Nordlandsruta Voyage Tips and guide

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Nordlandsruta (English: Nordland trekking trail) is a long-distance hiking trail traversing the dramatic landscapes of Nordland, stretching over 650 kilometers from Harvasstua in the south to Bjørnfjell in the north. Following the spine of the Scandinavian Mountains, the trail traverses remote wilderness sections. Along the way, hikers can make use of a network of cabins maintained by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). The trail is typically completed in segments and is best hiked during the summer months, from late June to early September, when the snow has melted and conditions are most favourable.

See also: Hiking in the Nordic countries, Right to access

The right to access in Norway allows you to leave the marked trail if you wish. You might want to explore a nearby peak, pick berries in a bog, take a different route, or bypass an obstacle like a flooded river or a missing bridge. This freedom is part of Norway’s outdoor tradition.

However, in some protected areas such as national parks and nature reserves, the right to access may be restricted to protect sensitive nature. Always check the rules for these areas before going off-trail.

Use caution in unfamiliar terrain. Conditions can be challenging, and there is often a good reason why the official trail avoids certain places, even if they seem fine at first glance.

Harvasstua, the southern terminus of the trail, is a remote cabin. The nearby town of Kroken has a bus connection available, though still a 10 km walk away. From Trondheim, you can take a train to 65.53333313.4061111 Trofors , from there, travel to 65.35856714.2601212 Kroken bus stop.

The northern terminus of the trail, Bjørnfjell, has a train station that connects all the way to Stockholm. Several larger cities on this stretch have their own airport.

The trail begins at Harvasstua, following a forested route through the scenic Susendalen valley and along the clear waters of Daningen Lake. The stage ends at Grannes on the shore of Unkervatnet.

• 65.3266814.418053 Harvasstua. Cabin at the Susendalen trailhead.  
• 65.48714514.3153754 Grannes Camping. Campground with cabins on Unkervatnet lake.  

Departing from Grannes Camping, the trail winds through birch and spruce forest, climbing gently past Sæterfjellet and crossing the Sørelva river by suspension bridge. The stage ends at Tverrelvnes, a remote farmstead by the lake.

• 65.57642314.3212435 Tverrelvnes. Remote farmstead on the lake. No official hut - camping or private lodging if available.  

Leaving Tverrelvnes, the trail enters rolling highland terrain and rises above the treeline. Expansive views of surrounding fells emerge as you approach the tranquil shores of Krutvatnet. Solitude and alpine quiet define this stage.

• 65.69194414.4141676 Krutvatnet. No established hut - tenting or informal shelter near the lakeshore.  

Leaving Krutvatnet, the trail leads across open plateau country dotted with low shrubs and heather. Views of the distant Børgefjell mountains accompany you as you pass several small tarns before arriving at the quiet lake of Famvatnet.

• 65.79972214.4080567 Famvatnet. No cabins - plan to camp by the lake or continue onward.  

Descending from Famvatnet, the trail winds through birch woods and open meadows, offering glimpses of the distant Okstindan range. The route gradually enters forested terrain, ending at the old clearing of Raudlia.

• 65.90883414.4507718 Raudlia. Old farm clearing. No official hut - camping or local lodging if possible.  

Climbing from Raudlia, the trail enters the rugged Okstindan Mountains and rises into alpine tundra. Skirting the base of 66.01222214.3386111 Oksskolten , the highest peak in Northern Norway at 1,916 m (6,286 ft), you may glimpse tongues of the Okstindbreen glacier before arriving at Gressvasshytta by the lake.

• 66.04798314.4240089 Gressvasshytta. DNT self-service cabin with bunks and provisions on the shore of Gressvatnet.  

From Gressvasshytta, the trail follows a valley between towering peaks, circling the shores of Gressvatnet and Kjennsvatnet at the foot of Oksskolten. A short and scenic day, it ends at Kjennvasshytta beside the ice-capped Okstindan massif.

• 66.06571914.26116910 Kjennvasshytta. DNT self-service cabin beside Kjennsvatnet in the Okstindan area.  

Leaving Kjennvasshytta, the trail crosses high plateaus and alpine marshes, gradually descending from the Okstindan range. Expansive views open up as you near Umbukta Fjellstue, a welcoming lodge with meals and road access.

• 66.1638514.58639111 Umbukta fjellstue. Staffed mountain lodge with rooms, meals, and access to road E12.  

Leaving Umbukta Fjellstue, the trail re-enters the wilderness, climbing gently past the tree line. The path leads across rolling moors and scattered pine before reaching the picturesque Østre Sauvatn lake and the cozy Sauvasshytta.

• 66.18655114.75085312 Sauvasshytta. DNT self-service cabin near Østre Sauvatn.  

From Sauvasshytta, the trail crosses into Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park and leads across a broad alpine plateau. With expansive views toward Røssvatnet, the path traverses rocky and wild highlands, ending at the tranquil Kvitsteindalstunet cabin near Kallvatnet.

• 66.18400715.05180613 Kvitsteindalstunet. DNT self-service cabin at the southeast end of Kallvatnet lake.  

From Kvitsteindalstunet, the trail traverses the Saltfjellet plateau and crosses the Arctic Circle. This strenuous stage leads over barren moors and rocky ridges, entering Saltdal municipality before descending to Virvasshytta by the lake.

• 66.30857215.36464814 Virvasshytta. DNT self-service hut near Virvatnet.  

From Virvasshytta, the trail heads northward across Saltfjellet, traversing tundra, stone fields, and scattered lakes. As you descend toward the treeline, the terrain transitions from limestone karst to greener slopes. The stage ends at Bolnastua by the Nordland Railway.

• 66.49242415.23797315 Bolnastua. DNT hut by the Bolna train stop on the Nordland Railway.  

From Bolnastua, the trail leads through sparse birch forests and marshy flats before climbing back onto moorland. Several stream crossings are likely en route to Krukkistua, a small hut with views toward the northern Saltfjellet peaks.

• 66.67893715.04904816 Krukkistua. Small DNT self-service hut on the north side of Saltfjellet.  

From Krukkistua, the trail follows a gentle route through pine and birch woods along the Bjøllåga river valley. This short stage offers a welcome break after longer sections, ending at the spacious Saltfjellstua cabin just below the treeline.

• 66.71495815.02589617 Saltfjellstua. Large DNT hut just below the treeline in Saltfjellet, surrounded by meadows.  

Leaving Saltfjellstua, the trail crosses the remainder of Saltfjellet, passing the marked point at 66°33′ where you officially cross the Arctic Circle. After traversing open plateaus, the route descends through alpine birch forest toward Lønsdal, where road and rail access return.

• 66.73609415.46571418 Lønstua. Cabin at Lønsdal, near the E6 highway and Lønsdal train station.  
• 66.73700715.46389819 Saltfjellet Hotel Arctic Circle. Guesthouse and mountain lodge near the station at Lønsdal.  

From Lønstua, the trail climbs over a low pass into the Graddis area, entering the edge of Junkerdal National Park. Passing through birch forest and alpine meadows, the stage ends at the staffed Graddis Fjellstue.

• 66.74231215.73801520 Graddis Fjellstue. Staffed lodge with meals and accommodation, located just inside Junkerdal National Park.  

From Graddis Fjellstue, the trail follows the gentle Graddiselva valley through pine woods and marshy areas. After crossing a gravel road at the hamlet of Skaiti, the stage ends at the quiet forest shelter of Trygvebu.

• 66.80038715.68854321 Trygvebu. Unstaffed shelter cabin often used for emergency or overflow stays. Located near Skaiti.  

From Trygvebu, the trail climbs gently into rugged terrain, entering the heart of Junkerdal National Park. After a short ascent to a plateau, the path reaches Argaladhytta, set in a scenic clearing surrounded by peaks and willow thickets.

• 66.84791715.78691722 Argaladhytta. DNT self-service hut in a beautiful clearing in Junkerdal National Park.  

Leaving Argaladhytta, the trail traverses the lake district of Junkerdal, undulating over ridges and skirting the shore of Balvatnet. On clear days, mountain reflections shimmer across the lake. The stage ends at Balvasshytta, near the Swedish border.

• 66.92515.87083323 Balvasshytta. DNT cabin on the shore of Balvatnet, near the northern boundary of Nordland National Park.  

From Balvasshytta, the trail winds through highland moors and rocky passes, crossing the Norway-Sweden border several times. Ascents and descents around scattered lake basins lead you toward Tjoarvihytta, with the dramatic Sulitjelma massif beginning to appear on the horizon.

• 66.99492215.96649424 Tjoarvihytta. Unstaffed DNT cabin just north of Balvatnet, marking the gateway to the Sulitjelma area.  

From Tjoarvihytta, the trail crosses a high plateau straddling the Norway-Sweden border. This quiet section offers solitude and sweeping views. After a short and scenic walk, you reach Tjalalveshytta near the lake Tjálanisjávrre.

• 67.05402816.09441125 Tjalalveshytta. Unstaffed border cabin near the shore of Tjálanisjávrre, just inside Norway.  

From Tjalalveshytta, the trail descends gradually toward the Sulitjelma valley, skirting rocky slopes above the turquoise waters of Lomivatnet. Snow patches may linger into summer. As you near Lomihytta, the Sulitjelma massif comes into full view, marking a transition from wilderness to the edge of settlement.

• 67.12362316.20362426 Lomihytta. Unstaffed cabin near the south end of Lomivatnet lake.  

From Lomihytta, the trail descends quickly along the Lomivatnet dam and down a gravel road into Sulitjelma. This easy stage ends at the comfortable Ny-Sulitjelma Fjellstue, offering services and a chance to rest before the northern half of the route.

• 67.14014416.1367011 Ny-Sulitjelma fjellstue. Unmanned DNT cabin. DNT key. New cabin with beds for 29. 220 V electricity, water etc. Mobile phone coverage.  

Leaving Ny-Sulitjelma Fjellstue, the trail climbs above the treeline and into alpine terrain. Old mine sites give way to high plateaus with distant views of Suliskongen and nearby glaciers. After cresting a rocky saddle, the trail descends to Sorjushytta beside a lake in a dramatic cirque.

• 67.20679916.2560327 Sorjushytta. Unstaffed DNT hut just north of lake Bajep Sårjåsjávrre, in a rocky alpine setting.  

From Sorjushytta, the trail ascends a gentle pass and crosses into Sweden, entering the Laponia World Heritage area. The landscape shifts subtly into the vast valleys and lakes of Padjelanta. The stage ends at Sårjåsjaurestugan, a simple hut by the lake inlet.

• 67.232516.477528 Sårjåsjaurestugan. Basic STF hut located in Padjelanta National Park, by the shore of Sårjåsjávrre.  

From Sårjåsjaurestugan, the trail follows the gentle Stáddájåhkå river valley through broad tundra meadows. This is one of the easiest stages, often done in a couple of hours. The day ends at Staddajåkkåstugorna beside the river.

• 67.24025916.59171629 Staddajåkkåstugorna. Simple STF huts located by the Stáddájåhkå river in Padjelanta.  

From Staddajåkkåstugorna, the trail follows the shores of the stunning lake Virihaure, one of Lapland's most beautiful lakes. The path is mostly flat with sweeping views to snow-capped peaks. The stage ends at the Sami village of Staloluokta, home to a summer hut camp, shop, and sauna.

• 67.31972216.69694430 Stáloluokta. Tourist hut and camp run by the local Sami community, offering simple lodging and occasional supplies.  

From Staloluokta, the trail gently follows the northern shore of Virihaure, passing turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and lush summer meadows. After a relaxed walk through birch groves and wildflower fields, the stage ends at the traditional Sami camp of Árasluokta.

• 67.416.71666731 Árasluokta. STF huts near Lake Virihaure, part of a traditional Sami settlement.  

From Árasluokta, the trail leaves Lake Virihaure and crosses a plateau of open heathland and small lakes. Approaching the broad Låddejåhkå valley, the terrain becomes wetter. A sturdy bridge leads to Låddejåkkåstugorna, set near this major Padjelanta watercourse.

• 67.4635116.90190832 Låddejåkkåstugorna. STF huts located at the confluence of trails in the Låddejåhkå valley.  

From Låddejåkkåstugorna, the trail follows the Kutjaujåkåtj river upstream through a broad valley, then climbs over a gentle rise. Skirting the shore of wind-swept Lake Kutjaure, the route continues through open tundra to Kutjaurestugorna, a tranquil spot near the lake's outlet.

• 67.58530517.03298233 Kutjaure Fjällstuga. STF hut by Lake Kutjaure, located near the lake outlet in arctic tundra surroundings.  

From Kutjaurestugorna, the trail descends from the open plateau into the Vaisaluokta valley, a bay of the vast Akkajaure reservoir. Birch forests reappear as you near the lakeside Sami settlement of Vaisaluokta, home to a chapel and STF huts.

• 67.68823817.25085334 Vaisaluokta Mountain cabin. STF hut with basic facilities in the Sami settlement of Vaisaluokta, by Akkajaure lake.  

From Vaisaluokta, the trail climbs away from Akkajaure and into one of the most remote sections of the route. This highland traverse re-enters Norway near Njallajávrre, passing rugged peaks and pristine terrain. Expect solitude and demanding conditions through this “no-man's-land” between national parks.

• 67.81277816.69222235 Njállajávrre. No hut - tenting required at the lake or nearby. Wild camping only.  
• 67.76797317.0605022 Stopover cabin Rávddajávrre (Rautojaure). Day/emergency hut. Beds for two, space for two more on the floor. No heating.  

From Njallajávrre, the trail continues through rugged wilderness in the Røysvatn area, threading past tarns and rocky ridges. As you approach Røysvatnhytta, the landscape softens into gentler slopes. This remote lakeside cabin offers welcome shelter after a long and exposed trek.

• 67.96052416.83329536 Røysvatnhytta. DNT cabin at Lake Røysvatnet, in a sheltered spot by the lake.  

From Røysvatnhytta, the trail climbs across the rugged Pauro plateau, weaving through a mosaic of lakes and rocky outcrops. Exposed to the elements, this long and remote stage rewards with solitude and striking terrain. Nearing Paurohytta, you rejoin the Nordkalottleden near the Swedish border.

• 68.04900117.03179737 Paurohytta. Unstaffed DNT cabin near lake Båvrojávri, close to the Swedish border.  

From Paurohytta, the trail weaves along the borderlands, crossing between Sweden and Norway. The path runs north beside the reservoir Sitasjávrre, often following gravel roads near the dam. The terrain is gentler here, with rolling hills and broad water views. Sitashytta lies by an old construction road in a scenic lakeside location.

• 68.10059817.23488538 Sitashytta. Unstaffed DNT cabin by the Sitasjaure dam. Accessible via trail and gravel road.  

From Sitashytta, the trail continues through the border highlands, passing vast moors and marshes. In late summer, cloudberries carpet the wetlands. The route curves around Lake Skoaddejávre and ends at Skoaddejávrehytta on the north shore, deep in reindeer country.

• 68.05876617.59262439 Skoaddejávrehytta. Unstaffed DNT cabin on the north shore of Lake Skoaddejávre.  

From Skoaddejávrehytta, the trail heads through rolling mountain terrain along the borderlands. The route skirts Gautelisvatnet, a striking blue lake shared with Sweden, and follows old tracks from past mining and hydro projects. The stage ends at Gautelishytta, a cozy cabin near the lakeshore.

• 68.0389117.83762940 Gautelishytta. Unstaffed DNT cabin near Gautelisvatnet, close to the Norwegian-Swedish border.  

From Gautelishytta, the trail climbs into the rugged Cáihnavaggi Valley, flanked by jagged peaks on the Swedish side. After ascending to a pass, the route descends past alpine tarns into a dramatic valley bottom. Cáihnavággihytta sits near a creek in this secluded and scenic setting.

• 68.11889917.9479241 Cáihnavággihytta. Unstaffed DNT cabin in the Cáihnavaggi Valley, surrounded by high peaks and alpine lakes.  

From Cáihnavággihytta, the trail continues across high plateaus, skirting the edge of Lake Cunojávri in the Narvik mountains. Treeless and exposed, the route offers wide views and frequent stream crossings. On clear days, Ofotfjorden may appear on the horizon. The stage ends at Cunojávrihytta, the last hut before descending toward the sea.

• 68.19773118.0846542 Cunojávrihytta. Unstaffed DNT hut near Lake Cunojávri, in the highlands above the fjords.  

From Cunojávrihytta, the trail ascends to a high point before descending steadily into the verdant Hunddalen valley. The scenery shifts dramatically from alpine barrens to lush meadows dotted with streams and waterfalls. Hunddalshytta, a group of serviced cabins, lies in an idyllic valley clearing once used by railway workers.

• 68.31820317.89918643 Hunddalshytta. Serviced DNT hut set in a lush valley, often stocked and accessible via trail from Cunojávrihytta.  

From Hunddalshytta, the trail follows the historic Rallarveien, an old construction road built for the Ofoten Railway. This stage descends through Hunddalen, accompanied by waterfalls and dramatic views over the Norddalen valley. The walk ends at Katterat station, a remote train stop surrounded by steep mountains.

• 68.39794817.96695944 Katterat fjellstue. No official accommodation. Station shelter may be used; check locally for availability of the old station house.  

From Katterat, the trail follows a nearly flat historic rail bed across the mountainside. Remnants of old railway construction line the route, with dramatic views of cliffs and the distant sound of a river in the gorge below. Vokterboligen, the old railway guard's house, offers emergency shelter and marks the final waypoint before the trail's end.

• 68.40418617.98555945 Vokterboligen. Old railway guard's house. Not a functioning hut but may offer emergency shelter.  

From Vokterboligen, the final stage follows the historic Rallarveien. The gravel track leads through mild terrain with dramatic views over Norddalen and a plunging waterfall. As the landscape opens up near the border, you reach Bjørnfjell station, completing the Nordlandsruta.

• 68.432318.071246 Bjørnfjell station. Rail stop and highway pass on the border.  

• Nordkalottleden - Coincides with Nordlandsruta between Ny-Sulitjelma Fjellstue and Cunojávrihytta.
• Padjelantaleden - On the way, you will have passed by several BLT cabins. The Padjelantaleden trail travels through the same area.
• Kungsleden - A long distance hiking trail through northern Sweden with trailheads at Hemavan and Abisko.