A hiking adventure: Simskardrunden in Børgefjell
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit HelgelandExperience a taste of what Børgefjell has to offer with Simskardrunden, with a pitstop at the Simskards cabin to enjoy a cup of coffee along with your packed lunch.
Key info
Degree of difficulty: Easy/Intermediate. For the most part, easy and pleasant terrain with occasional rough sections.
Distance: 8,5 km round trip
Altitude to climb: 158 km
Duration one way: 2 to 3 hours
Season: June-November
Trailhead: Parking at Simskardet during summer and parking by the road leading to the entrance gate during winter.
Special precautions: Børgefjell / Byrkjie is among our least facilitated national parks, with few or no marked trails, bridges, or DNT cabins. Here, it’s primarily about tenting, maps, and compass navigation.
Simskardrunden is a great alternative for those who want a taste of Børgefjell, with a visible trail and coverage throughout the loop. Alternatively, if you want to use the great lean-to shelter equipped with toilet facilities and a gravel road leading directly to the lean-to shelter located right by the river.
Simskardrunden is for those who wish to visit Børgefjell in facilitated terrain with well-maintained trails in fantastic nature, with coverage all the way.
A stop at Simskardhytta to enjoy a cup of coffee and a good packed lunch is recommended. Simskardhytta is divided into two parts, consisting of an open day-use area and a locked rental section. In the day-use area, you can use a wood stove if you need some extra warmth. For more information about Simskardhytta and booking, see ut.no or inatur.
The hike takes you further on the opposite side of the river and across suspension bridges, fantastic waterfalls, and beautiful scenery. You will also see reindeer husbandry facilities in the area.
If you only want to enjoy the view into the National Park, you can do so from the fantastic lean-to shelter located right by the Simskardelva river with a view towards the national park. Here, you can enjoy grilling your packed lunch or brewing coffee on the fire pits while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Simskardet. If you want a short walk from here, there is a facilitated gravel road from the lean-to shelter along the river as a small loop. The entrance gate is a facilitated area with toilets right by the parking lot, information about Børgefjell National Park, and a short walk with a gravel path to the lean-to shelter.
View the Skimskard cabin here
View trailheads using Google Maps: Summer parking / Winter parking
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
Sijti Jarnge – Center for sami language and culture
Sijti Jarnge is a Sami language and cultural center located in Hattfjelldal, where you can experience and learn about Sami culture in Helgeland.
Korgfjellet Fjellstue Lodge
At the top of Korgfjellet pass, midway between the towns of Mo i Rana and Mosjøen, is Korgfjellet Fjellstue, a lodge that offers hearty meals. Tired travellers will be pleased to find good options for an overnight stay.
Salmon fishing at Korgen Camping
Korgen Camping is nestled idyllically right by the salmon river Røssåga. Here, you’ll find an easily accessible and well-facilitated salmon fishing area, with a dedicated zone for fly fishermen, fishing trails, and several shelters with fire pits. The river flows wide and calmly, making it ideal for fishing both from the shore and with waders.
Hemnes open-air museum
Hemnes Bygdetun consists of a beautifully situated farm that can be just glimpsed from highway E6. The farm has a 500 year history, so its buildings and collections offer many insights into how our ancestors, both rich and poor, lived.
The River Way
Join us on an exciting journey through raw nature, with speed and excitement, salmon fishing, and authentic traditional food on the menu. Great natural experiences meet compelling storytelling in this package tour from The Trail Way, where you’ll experience how the river and forest once served both as way of travel and way of life.
