Demanding hike in a harsh landscape

It’s hard to describe this hike in detail, but we will cross Norway’s fourth largest island during a week-long hike. The island is surrounded by the Norwegian Sea. The total distance of this hike is around 110 km, which we will spread over seven legs. We will camp overnight in tents except for the fourth night, which we will spend in a turf hut (providing the legs work out as planned).

The terrain is brutal for the first three days, which involves significant climbs in the rocky, mountainous landscape. However, we will be rewarded with spectacular views in all directions. The middle part of the route is hilly with numerous good fishing lakes, so bring your (light) fishing rod if you enjoy fishing. On the last two days, the terrain is rolling countryside and you almost get the feeling that it’s downhill all the way.

The weather here on the edge of Norway can also vary greatly, from the most beautiful weather imaginable (sunny days where you feel like stopping for a swim in every mountain lake) to coastal fog, low temperatures (perhaps 3 ˚C) and strong wind. It’s important to be prepared with suitable clothes, maps, compass and GPS.

Your backpack must have space for everything

This is an “unsupported” hike, which means we carry all the equipment. This involves big and heavy backpacks, but thankfully they get lighter as the week progresses. We will be accompanied by a couple of huskies with packsaddles, so they can carry some of the food. However, participants must envisage carrying all their gear and perhaps some food.

Guides

For past three summers, the municipalities of Hammerfest and Hasvik have had a project to mark the route between Akkarfjord and Sørvær. One of the people responsible for this work is Rikki Nielsen, who is also a guide at GLØD. Rikki will be the main guide on this hike. He has heard, learned and experienced a lot on the island of Sørøya during the summers he has worked marking the trail. He will gladly share his stories with us! He will be joined by another guide and sherpa, Trygve Nygård. However, Trygve will probably play second fiddle on this hike and could be a bit lazy after many months of desk work. But he is really looking forward to it!