Rasmus Ramstad

Mountain Hike to Mount Vasstinden (900 m)

Vasstinden is a popular mountaint climb in the Tromsø area. The marked hiking trail begins at Lauklines on Kvaløya Island. The summit and the walk along the way offer views of the sea and mountains.


The tour goes rather steeply up from the car park and you gain altitude quickly. Already after a quick and brutal climb, you get a fabulous view from Bærmarkhaugen hill (150 m). Just before Bærmarhaugen, the trail flattens out somewhat, but as you follow the markings further up, it gets steeper again.

The way then evens out

It is a steady and relatively steep climb up through the low-grown forest along the mountain ridge. It then evens out again at approx. 440 m altitude. Here the path splits and the most used road up to Vasstinden turns right. The path to the left is an alternative route that takes you via Lake Kvitorvatnet to Vasstinden. However, only the path to the right is marked. As you continue along the marked route, you will eventually come to rockier and steeper terrain

The trail goes back down the same way

At approximately 650 m above sea level, the route turns even more to the left and then follows the southern ridge in a slightly alternating rise and rocky terrain all the way to the top. You have then 900 meters of altitude behind you, and have an excellent view towards the Kattfjordeidet isthmus and the adjacent peaks Nordfjordtinden and Blåskredtinden, as well as across the sea towards the islands of Sommarøy, Hillesøy, Håja and Tussøya. In good weather, you can also see parts of Senja. After a good rest, you follow the same path back down to the starting point of the tour.

Season

June – October

Difficulty

Easy start, red marked ascent to the top

Duration

Some 4 hours return

Distance

6.5 km return

Stay safe at Mount Vasstinden

When you move about in nature, bring the necessary equipment of clothing, food, map and compass with you, depending on the length and grade of the trip. The route to Bærmarhaugen is graded as a green trail, and is suitable for beginners without a lot of previous experience. Note, however, that there is a fairly steep path up to Bærmarhaugen. The route further up to Vasstinden is graded as a red trail, and is a demanding trip for the experienced hiker with the right equipment and good endurance. In early summer, there is a drift of snow from the cairn towards the southeast on Vasstinden. Do not walk on this as it is dangerously steep where the scree ends. The marked route is a summer route which is not necessarily a safe winter route. The area is prone to avalanches in winter and requires completely separate assessments. If there is any doubt, the use of qualified guides for the assignment is recommended.

Make your footprint small

Remember to take into account the environment in the mountains. Take rubbish home, and tread carefully, especially during the breeding season. Dogs are on a leash all year round. For fishing and hunting licenses for small game, contact Nordre Kattfjord Landowners Association on their website.

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