A hiking adventure: Gompen
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit HelgelandAn easy, yet nonetheless spectacular “summit hike” at the outermost reaches of the Helgeland coast. Here, you can follow the old construction road to the radar station on “Gompen” in the Trænafjellene, on the island of Sanna in Træna.
Key info
Difficulty: Easy if you follow the road in the marked route. Moderate difficulty if you follow the trail (not marked here)
Distance oneway: Approx. 2,4 km
Elevation gain: Approx. 225-meter elevation
Duration one way: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Season: Year-round
Trailhead: The trail starts at the express boat dock
Special precautions:
Please note that the express boat has limited stops at Sanna. Plan your trip according to the schedules and keep track of time to ensure you catch the boat back to Husøy or Selvær.
If the community center is closed, there are toilets at the express boat dock.
Parts of the hike go through a dark tunnel. Bring a headlamp or flashlight.
It is not allowed to take close-up pictures of the radar station at the top, and it is also not permitted to enter the radar station area.
UT.no / Norgeskart
The Træn Mountains are among the most iconic and spectacular mountains in Helgeland. Far out towards the open sea, they stand as a sharp and sturdy barrier against the westerly winds. Gompen is the southernmost peak, and thanks to the construction road leading to the radar station at the top, it’s a very straightforward hike.
The hike starts from the express boat dock and first takes you through the village on Sanna. Here, there are mostly vacation homes and only a few permanent residents, but if the community center is open, we recommend stopping by for a cup of coffee after the hike.
After a short distance, you turn left and head west, ascending between Trænstaven (the solitary peak that stands like a monument on the island) and Breitinden. Here, you begin the climb up the mountain, through a tunnel. The tunnel is not illuminated, so you’ll need to bring a headlamp or flashlight. The path is steep here, but it soon becomes easier once you’re outside the tunnel.
Marvin Kuhr
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit Helgeland
Out of the tunnel, the path flattens out a bit, and you reach a ridge between Mjåtinden and Gompen. Here, you’ll enjoy a fantastic view towards Sanna and Husøy in the east, Holmen, Sanna, Dørvær, and Selvær in the north, and islands like Nesøya, Hestmannen, and Lovund in the distance.
On the way down, you might spot the trail that takes you on a shorter but steeper route down from the mountain. This trail traverses much steeper terrain and is less maintained. It’s recommended only for experienced hikers wearing sturdy hiking or mountain boots and should be avoided when the terrain is wet and slippery.
Thank you for respecting the local communities, and for helping us preserve the natural beauty of Helgeland!
Please:
- Strive to leave no trace of your visit. Bring back all your rubbish, including used toilet paper, and discard it in the nearest rubbish bin.
- Plan your toilet visits and use the opportunity when you pass a toilet. In the wilderness, make sure you are not a nuisance to others.
- Respect the local wildlife. Keep a good distance from wildlife, livestock and birds. Keep your dog leashed.
- Respect private property. Keep a respectful distance from houses and cabins.
- Show good boating sense. Keep a good distance from shore and drive at a low speed, especially when you are close to anyone or anything on the water, including birds or animals. Avoid loud and disturbing engine noise. Be aware that some islands and nature reserves are important nesting sites, and that going ashore is prohibited during the nesting season.
- Follow the Norwegian Mountain Code (Fjellvettreglene). Plan your excursion according to the weather forecast, your skills and experience.
- Join a guided excursion or consider hiring an experienced guide, especially when you don’t have sufficient experience or knowledge to guarantee a safe trip.
Finn overnatting, mat og aktiviteter i nærheten
Træna museum
Træna Museum documents the this archipelago’s history going back to the Stone Age. Some of the archaeological discoveries displayed date back at least 9000 years. For this reason, Træna can rightfully call itself “the oldest fishing community in Norway”.
Rent a bike at Træna
At the Træna Tourist Office on Husøya, you can rent bicycles to explore the beautiful island.
Træna overnatting (Accommodation)
If you visit Husøya, the main island in the Træna archipelago, consider staying at the cosy little hotel called Træna Overnatting. Træna is a vibrant community, and here you will find good dining as well as strikingly beautiful scenery.
Seil Norge – Sailing adventures on the Helgeland coast
SeilNorge is the country’s leading organizer of sailing tours, expeditions, and sailing courses. Join them for an active holiday week up and down along Norway’s most beautiful coastline; the Helgeland coast. Set against a backdrop of thousands of islands, islets, and skerries, you will learn the art of sailing, whether you are a beginner or experienced sailor.
RIB sea rafting trips with Meløy Adventure
You are invited to join Meløy Adventure on a RIB sea-rafting adventure to the island of Rødøya and Rødøyløva (443 m). Other great options include a sea-rafting safari to explore the scenic Nordfjord, the spectacular island of Træna, or a visit to the remote island of Myken with a tour of its whisky distillery. These excursions start from Ørnes in Meløy municipality – but for your convenience you can request to be picked up elsewhere en route.
