Nordlandsruta Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Nordlandsruta (English: Nordland trekking trail) is a long-distance hiking trail traversing 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 route, hikers can stay in a network of cabins maintained by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT), the Swedish Tourist Association (STF), and various private operators.

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.

The optimal hiking season for Nordlandsruta is from late June to early September. During this period, snow has melted, and conditions are most favorable for trekking. Outside of these months, snow and unpredictable weather can make the trail hazardous .

Nordlandsruta is a challenging trail that requires excellent physical fitness and familiarity with rugged mountain terrain. Hikers should be prepared for long distances, significant elevation changes, and varying weather conditions. It's advisable to train with multi-day hikes carrying a loaded backpack to build endurance and strength.

• Navigation tools: Carry detailed topographic maps and a compass, and ensure you know how to use them. GPS devices can be helpful but should not replace traditional navigation tools, as electronic devices can fail or lose signal in remote areas.
• Shelter: A sturdy, weather-resistant tent is essential, especially since many sections of the trail are remote. Some Scandinavian tents have the inner attached to the outer, making pitching less of a hassle in rain and stormy weather.
• Clothing: Pack layers suitable for varying temperatures, including waterproof and windproof outer layers. Weather can change rapidly, and even summer nights can be cold.
• Food and water: Plan to be self-sufficient with food. Resupply options are limited, and most huts do not have a store available. Water is generally abundant and safe to drink, but carrying a filtration method is recommended.

• 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.
• Bjørnfjell, the northern terminus of the trail, has a train station that connects all the way to Stockholm. Several larger cities on this stretch have their own airport.
• 68.397717.96593 Katterat station.   is directly on-trail. Train station on the Ofoten line, with connections to Narvik and Riksgränsen
• 66.74295115.4632194 Lønsdal station.   is directly on trail. Train station on Nordlandsbanen, with connections to Trondheim and Bodø. Lønsdal is also accessible by car via the E6.
• Sitashytta can be accessed by driving up the 68.2199117.470525 Skjom valley to a shelter, then continuing along a smaller road past Iptojávri to Kjårdavatnet (Čoađgejávri). From the barrier at the end of the road, it is a 2-hour hike to the cabin.
• Paurohytta and Røysvatnhytta are reachable by boat from 68.096116.373686 Kjøpsvik in Tysfjord to Sørfjorden. Call +47 75-77-43-29 well in advance to arrange the crossing and coordinate with other transport. From Sørfjorden, trails lead to the huts: 20 km to Paurohytta, though this trail is not properly marked, and 16 km to Røysvatnhytta.
• Njallajávrre can be reached from 67.8140616.516117 Hellmobotn in Tysfjord. In summer, a ferry operates on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays (on request, call +47 99 28 32 38). From the ferry landing, it is a 10 km hike to Njallajávrre, which lies approximately 23 km from Røysvatnhytta and 30 km from Vaisaluokta.
• Vaisaluokta, reachable by boat from 67.7217.4758 Ritsem, a village by the lake Akkajaure, near the Akka massif. Bus from Gällivare to Ritsem.
• Bolnastua can be accessed directly from the E6 road.
• Sulitjelma, a Norwegian village by the mountains of the same name. Bus from Bodø or Fauske, the latter at the junction for Bodø, with connections described in that article.

Distance

24.5 km

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.

• 65.3266814.418059 Harvasstua. Cabin at the Susendalen trailhead.  
• 65.48714514.31537510 Grannes Camping. Campground with cabins on Unkervatnet lake.  

Distance

12.7 km

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.

• 65.57642314.32124311 Tverrelvnes. Remote farmstead on the lake. No official hut, camping or private lodging if available. (updated May 2025)

Distance

21.9 km

Leaving ‘’‘Tverrelvnes’’’, the trail climbs steadily above the treeline into open highlands. As it crosses the plateau, views of surrounding fells open up before reaching the shore of ‘’‘Krutvatnet’’’. This section includes the trail’s first significant ascent from the valley floor.

• 65.69194414.41416712 Krutvatnet. No established hut, tenting or informal shelter near the lakeshore. (updated May 2025)

Distance

18.2 km

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.

• 65.79972214.40805613 Famvatnet. No cabins, plan to camp by the lake or continue onward. (updated May 2025)

Distance

15.5 km

Descending from Famvatnet, the trail winds through birch woods and open meadows, offering glimpses of the distant 66.01416714.33861114 Okstindan range . The route gradually enters forested terrain, ending at the old clearing of Raudlia.

• 65.90883414.45077115 Raudlia. Old farm clearing. No official hut, camping or local lodging if possible. (updated May 2025)

Distance

18.6 km

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.

• 66.04798314.42400816 Gressvasshytta. DNT self-service cabin with bunks and provisions on the shore of Gressvatnet.  

Distance

7.4 km

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.

Kjennvasshytta is often used as a base for climbs of Oksskolten due to its proximity to the peak.

• 66.06571914.26116917 Kjennvasshytta. DNT self-service cabin beside Kjennsvatnet in the Okstindan area. Self-service store available.  

Distance

22.5 km

Leaving Kjennvasshytta, the trail crosses high plateaus and alpine marshes, gradually descending from the Okstindan range. The stage ends at Umbukta Fjellstue, a lodge with meals and road access.

Umbukta is the first road access point on the trail, providing an opportunity for resupply or exit if needed.

• 66.1638514.58639118 Umbukta fjellstue. Staffed mountain lodge with rooms, meals, and access to road E12.  

Distance

11.4 km

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.

• 66.18655114.75085319 Sauvasshytta. DNT self-service cabin near Østre Sauvatn. Self-service store available.  

Distance

15 km

From ‘’‘Sauvasshytta’’’, the trail enters Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park and crosses a wide alpine plateau. It follows rocky, open highlands with views toward Røssvatnet, ending at the ‘’‘Kvitsteindalstunet’’’ cabin by Kallvatnet.

• 66.18400715.05180620 Kvitsteindalstunet. DNT self-service cabin at the southeast end of Kallvatnet lake.  

Distance

21.2 km

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.

• 66.30857215.36464821 Virvasshytta. DNT self-service hut near Virvatnet.  

Distance

25.1 km

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, signalling a brief return to civilisation.

• 66.49242415.23797322 Bolnastua. DNT hut by the Bolna train stop on the Nordland Railway.  

Distance

25.6 km

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. About 1 km from Krukkistua, the trail passes Steinstua, a stone hut built in 1867 during the construction of the telegraph line.

• 66.67893715.04904823 Krukkistua. Small DNT self-service hut on the north side of Saltfjellet.  

Distance

4.7 km

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.

• 66.71495815.02589624 Saltfjellstua. Large DNT hut just below the treeline in Saltfjellet, surrounded by meadows.  

Distance

23.7 km

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.

• 66.73609415.46571425 Lønstua. Cabin at Lønsdal, near the E6 highway and Lønsdal train station.  
• 66.73700715.46389826 Saltfjellet Hotel Arctic Circle. Guesthouse and mountain lodge near the station at Lønsdal.  

Distance

14.4 km

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.

• 66.74231215.73801527 Graddis Fjellstue. Staffed lodge with meals and accommodation, located just inside Junkerdal National Park.  

Distance

7.8 km

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.

• 66.80038715.68854328 Trygvebu. Unstaffed shelter cabin often used for emergency or overflow stays. Located near Skaiti.  

Distance

7.5 km

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.

• 66.84791715.78691729 Argaladhytta. DNT self-service hut in Junkerdal National Park.  

Distance

9.2 km

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.

• 66.92515.87083330 Balvasshytta. DNT cabin on the shore of Balvatnet, near the northern boundary of Nordland National Park.  

Distance

17.8 km

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 67.14781516.3769631 Sulitjelma massif beginning to appear on the horizon.

• 66.99492215.96649432 Tjoarvihytta. Unstaffed DNT cabin just north of Balvatnet, marking the gateway to the Sulitjelma area.  

Distance

11.7 km

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.

• 67.05402816.09441133 Tjalalveshytta. Unstaffed border cabin near the shore of Tjálanisjávrre, just inside Norway.  

Distance

12.8 km

From ‘’‘Tjalalveshytta’’’, the trail descends steadily toward the Sulitjelma valley, following rocky slopes above Lomivatnet. Snow may remain into the summer. Nearing ‘’‘Lomihytta’’’, the Sulitjelma massif becomes visible, and the route shifts from remote terrain to the outskirts of settlement. The final section follows a gravel access road near the Lomivatnet dam.

• 67.12362316.20362434 Lomihytta. Unstaffed cabin near the south end of Lomivatnet lake.  

Distance

4.4 km

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. From this point until just before Cunojávrihytta, the trail shares its route with the Nordkalottleden, after which the two trails diverge.

• 67.14014416.1367011 Ny-Sulitjelma fjellstue. Unmanned DNT cabin. New cabin with beds for 19. 220 V electricity, water etc. Mobile phone coverage.  

Distance

10.7 km

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. The initial climb from Sulitjelma is steep, quickly lifting you onto the plateau. After cresting a rocky saddle, the trail descends to Sorjushytta beside a lake in a cirque.

• 67.20679916.2560335 Sorjushytta. Unstaffed DNT hut just north of lake Bajep Sårjåsjávrre, in a rocky alpine setting.  

Distance

11.8 km

From ‘’‘Sorjushytta’’’, the trail climbs a gentle pass into Sweden and enters the Laponia World Heritage area. The landscape opens into broad valleys and lakes as you cross into Padjelanta National Park, marked by a sign at the boundary. The stage ends at ‘’‘Sårjåsjaurestugan’’’, a basic hut near the lake inlet.

• 67.232516.477536 Sårjåsjaurestugan. STF hut located in Padjelanta National Park, by the shore of Sårjåsjávrre.  

Distance

5.4 km

From Sårjåsjaurestugan, the trail follows the gentle Stáddájåhkå river valley through broad tundra meadows. The broad valley floor here is dotted with pools that attract waterfowl. The stage ends at Staddajåkkåstugorna beside the river. This short stage can be combined with the next.

• 67.24025916.59171637 Staddajåkkåstugorna. BLT Huts located by the Stáddájåhkå river in Padjelanta, it has a small kiosk.  

Distance

11.9 km

From Staddajåkkåstugorna, the trail follows the shores of Virihaure. The path is mostly flat with views to snow-capped peaks. The stage ends at the Sami village of Staloluokta, home to a summer hut camp, shop, and sauna.

• 67.31972216.69694438 Stáloluokta. BLT hut and camp run by the local Sami community. It has a small kiosk.  

Distance

10.1 km

From Staloluokta, the trail gently follows the northern shore of Virihaure. The trail coincides with Padjelantaleden from this point until a crossing after Låddejåhkå. After a relaxed walk through birch groves and wildflower fields, the stage ends at the traditional Sami camp of Árasluokta. Reindeer enclosures and traditional kåta huts are visible around this Sami camp.

• 67.373716.800739 Árasluokta. BLT hut near Lake Virihaure, part of a traditional Sami settlement. It has a small kiosk.  

Distance

12.6 km

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. Låddejåkkå is a key junction where trails intersect toward both Kvikkjokk and Ritsem.

• 67.4635116.90190840 Låddejåkkåstugorna. BLT hut located at the confluence of trails in the Låddejåhkå valley. It has a small kiosk.  

Distance

17.2 km

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.

• 67.58530517.03298241 Kutjaure Fjällstuga. STF hut by Lake Kutjaure, located near the lake outlet in arctic tundra surroundings.  

Distance

15.3 km

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 Huts.

• 67.68823817.25085342 Vaisaluokta Mountain cabin. STF hut with basic facilities in the Sami settlement of Vaisaluokta, by Akkajaure lake.  

Distance

31.3 km

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. Expect solitude and demanding conditions through this “no-man's-land” between national parks. Many hikers break this long section by camping or using the tiny emergency hut at Rávddajávrre about halfway.

• 67.81277816.69222243 Njállajávrre. 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.  

Distance

24.8 km

From Njallajávrre, the trail continues through rugged wilderness in the Røysvatn area, threading past tarns and rocky ridges. As you near Røysvatnhytta, the trail crosses into Norway and follows the border until it reaches Skoaddejávrehytta, after which it stays entirely on the Norwegian side.

• 67.96052416.83329544 Røysvatnhytta. DNT cabin at Lake Røysvatnet, in a sheltered spot by the lake.  

Distance

26.7 km

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.

• 68.04900117.03179745 Paurohytta. Unstaffed DNT cabin near lake Båvrojávri, close to the Swedish border.  

Distance

21.8 km

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.

• 68.10059817.23488546 Sitashytta. Unstaffed DNT cabin by the Sitasjaure dam. Accessible via trail and gravel road.  

Distance

19.5 km

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. From this point, the trail will stay on the Norwegian side of the border.

• 68.05876617.59262447 Skoaddejávrehytta. Unstaffed DNT cabin on the north shore of Lake Skoaddejávre.  

Distance

14.8 km

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.

• 68.0389117.83762948 Gautelishytta. Unstaffed DNT cabin near Gautelisvatnet, close to the Norwegian-Swedish border.  

Distance

10.3 km

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 valley bottom. Cáihnavággihytta sits near a creek in this secluded and scenic setting. To the west is the 68.2315617.8768949 Storsteinsfjellet mountain ridge, an imposing mountain range. The tallest peak, Kirken, reaches 1,894 m (6,214 ft) above sea level.

• 68.11889917.9479250 Cáihnavággihytta. Unstaffed DNT cabin in the Cáihnavaggi Valley, surrounded by high peaks and alpine lakes.  

Distance

11.8 km

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.

• 68.19773118.0846551 Cunojávrihytta. Unstaffed DNT hut near Lake Cunojávri, in the highlands above the fjords.  

Distance

17.6 km

From Cunojávrihytta, the trail ascends to a high point before descending steadily into the Hunddalen valley. Hunddalshytta, a group of serviced cabins, lies in an idyllic valley clearing once used by railway workers.

• 68.31820317.89918652 Hunddalshytta. Serviced DNT hut set in a lush valley, often stocked and accessible via trail from Cunojávrihytta.  

Distance

9.9 km

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 views over the Norddalen valley. The walk ends at Katterat fjellstue, near the railway station, a remote train stop surrounded by steep mountains.

• 68.39794817.96695953 Katterat fjellstue. DNT cabin, room for 30. Booking required.  

Distance

2.5 km

From Katterat, the trail follows a nearly flat historic rail bed across the mountainside. Remnants of old railway construction line the route, with 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.

• 68.40418617.98555954 Vokterboligen. Old railway guard's house. Not a functioning hut but may offer emergency shelter.  

Distance

8.5 km

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

• 68.432318.071255 Bjørnfjell station. Rail stop and highway pass on the border.  

• Weather: Mountain weather changes quickly. Even in summer, expect cold, rain, or snow. Bring warm clothes, rain gear, and wind protection.
• Navigation: Some sections are marked, but fog is common. Use a topographic map, compass, and GPS or offline app.
• Water: Streams are usually safe. Avoid those near grazing areas.
• Wildlife: Reindeer are common. Observe quietly and keep your distance.
• Insects: Mosquitoes and midges can be severe in forested areas. Use repellent and carry a head net.
• Emergencies: Mobile signal is unreliable. Carry a PLB or emergency beacon if hiking alone. In an emergency, call 112.
• Planning: Leave your itinerary with someone. Conditions can be tough and rescue may be delayed.

• Nordkalottleden overlaps with Nordlandsruta between Ny-Sulitjelma Fjellstue and Cunojávrihytta. It also has a branch leading to Kvikkjokk.
• Padjelantaleden shares the route with Nordlandsruta from Staloluokta to just past Låddejåhkå. From there, it continues north toward Akka and southeast toward Kvikkjokk.
• Kungsleden is a long-distance hiking trail in northern Sweden, with trailheads in Hemavan and Abisko.