Google maps)