Summit hike to Kvigtinden/Voenjelensnjurhtjie – Børgefjells highest peak

Key info

Difficulty: Challenging
Distance (round trip): 31.8 km
Total elevation gain: 1,400 metres
Duration: 2 days
Season: July – September
Wheelchair/stroller accessible: No
Starting point: The hike begins at the Simskardet trailhead. Here, you’ll find parking, toilets, a rest area, and a lean-to shelter. Be sure to check the information boards at the trailhead — they offer useful details about the area and the route ahead.
View starting point on Google Maps

Kvigtinden / Voenjelensnjurhtjie, standing at 1,699 metres above sea level, is the highest peak in Børgefjell National Park. The summit sits on the border between the municipalities of Grane and Hattfjelldal. Often called the “Queen of Børgefjell”, Kvigtinden reveals her full splendour on clear days — though she often hides behind the clouds. Make sure to plan your hike according to the weather forecast; a clear day can offer an unforgettable reward at the top.

The view from the summit is spectacular on a clear day. To the north and northeast, you can see the northern parts of the national park and the Austre Tiplingan landscape protection area. Directly to the north stands Golvertinden, the park’s second-highest peak, and in the distance, you may glimpse the Okstindan range. To the east lies a flat highland plateau dotted with lakes, rivers, and streams, gradually rising to taller peaks along the Swedish border. Looking south, you see the southern reaches of the park and the neighbouring areas in the municipalities of Røyrvik and Namsskogan. To the west, you’ll see rugged peaks in both Børgefjell National Park and Lomsdal–Visten National Park.

Tur til Kvigtinden i Børgefjell Tore Tødås
Tur til Kvigtinden i Børgefjell Tore Tødås
Kvigtinden i overskyet vær Tore Tødås

From the trailhead to Bissegelva, the trail is laid with boardwalks for about 3.5 km. Just before the Bissegelva bridge, leave the trail and head uphill toward Bissegskardet. The first part is a gentle climb through open forest. As you reach Bissegskardet, you’ll pass through some shrubland and marshy areas, which can be tricky to cross.

The valley flattens out, and you’ll eventually reach more open terrain. On your right, you’ll see the impressive Bisseggen ridge towering above the pass. At the far end of the pass, turn left along the river flowing from Vestre Måsskardvatnet. During high water levels, this crossing can be challenging.

The climb up to Vestre Måsskardvatnet is steep and strenuous, but the terrain levels off once you reach the lake. There are good spots for pitching a tent if you plan to spend the night. From the Måsskard lakes to the summit of Kvigtinden, there’s still more than 800 metres of elevation gain. Head south by the shortest route to reach the ridge of Kvigtinden, and follow it to the top — snow cover should be expected along the way. The final stretch to the summit is steep and exposed.

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.

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