A hiking adventure: The seven sisters - all seven peaks all at once

Taking on all seven peaks of the Seven Sisters in a single hike is one of the toughest and most demanding mountain adventures in Helgeland. It’s a hike that requires good preparation and fitness — and it promises a nature experience you won’t forget.

The Seven Sisters mountain range consists of seven peaks on the island of Alsta, near Sandnessjøen. Each peak stands around 1,000 metres and is demanding even on its own. To hike all seven in one day is a serious endurance challenge for experienced and fit hikers. The terrain is steep and rugged — your legs, knees, and ankles will be tested. Many people choose to end the hike partway and descend via the trails between the peaks.

This description follows the south-to-north route, which is recommended. The two southernmost peaks are the most demanding, so it’s best to tackle them while you’re still fresh. You’ll also have the sun at your back for most of the hike.

It is, of course, also possible to hike north to south, but be aware that this means saving the hardest peaks for last.

Peak 1 – Breitinden (910 m)

From the parking lot, you ascend to Breitinden, mostly over bedrock and large boulders. Follow the red trail markings up to the saddle, where the terrain levels off slightly. At the saddle, go left toward the summit (not straight ahead toward the “Storrunden” loop). The final climb to the summit is steep with large rocks.

Peak 2 – Kvasstinden (1,010 m)

From Breitinden, descend to the saddle and continue toward Kvasstinden. Snow may linger here well into the season, so follow the red trail markers. You may want to leave heavy gear at the bottom of this climb, as you’ll return the same way before continuing to peak 3. The ascent is steep and involves scrambling, with some exposed sections that may be uncomfortable for those afraid of heights. After summiting, return to the saddle. You can exit the hike here if needed.

Peak 3 – Southern Twin (980 m)

After descending from Kvasstinden, you’ve completed about half the total elevation gain. A long stretch begins toward the Twins, following red markers east around Kvasstinden. Fill your water bottles at one of the streams early in this section. The climb to the southern twin involves a steady incline and some light scrambling near the summit.

Peak 4 – Northern Twin (945 m)

Only 500 metres and 50 metres of elevation separate the two Twins. Descend the short steep section from the southern twin and climb directly up to the northern twin. Note: the true summit is where the summit box is — not the taller adjacent peak, which requires climbing skills and equipment. From here, you can exit the hike down to Markvollkulpen if needed.

Peak 5 – Skjerdingen (1,037 m)

Follow red markers north from the northern twin to the saddle (750 m) between Skjerdingen and the Twins. This is a good place to assess if you’re fit to continue. To exit, take the trail northwest to Markvollkulpen and the road. Otherwise, continue northeast up to Skjerdingen, where the terrain becomes rough and may require scrambling. Follow red trail markers to find the safest route.

Peak 6 – Grytfoten (1,019 m)

After summiting Skjerdingen, the journey continues toward peak 6, Grytfoten (1,019 m). Retrace your steps for about 50 metres before turning left (north) toward Grytfoten. The trail descends slightly to around 850 metres above sea level before the climb to the summit begins.

Just before reaching the top, there’s another opportunity to exit the hike and descend to the road if you choose to end your trip here. Remember — the most important thing isn’t reaching all the peaks, but making it back safely.

As you approach the summit of Grytfoten, the terrain becomes rough again and requires some scrambling, but the red trail markers will guide you along the best route to the top.

Peak 7 – Botnkrona (1,072 m)

When you reach Grytfoten, you’ll see the final and highest peak of the hike — Botnkrona (1,072 m). The trail continues with a short return along the path you came up. When the trail forks, take the left turn (northward) and follow the marked path down and along the eastern side of Grytfoten. Snow can remain here until August, but it’s usually not a problem as long as you follow the red trail markings.

The ascent to Botnkrona begins from the east side of the mountain. When the trail splits just before the summit, you may want to leave your heavy gear behind, since you’ll return the same way. The final climb is steep, but once you reach the summit, all the uphill sections are behind you — and you’re standing at the highest point on the entire Seven Sisters ridge.

However, the hike isn’t over yet. The descent from Botnkrona can feel like the toughest part of the entire trip. After a long day of climbing and descending, this last stretch takes you through a long, steep, and rugged terrain that can be difficult to navigate. This is the only section of the hike where ropes have been installed to assist hikers. Take your time — even if you’re eager to reach the bottom.

Once you reach Fjellsåsvannet, the most challenging part is over. From there, it’s a relatively easy stretch on a well-defined path back to the parking lot — and you’ve completed the Seven Sisters!

One thing to keep in mind is transportation between the starting and ending points. It’s best to arrange this in advance; otherwise, you’ll need to take a taxi or walk the 7 km back.

If you’d like to commemorate your achievement, you can order a certificate for completing the Seven Sisters from DNT Sandnessjøen by emailing: sandnessjøen@dnt.no. Price: NOK 150 per certificate.

View hike description on UT.no
View starting point on Google Maps

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