Massiv Trail Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Massiv Trail or Massivruta is a 350 km long-distance trek across Norway's grand mountain ranges - Breheimen, Jotunheimen, Skarvheimen, and Hardangervidda.

There is a registry available for hikers who have completed the route at https://www.dnt.no/turtips/anbefalte-turer/signaturer/massiv/hall-of-fame/. Be sure to collect a stamp book before you start hiking, and collect stamps at all of the cabins that belong to the DNT along the way.

The southern terminus of the trail, Haukeliseter, is reachable by bus directly from Oslo. The northern terminus is harder to reach. The closest large town is Otta. A bus connection from Otta is available to Bismo, where a taxi service is available to/from Sota Sæter, reachable at ☏ +47 95 95 09 40.

Leaving Sota Sæter, the trail climbs steadily through birch forests and into alpine terrain. The ascent toward Illvatnet is the steepest of the entire route - about 860 m (2,820 ft) up. In good weather, you can detour with a guided glacier walk across Fortundalsbreen (optional) or otherwise follow the summer path via Illvatnet. High on the plateau, the route traverses a long stretch consisting mostly of boulder fields. Nørdstedalseter is reached after a gentle descent into Fortundalen, past a large glacier lake.

• 61.8097227.7105561 Sota Sæter.  
• 61.6427787.792 Nørdstedalseter.  

This stage offers diverse terrain and breathtaking vistas. The trail ascends eastward through Vetledalen, gradually leading you toward Sognefjell Pass. As you approach, you'll momentarily feel as though you're leaving the wilderness behind. The route briefly intersects a highway before reaching Sognefjellshytta, a well-known tourist hub offering excursions to several nearby glaciers. From the lodge, you can take in panoramic views of the Smørstabb Massif and the striking peak of Fannaråken—weather permitting.

• 61.716678.353 Sognefjellshytta.  

Head south from Sognefjellshytta into the heart of Jotunheimen. This stage includes a guided glacier crossing of Fannaråkbreen (rope and guide usually required). After crossing the snow-covered ice, a steep climb on a rocky ridge leads up to Fannaråkhytta, perched atop Fannaråki (Fannaråken) at 2,068 m (6,785 ft). On a clear day the 360° panorama is amazing. You can see the jagged Hurrungane peaks as well as the Skagastølsridge and Norway's third-highest summit, Store Skagastølstind (Storen). Enjoy the sunset above the clouds if you're lucky.

• 61.516477.9080284 Fannaråkhytta. Highest DNT cabin in Norway  

After experiencing sunrise from Norway's rooftop, begin the long descent. The trail drops steeply off Fannaråki's western side, skirting the edge of the glacier. You'll descend about 1,200 m (3,900 ft) vertically through the rocky Keiserpasset and into the greener terrain of Utladalen. Utladalen is one of Norway's deepest valleys, and you'll see its verdant floor far below. By early afternoon you arrive at Skogadalsbøen, a charming DNT lodge nestled at the confluence of lush valleys and roaring streams. Wildflowers and birch trees abound at this lower elevation.

• 61.46318.014175 Skogadalsbøen.  

The trail leaves Skogadalsbøen by climbing out of the lush Utladalen, heading south-east up through Uradalen. A long ascent leads to the Uradalsbandet pass (~1,400 m (4,600 ft)), where a surprise awaits - the iconic pyramid of Uranostinden (2,157 m (7,077 ft)) rises majestically just to the east. Traversing the pass, the landscape changes from grassy to rocky. As you approach Fondsbu by afternoon, the terrain opens up and you glimpse the blue waters of Bygdin Lake. Fondsbu sits at the historic Eidsbugarden enclave, a trail hub celebrated by poet Aasmund Vinje. There are several cabins for rent nearby, and the trailhead often has many visitors. If you've past this point, you've managed to cross the parts of the trail that have the largest amount of boulders, the terrain occasionally gets tougher up ahead, but does not reach anywhere near the same level of difficulty.

• 61.3753338.29756 Fondsbu.  

Heading south from Fondsbu, follow a dirt road or parallel trail towards Tyin Lake. The route passes the historic Tyinholmen area and then turns west into the Filefjell mountains. After crossing the dam at Tyinosen and a short road section at Kyrkjestølen (along Hwy 53), you begin a gradual climb into rolling highlands. The scenery transitions to heather and rock. You may see grazing sheep and hear the whistle of ptarmigans on the hills. Slettningsbu hut lies near a tarn above Øvre Årdalsvatnet. It's a simple self-service cabin opened in 1975 to link Jotunheimen with Skarvheimen.

• 61.2457838.1298597 Slettningsbu.  

This stage continues through Skarvheimen, the “land between” Jotunheimen and Hardangervidda known for its diversity. From Slettningsbu, the trail winds along Lake Slettningen then turns south-west. Enjoy ever-changing terrain: patches of dwarf birch and willow in the valleys, and open tundra on the heights. The path descends towards the treeline at Kyrkjestølen (a small chapel and cabins by road 53), then crosses the road. A steady 8 km ascent on the south side leads you up with views of Suletinden (1,780 m (5,840 ft)) looming above. Cresting a ridge, you arrive at Sulebu - a red cabin sitting beside Sulevatnet at 1327 m. Sulebu, built in 1970, often serves as the first/last stop for trekkers in Skarvheimen.

• 61.140298.1756678 Sulebu.  

The trail threads between Suletinden and Sulefjellet, crossing high moors dotted with tarns (Masseringstjørni) and skirting the foot of Nordre Kluftenosi ridge. You might spot herds of wild reindeer here. Gradually, the route descends into greener terrain as you approach Breistølen. Breistølen is a mountain lodge along highway 52, and next to it is Skarvheim.

• 61.0222538.041549 Skarvheim.  .

Leaving the road behind, you re-enter true wilderness. The trail starts out on an old construction track then veers onto a path up Stardalen valley. A steady climb leads to Stardalsmønen, after which you descend gently toward the northwest bay of Starsjøen. The landscape becomes increasingly austere and rocky as you traverse Rankebotnen, a stark and barren valley floor. The path then turns south over a pass at the western edge of Graveggi before dropping down to Bjordalsbu. This simple cabin sits by itself at 1580 m, near Nedre Bjordalsvatnet.

• 60.9269447.99805610 Bjordalsbu.  

From the stark heights of Bjordalsbu, the trail leads through a striking variety of landscapes. You begin in a barren upland of lichen-covered rocks, then descend into the intriguingly named Helvetet (“Hell”) - a dramatic gorge with steep walls. Exiting the canyon, the scenery softens: the path follows alongside idyllic mountain lakes. Gradually the route drops into the beautiful Fødalen valley, with lush grass and willow groves. Here you'll glimpse the graceful Systrondsfossen waterfall tumbling down distant cliffs. The day's destination, Iungsdalshytta, sits near the shore of Store Iungsdalsvatnet.

• 60.8101287.93400311 Iungsdalshytta.  

This is one of the longest stages - a full traverse from the lush east of Skarvheimen to its rocky western edge. The trail from Iungsdalshytta is actually well-graded and relatively gentle, undulating through open highlands and broad valleys. About halfway (after ~15 km), you'll reach Kongshelleren self-service cabin on the shores of Langavatnet. It makes for a perfect lunch stop or an overnight if you prefer to split the journey. Past Kongshelleren, the path continues through contrasting scenery - from the green meadows of Lungsdalen to the moon-like rocky plains approaching Geiterygghytta. Take a break in Rossdalen and lie back in the heather to rest your legs as recommended. The final stretch to Geiterygghytta is slightly downhill. Geiterygghytta, built in 1914, sits at a historic crossroads of trails.

• 60.7771687.70126412 Kongshelleren.  
• 60.7008337.60347213 Geiterygghytta.  

Heading north-west from Geiterygghytta, the trail follows the shore of Geitryggvatnet before rising into the high country. A steady climb of ~400 m (1,300 ft) elevation brings you up the eastern slopes of Omnsvatnet, often aided by lingering snowfields even in summer. As you gain the plateau, consider a short detour to the summit of Sankt Pål (1695 m). Back on the trail, you begin a long descent across stony ground. You'll cross a summer bridge over the Finseelvi river and soon see signs of civilization - the approach to Finse. The trail leads directly past small cabins, over the railway line, and right to Finsehytta, conveniently located by Finse Station.

From Finse, it's possible to take a short detour to the nearby Blåisen glacier. The glacier has retreated significantly in the past few decades, it used to reach quite close to the edge of the town.

• 60.5979257.50697514 Finsehytta.  

Now you embark across the vast Hardangervidda plateau - Norway's largest mountain plateau. The route from Finse to Krækkja is part of the famous “Monsen” trail. The terrain is gentle with only modest ups and downs, allowing you to really appreciate the wide-open landscape. You'll pass Finsefetene - broad sediment flats - and then cross a dam and streams before reaching the watershed divide. In clear weather, the distinctive flat-topped Hårteigen can be spotted far on the horizon in the west. Eventually the trail descends toward the shores of Storekrækkja lake and arrives at Krækkja, a historic mountain lodge established in 1878.

• 60.4515567.71283315 Krækkja.  

Leaving Krækkja, the trail heads south-west, following a creek outflow and crossing a small bridge between lakes. You climb gently through a ravine west of Halnekollen, then descend a narrow gorge toward Halnefjorden. After about an hour and a half, you'll actually cross highway 7 (a remote stretch of road across Hardangervidda). Once past the road, solitude resumes as you hike through Lundhaukedalen valley. The path winds south-west, traversing low ridges and skirting tarns. Keep an eye out for wild reindeer; Hardangervidda is their sanctuary. As you approach Stigstuv, you cross the broad ridge between Skaupsjøberget and Håsteinreet and pass Simletjørn tarn.

• 60.37.6516 Stigstuv.  

This stage takes you into the heart of Hardangervidda. From Stigstuv, head south-west over gentle moorland. The terrain here is mostly flat and easy-going - a welcome break for the legs. You'll skirt around Endåvatnet and perhaps spot wild geese in the marshes. After passing a DNT emergency shelter at Falgebu, the trail crosses Hellehalsen and then an all-year bridge over the strait between lakes Langavatn and Tunga. Moving further south, you ascend slightly over a low ridge and then descend toward the expansive lake Normannslågen. Sandhaug appears on the shore, marked by the red roofs of the hut buildings.

• 60.1839727.48188917 Sandhaug.  

Today's trek leads through some of Hardangervidda's most remote parts. Departing Sandhaug, you head south alongside Nordmannslågen and soon cross two summer bridges over the Holmsbu river between Nordmannslågen and Lågen lakes. The trail continues westward across boggy marshes - fortunately, boardwalk planks help keep your feet dry. You then cross a bridge over the Besso river near a spur trail to Besso Turisthytte, then ascend gradually alongside the Bessevatnet and Bismarvatnet lakes. Climbing over a shoulder south of Bismarhøi, you descend into the valley Venahalle and traverse the stony flats of Grøto. The path winds up between Flautenut and Storahorgi peaks before finally dropping you at Litlos on the shore of Litlosvatnet.

• 60.0708337.19972218 Litlos.  

Heading out from Litlos, you cross a bridge over the outflow stream and trace the western shore of Litlosvatnet. The route then veers west and climbs beside the Fotkjølo river - another small bridge helps you across its flow. You pass a trail junction for Middalsbu (to the south) and continue along the foot of a broad mountain flank. This section has several short, steep climbs and drops as it navigates ravines and ridges. You'll hop across the Kvenno river via a bridge, and wind past a cluster of old stone hunting huts at Søre Belebotnen. A challenging ascent follows, up a steep ravine west of Velurenuten - take your time here. Once atop, countless little tarns dot the plateau. Crossing one last boulder field, you descend into a peaceful valley and arrive at Hellevassbu on the shore of Øvre Hellevatnet.

• 59.9830027.21508219 Hellevassbu.  

The final stage of Massivruta is a grand finale of highland scenery. From Hellevassbu, the trail leads south through hilly terrain, weaving between a chain of tarns and lakes. A moderate climb brings you to the pass at Sutadalen (Sudskar), after which you'll see the shimmering Simletindvatnet lake. Crossing the outlet stream, you continue through a landscape of rounded mountain tops and ridges - far in the distance, you might spot the glacier Folgefonna or other landmarks. As you crest the final ridge, Haukeliseter comes into view below. The descent delivers you right to the lodge on the shore of Ståvatnet. Haukeliseter is a popular roadside mountain hotel, with a bus connection to Oslo.

• 59.8235527.19570220 Haukeliseter.