Norwegian Mountains - Route Descriptions - Breifonn, Midnuten, Røldal

Norwegian Mountains, Hordaland

Breifonn, 1616m
Midnuten, 1463m

County/Municipality :

Hordaland/Odda

Maps :

1319-IV Valldalen (Statens Kartverk, Norge 1:50 000)

Primary factor :

Breifonn: 446m
Midnuten: 113m

Hiked :

July 2010

Introduction

Breifonn is known as the southernmost glacier in Norway, as well as being Rogaland county's one and only glacier (shared with Hordaland county). But compared to other Norwegian glaciers, you don't have to walk the ice in order to reach the high point. And thanks to the Blåbergdalen mountain road, Breifonn is just a moderately long hike away (6,5km one way). This page will describe a round trip route with descent via Midnuten - located 2,3km north of Breifonn.

Midnuten
(Click for larger image)

Primary factor:

Breifonn (Norge 1:50,000: 1616m, Økonomisk Kartverk: -, UTM 32 V 382943 6625686) has a primary factor of 446m towards the higher parent Kistenuten (1648m). The defining saddle (approx. UTM 32 V 392352 6629768) is found by a lake 1,3km nortwest of Kistenuten. This lake drains both ways. Ref. Norge 1:50,000 (20m contours), the saddle is within the range 1160-1180m, interpolated to 1170m.

Midnuten (Norge 1:50,000: 1463m, Økonomisk Kartverk: -, UTM 32 V 382602 6627966) has a primary factor of 113m towards the higher parent Breifonn. The defining saddle (approx. UTM 32 V 382538 6627190) is found just left of the two lakes between Midnuten and Breifonn. Ref. Norge 1:50,000 (20m contours), the saddle is within the range 1340-1360m, interpolated to 1350m.

Breifonn summit area
(Click for larger image)

Google map

Google's interactive map. You can zoom, pan and click on the markers.

Google maps
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Trail descriptions

This disclaimer is regarding all of the literature and instructional guides posted on the westcoastpeaks.com website. These instructions are guidelines only, and should not be used in lieu of common sense or judgement when attempting any of the actions involved or instructed. Westcoastpeaks nor myself will not be liable nor will it indemnify any form of compensation to anyone who has injured, harmed or even killed themselves or others while following any of the instructions written within the website. It should be noted by any persons willing to undertake any of the instructions provided that mountains offer varying levels of risk, regardless of size or incline. Risks to be considered are as follows but not limited to: wild animals, weather, the terrain, bad judgement, inappropriate or insufficient equipment, improper training or experience and of course, bad luck...

The route description is valid per July 2010.

Route 1: Blåbergdalen - Breifonn - Midnuten (summer/autumn)

Difficulty :	YDS Class 2
Exposure :	No
Distance :	Approx. 12,5km round trip
Time :	Approx. 4,5-6 hours round trip
Starting Elev.:	Approx. 1050m
Vertical Gain :	Approx. 700m (total)

Map of the area
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Detailed map
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Access

(all distances are approx. distances)

The starting point for this route description is the place Røldal. From the bridge across Tuftaelva (N59.83346 E6.81494), follow the road on the north side of the river. Drive 0,8km to the bridge across Storelva (N59.83060 E6.82770) and turn right. Follow the main road for 1,6km, then turn left in a junction (N59.81854 E6.81448). Follow this road for 10,2km until road end (N59.78660 E6.92708) - deep into Blåbergdalen. Find parking here.

The route

Note; although the ascent of Breifonn does not require you to travel on the glacier (with the subsequent dangers that glaciers bring along), consider bringing an ice-axe to enjoy a safer travel on the summer snow...

The route, as seen in Google Earth
(Click for larger image)

Cross the dam and follow the path to the southeast. After approx. 1,6km, turn southwest and head into the valley between Midnuten and Breifonn. As you approach 1200 meters (elev.), the path fades away. Continue up to the lakes between Breifonn and Midnuten on rocky terrain. Pass the glacier's north front and once past the glacier, ascend the mountain in the southeast direction. Follow this direction (passing a cairn at N59.76412 E6.90169 - 1450 meters) until you reach the summit (N59.75249 E6.91667) - marked by a proper cairn.

Descend your ascent route down to the two lakes between Midnuten and Breifonn. Stay west of these lakes and find your best route directly up to the summit of Midnuten (N59.77285 E6.90933) - marked by a few rocks. Continue northeast and follow a small, but distinct valley that takes you back to the trailhead.