A hiking adventure: Torghatten
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit Helgeland
Torghatten is a famous mountain with a distinctive hole going right through it. Standing in the 35-meter high opening is a powerful experience that is a must to be witnessed.
Key info: Through Torghatten
Difficulty: Easy. It is a short hike to the opening in the mountain, and the trail is well-maintained.
Distance one way: About 2.8 kilometers
Elevation gain: About 100-meter elevation
Duration one way: 1 – 2 hours
Season: April to October
Trailhead: Parking lot on the southeast side of the mountain.
Find trailhead on Google Maps
Special Considerations: Due to the risk of ice and rock falls, it is not recommended to walk through the Torghatten hole from November to March.
UT.no / NorgeskartPeople become small as they wander through the 160 meters long, 35 meters high, and 15-20 meters wide hole in Torghatten, which the sea carved out thousands of years ago. The trail up and through the mountain is well-maintained, with stone stairs both inside and on each side of the mountain. This is a hike suitable for both well-experienced preschoolers and active grandparents.
Det nye besøkssenteret ved Torghatten
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit Helgeland
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit Helgeland
If you don’t want to go all the way around, it’s nice to just walk up to the hole on the east side and look through it from there. There, you’ll find a small plateau where you get a nice view of the islands and islets in the southwest. Even though the hike is well-maintained, we recommend hiking shoes.
Trailhead on Google Maps
Hike description on UT.no
Key info: To the top of Torghatten
Difficulty: Challenging. The hike to the summit is short but challenging with steep ascents and exposed sections.
Distance one way: About 1,5 kilometers
Elevation gain: About 250-meter elevation
Duration one way: 45 – 90 minutes
Trailhead: Same parking lot as for the hike going through the mountain, on the southeast side of the mountain.
Click here for Google Maps
The hike to the top is short but relatively steep and somewhat airy, so it’s recommended to have sturdy hiking or mountain shoes. The journey to the summit begins gently on the beach flat at the base of the mountain. You start the ascent by a shallow chalk sand beach on the east side of the mountain.
As you progress higher, the surrounding coastal landscape unfolds. The final steep ascent might feel a bit airy, but if you’re being cautious of your surroundings, you can look forward to the magnificent panoramic view from the top.
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 accommadation, food and activities close by
Torgarhaugen Gjestegård (Guesthouse)
Torgarhaugen Gjestegård is beautifully situated at the foot of Torghatten, the legendary mountain with a hole through it. It offers rooms that are comfortable, bright and cheerful, letting in sunlight from every directions. Here you can relax and just enjoy, taking time to enjoy the tranquillity, the sight and sounds of your natural surrounding, a good cup of coffee and home-baked cake.
Norwegian Aquaculture Centre – A salmon success story
The Norwegian Aquaculture Centre is beautifully situated by Toftsundet. The actual fish farm is reached by a gangway from the shore. This is the place to learn more about the fascinating life cycle of salmon, and the pioneering work that made Norwegian aquaculture such an international success.
Svang Restaurant & Wine Bar – In the heart of Brønnøysund
A cozy place with a focus on local food, suitable for both big and small occasions. At Svang, the hosts warmly welcome you to stop by for a delicious meal, some snacks, or something delightful to drink
Himmelblå Brygge: Dining and accommodation at Ylvingen
To Norwegians, Himmelblå Brygge and the island of Ylvingen is well known from a popular TV programme. Fortunately, all visitors are welcome to dine and enjoy an overnight stay here. Some of the accommodation is unusual and the scenic surroundings are magnificent. And for young and old, Himmelblå Brygge offers lots of activities and great adventures!
Norwegian Aquaculture Centre – Rorbu cabins by the sea
When you travel the scenic Helgeland coast, you are at the heart of one of Norway’s most important industries: aquaculture. And the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre is right on the water at Toftsundet, in the middle of the country’s salmon farming industry. Here you can observe every phase of the salmon’s life up close. A gangway takes you to the centre’s salmon pens. Nearby are the rorbu, the traditional fishermen’s cabins, as well as a building that houses a historic exhibition and the centre’s restaurant.
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