Signatur Trollheimen

Understand

This is a demanding trail, best undertaken by experienced and well-prepared hikers. The route is typically completed in about six days and involves a significant total elevation gain of 4,876 m (15,997 ft). The cabins in this area are located in the valleys, meaning that you will climb up until reaching a mountain saddle or mountain top, and descend it, every day. The terrain in Trollheimen is steep and dramatic, offering a rewarding experience with spectacular views. Although steep, ascents and descents rarely offer large or unsafe vertical drops.

Prepare

Be sure to prepare physically for this hike. While the trail is not as remote as it might seem, the large amount of elevation change, as well as the rapidly changing weather can be taxing.

Eat Many DNT cabins and private lodges along the trail offer meals, often featuring local ingredients like mountain lamb and reindeer. Some DNT cabins are self-service, with a pantry stocked for purchase.

Drink Water from streams and rivers is generally safe to drink.

Sleep Accommodation is primarily in DNT cabins and private mountain lodges, which should be booked in advance. Wild camping is also an option, following local regulations.

Climate The climate is highly variable, with conditions changing rapidly. Expect a mix of sun, rain, and cold temperatures, even in summer. The hiking season is typically from mid-June to early October.

Get in

The usual starting point from the trail, Gjevilvasshytta, can be reached from 1 Oppdal. A bus route used to be available from here to the cabin, but it is out of service. A taxi can be arranged from the station, for a price of around 1000 kr. Oppdal can be reached by train from Oslo and Trondheim.

Walk

Near 2 Gjevilvasshytta lies 3 Rauøra Beach, a beautiful white sand beach with a mountain backdrop. It's very popular with the locals, so be sure to take a swim at the start, or at the end, to celebrate the journey. The walk from Gjevilfasshytta begins along some Norwegian summer farms. Here they lead the cattle to graze. In the winter, the cattle go back to the stables at a different location. Sheep, as usual, roam freely through the mountains, over the paths, and right across the road to the beach. Car traffic doesn't seem to bother them much, it is the drivers who give way to them instead. The climb from here is steep, but not overly so. To the left the terrain drops more steeply into the valley, without feeling overly exposed. After an hour, you are above the tree line with a beautiful valley on the left. The path continues above the tree line for a while, with a river crossing offering a chance to get water. Taking water before this point is not recommended due to the presence of livestock nearby. The trail briefly ascends and passes by a reindeer pen, before finally descending belong the treeline. The last part of the trail leads over a gravel road towards 4 Jøldalshytta. Several campsites are available to the left as well as to the right of the bathing area at the lake, which offer shade and direct access to the lake.

Here you can choose from 3 paths: a path through the Svartådalen valley, which is 16 km long, the standard route over Geithetta at 1,352 m, which is 18 km long, and a path Trollhetta, with 3 peaks, the highest of which sits at 1,616 m, this path is 20 km long. The path towards Trollhetta splits off early on. Afterwards, at a bridge near a large waterfall, the climb begins, which continues until very close to the end of the stage, after which the path descends steeply and continuously. The path runs along a mountain stream with a large waterfall and rapids on the left side, until reaching 5 Trollheimshytta. Near Trollheimshytta, there are several camping spots by the mountain stream a little further on. A few by a small mountain stream and more by the larger mountain stream with a bridge.

After the mountain stream, a swamp begins, which cont

Stay safe

Be sure to inform others of your hiking plans. Carry a map and compass, and sign your name in the guestbooks. The trail is less remote than it seems, but mobile coverage is spotty at times. A GPS device with an SOS function can offer additional protection when the signal is low of absent.

Go next

For a longer trail that passes through the southern mountain ranges in Norway, try the Massiv Trail. If you'd like to experience a more remote wilderness hike, Nordlandsruta and Nordkalottleden might offer what you're looking for.