From Kjølen in Nesna, you can enjoy the midnight sun or a beautiful sunset. You can also extend the hike to the summit of Hammarøyfjellet.

Key info

Difficulty: Moderate to demanding
Distance one way: 8 km
Elevation gain one way: 760 metres
Time one way: 2–3 hours
Season: June – October
Special precautions: If you’re continuing all the way to Hammarøyfjellet, clear weather and good visibility are important so you don’t lose the trail.
View starting point on Google Maps

The distance and elevation figures above apply if you hike all the way to the top of Hammarøyfjellet.
You can park at the starting point at the end of Sørvollvegen, near a power station.

The trail goes through varied terrain with some steep sections. It is marked with red paint all the way to the summit.

You can choose to end your hike at Utsikten (226 m), Kjølen (447 m), or continue to the top of Hammarøyfjellet (760 m).

Turbeskrivelse Kjølen og Hamrøyfjellet Halvor Hilmersen
Turbeskrivelse Kjølen og Hamrøyfjellet Halvor Hilmersen
Turbeskrivelse Kjølen og Hamrøyfjellet Halvor Hilmersen

At the top of Kjølen, you’ll find a large stone cairn. The first stretch beyond Kjølen is relatively easy, followed by steeper climbs. From Kjølen, allow about 1.5 hours one way to reach the summit.

You’ll get panoramic views of the Helgeland coast as early as Utsikten.

View starting point on Google Maps

1. Follow the Norwegian Mountain Code and plan according to your ability and equipment

Short hikes on easy terrain don’t require much. If you’re heading out for an hour or two in the lowlands and not gaining much elevation, you won’t need a lot of gear or be in top shape. If it gets cold or you get tired, you’re usually not far from your car.

But if you’re heading into more challenging terrain—steeper, rougher, and above the treeline where the weather is more unpredictable—you’ll need to be better prepared. You should plan the trip based on weather and conditions, be fit enough to complete it, and be ready for uneven ground, boulder fields, slippery roots, and stream crossings. That means carrying a heavier pack with extra clothes and gear, and wearing sturdy hiking boots that support your ankles.

If you’re unsure about taking on a demanding mountain hike, start with an easy or moderate one and see how it feels.

Learn more about the Norwegian Mountain Code at rodekors.no
See what you should bring on your hike on VisitNorway.com

2. Stick to marked trails

A shortcut through unfamiliar terrain can easily turn into a long and difficult detour. What looks like a trail might just be a sheep path that leads you somewhere completely unexpected. If you want the hike to be as easy or challenging—and as long or short—as planned, it’s best to follow marked trails.

If you’re heading off-trail, it’s smart to follow a GPS track. You can download a GPX file from a hike description and use it on a GPS device, a smartphone app, or a GPS watch.

UT.no and the UT app offer hike descriptions with GPS tracks. If your hike doesn’t have one, you can upload a track to ut.no/mine-turer and access it in the app. It’s free, but you’ll need to create an account.

Always carry a map and compass as backup.

UT app for Android / UT app for iPhone

3. Talk to locals or join a guided hike

Locals often have useful tips about your planned hike. They can tell you where to park, whether there’s phone coverage, if the trail is wet, if rivers are high, or suggest a better alternative. Talk to the people where you’re staying, at the local tourist office, or other hikers on the trail—you might get some truly valuable advice.

The best option is to hike with a guide. You can join a group tour or book a private guide. These are experienced locals who know the area well. They’ll help tailor the hike to your needs and share insights that add to the experience.

4. Look out for cultural landmarks

Even high up in the mountains, you’ll find traces of past human activity—some hundreds or even thousands of years old. These can include ancient trail markers, signal cairns, hunting fences, huts, and shepherd shelters. If you spot something interesting, check the KulturPunkt app to see what it is—or use the app to find a cultural site as your hiking goal.

KulturPunkt app for Android / KulturPunkt app for iPhone
KulturPunkt.org

5. Remember your responsibilities under the Right to Roam

Norway’s Right to Roam means you can hike, bike, pick berries, camp, fish, and ski almost anywhere in nature. But it also comes with responsibilities—what we call the “duties of the Right to Roam.” Leave no trace, respect wildlife, and know the rules for hunting, fishing, cycling, and access in protected areas like national parks and nature reserves.

Read more about the Right to Roam and your responsibilities at VisitNorway.com

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.

Find accommodation, food, and activities nearby

Hotel Sjyen – with fjord and mountain views

In the heart of the coastal village of Nesna, overlooking the fjord and the islands of Tomma, Hugla, and Handnesøya, you’ll find the newly opened Hotell Sjyen.

Skillevollen Alpine Center

Skillevollen Alpine Center is part of a larger winter activity center in Mo i Rana. Take the family skiing on the alpine slopes, the cross-country trail or on the ice rink in winter.

Helgeland Havhus – exclusive sea house

Many places can offer you seaside accommodation – Helgeland Havhus actually offers you a holiday home right on the sea! Treat yourself to a very special holiday, where the salty fragrance of the sea, and the sound of waves and seabirds are natural ingredients.

Nordland National Park Centre – fine art and natural history

There is much to learn about the amazing wilderness and national parks of Nordland County – and the exhibitions at the Nordland National Park Centre aim to inspire this and much more. The centre offers something for the whole family, with exciting activities for young and old, such as walking the trails in the beautiful surroundings.

Skillevollen Sports Park

At Skillevollen Sports Park, there’s plenty to do for active individuals, whether you’re alone or with your family. Bring your cross-country skis, ice skates, or sled. There are also downhill slopes and a biathlon stadium.

More hiking adventures

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