Hike description: Kjerringtinden (1395m)

Kjerringtinden near Røssvatnet is a popular peak for ski tours in winter and a rewarding hike for experiences hikers in summer and autumn. However, the route is steep, so it requires a good level of fitness.
Turinfo
Difficulty: Challenging. The terrain is mostly good, but steep. The trail is not marked.
Distance one way: Approximately 5.5 kilometers.
Elevation gain one way: Around 1030 meters.
Duration one way: 3–4 hours.
Season: July to October. A headlamp is recommended in late autumn.
Starting point: The hike begins at a parking lot along the road.
View the starting point on Google Maps
Special considerations: The route follows a ridge with exposed sections on both sides and should only be attempted in good weather.

Please note that the route shown on the map is approximate, and you will need to navigate based on your own judgment, considering your skills, the terrain, and weather conditions.
Download a map
Download the GPX
Kjerringtinden is a high peak by Røssvatnet, straddling the border between the municipalities of Hattfjelldal and Hemnes. While the hike is steep and demanding, the terrain is beautiful, and the view from the summit is spectacular. If you’re in good shape and ready for a leg workout, this is an excellent challenge.
The first part of the hike follows a trail up the hillside from the road. Along the way, you’ll pass the stunning Røykjefossen waterfall, which is well worth a short detour to admire. Once you reach the top of the hill, the terrain flattens out just above the treeline at the base of the mountain. Here, you’ll encounter a short stretch of flatter terrain before the trail disappears, and you start the steeper ascent.



The remainder of the hike is steep but mostly free of scree, with terrain that’s generally pleasant to walk on. Pace yourself and pay attention to your footing. The route we’ve outlined is only a guide, so you’ll need to make your own decisions based on weather and your fitness level.
At the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views by the cairn. To the southeast, you’ll see Hatten in Hattfjelldal, while Okstindan rises to the northeast. To the west, the neighboring peaks of Geittinden and Brurskanken dominate the horizon.
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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