Rabothytta i kveldssol på sensommeren Simon Fossheim / Visit Helgeland

The DNT cabin Rabothytta is impressively situated at 1200 meters altitude, by the very edge of Okstindbreen glacier. The cabin enjoys a stunning view of the glacier, as well as the Okstindan mountain range and its highest peak Oksskolten (1916), the tallest mountain in Northern Norway.

Key info

Degree of difficulty: Moderate. The well-marked trail is mostly fairly easy, except a 400–500 m stretch along Mørkbekken creek that passes through a somewhat demanding scree or boulder field.

Distance one way: 5 km in summer. 11 km in winter.

Ascent one way: 500 m in summer, 1000 m in winter

Duration one way: 1,5 – 3 hours in summer

Wheelchair and pram friendly: No.

Trailhead: From the village of Korgen, drive up Leirskarddalen valley. The last few kilometres of the road are gravel, to a parking area situated at almost 700 m altitude. A marked trail leads up to Rabothytta cabin.

Kartutsnitt for turen til Rabothytta Norgeskart / Fatmaps

Download a hiking map for printing

Description of your hike

Rabothytta in Hemnes Municipality draws visitors to its elegant and striking architecture as well as to the beauty of its surrounding wilderness. Rabothytta is part of a trail network where hikers have access to three additional cabins: Gressvasshytta, Kjensvasshytta and Gråfjellhytta.

The completion of Rabothytta in August 2014 enabled the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) to offer more comprehensive accommodation as well as a great trail network to hikers exploring the majestic Okstindan mountains. The cabin accommodates 30 overnight guests. Rabothytta is perfectly situated for visitors in winter as well as summer.

From the closest road, a summer hike takes approximately 1.5 hours if you keep a good hiking pace, but it will take you longer if you’re hiking with kids or if you keep a more leisurely pace. The hike goes through beautiful mountain terrain, so it’s worth taking your time here. In the winter, cross-country skiers should allow about three hours for the trip up to the cabin.

Booking for Rabothytta cabin

To reserve a bed in Rabothytta cabin, please check the cabin calendar on the website of the local DNT chapter. Here you can also book beds in Gressvasshytta, Gråfjellhytta or Kjensvasshytta cabins. Please note that at least one person in your group has to be a DNT member and that you must have a DNT key.

Rabothytta is especially popular during summer, so if you are hoping to spend the night, make sure you check availability well in advance. It may well be fully booked.

For day visitors

You are welcome to visit Rabothytta and have a look inside without spending the night. But if you are using the cabin, including the toilets, you have to pay a modest fee for day use. That entitles you to prepare your food in the kitchen and relax here for as long as you want. During the summer, you can often buy coffee and waffles at Rabothytta cabin. The hosts are volunteers, and so they would be grateful if you would lend a helping hand, for instance by fetching water or bringing in firewood.

Okstindan – the “roof” of Northern Norway

The Okstindan mountain massif has eleven distinct peaks, of which the highest is Oksskolten (1916 m). From the edge of Okstindbreen, the view of these peaks rising from the glacier is breathtaking. Whether you stay in Rabothytta, Kjensvasshytta or Gråfjellhytta, you can delight in having a great base from which to explore these magnificent mountains.

Find hiking maps on UT.no

Find the trailhead in 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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