Hiking Description: Høyholmstindan in Vevelstad

From the top of Høyholmstindan, 1015 meters above sea level, you will experience a breathtaking view of Vevelstad and the Helgeland coast to the west, Vistenfjorden to the north, and Lomsdal-Visten to the east.

Hiking details

Difficulty: Challenging. Steep sections with some scrambling
One-way distance: 4 km
Elevation gain:: 1000 meters
One-way hiking time: 3-4 hours
Wheelchair and stroller accessible: No
Starting point: The mountain is located in Vevelstad, which can be reached by ferry from Horn in the south or Tjøtta from Sandnessjøen in the north. The hike starts from Ytterhaugen, approximately halfway between the ferry terminals. At the parking lot, there is a sign with practical information about the hike to the summit.
View start point in Google Maps.

Turbeskrivelse Høyholmstindan i Vevelstad

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Hiking Description

Høyholmstindan consists of two peaks, one at 1015 meters and the other at 1000 meters above sea level, which can be conquered in a single hike. The view overlooking the coastline and archipelago is fantastic. However, the hike requires you to be in good physical condition, have experience with mountain terrain, and wear sturdy hiking boots. The trail is classified as black, indicating the highest difficulty level in the Norwegian Trekking Association’s trail difficulty system.

The first hundred meters are steep and demanding, but the terrain becomes easier once you pass the tree line. Along the trail, you will find red markers and cairns that guide the way. The final stretch to the summit is steep again and requires some easy scrambling. There may be exposed sections, so caution is advised. In early summer, there may still be snow at the upper parts of the trail, so it is recommended to hike in late summer. From the highest peak, there is a 300-meter traverse to Vestre Høyholmstindan at 1000 meters above sea level. The terrain between the peaks includes a couple of airy sections, but it is not more challenging than the initial ascent.

Ferries to Vevelstad

Vevelstad is located along County Road 17, also known as the Coastal Route, between Brønnøysund and Sandnessjøen. If you are coming from the south, drive from Brønnøysund and take the ferry from Horn to Andalsvågen. If you are coming from Sandnessjøen, take the ferry from Tjøtta to Forvik.

After the hike

Since Vevelstad is only accessible by ferry, you may end up with some waiting time after the hike. In that case, it is recommended to visit Handelsstedet Forvik, located beautifully near the ferry terminal in the north. Here, you will find a restaurant that serves food based on local ingredients and has its own coffee roastery. Accommodation options are also available.

See hikingmaps at UT.no

Five tips for a safe and enjoyable hike in the mountains

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.

Please contribute to sustainable tourism

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.