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In addition to being the northernmost mountain in Ørsta kommune, Festøykollen is foremost a Storfjorden landmark, raging high above Festøya (which, despite the name, is not an island). Its shape can easily be recognized from near and far. And although Festøykollen perhaps becomes anonymous when compared to its higher and wilder neighbours - Molladalstindane - it certainly does not deserve the suffix "kollen" - a Norwegian variation to the word "hill". A word that only has earned esteem in Scotland. The local people has given it a prouder name - Romestrandhornet - named after Romestrand in Barstadvika. This is also the name you will see on the trailsign.
The path runs up from Barstaddalen valley, and this is also the trailhead you use when you head up to Rametinden (and subsequently Jønshornet/Ramoen). While the upper part of Festøykollen is (easy) boulder territory, the overall route must be said to be nice and easy.
The views are not bad. Molladalstindane block a great part of the southern views, but isn't this massif a sight in itself? Across Hjørundfjorden, you will recognize distinct mountains like Skopphornet, Råna, Elsandtindane, and Jakta (and even Slogen). Further south, Risenosa, Kvitegga and Hornindalsrokken can be seen. From northwest to northeast, you have an unobscured view towards mountains on Hareidlandet, in Ålesund, Haram and Ørskog (and more). You will not be disappointed after having visited this superb viewpoint.
Festøykollen (M711: 911m, Ø.K.: 910,70m, UTM 32 V 360900 6917321) has a primary factor of 433m towards the higher parent mountain Rametinden (1198m). The defining saddle (approx. UTM 32 V 355990 6913002) is found in Masdalskloven, between the two tops. Ref.Økonomisk Kartverk (5m contours), the saddle is within the range 476-480m, interpolated to 478m.
Notes: Class ratings are in reference to YDS. Click here for more information.
The trails described below are not necessarily the *easiest* trails to this mountain.
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Barstaddalen - Festøykollen (summer)
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Access
From Ålesund, follow highway E39 towards Bergen/Volda to the ferry at Solavågen. Take the ferry over to Festøya. Turn right in the direction of Volda and follow the road 3,3Km. Turn left towards "Erdal". Follow this road 1,7Km (it turns to gravel after 550m) until you cross a river. Parking is found south of the river, while the trail begins just north of the river.
The route
The forest path is signed "Romedalshornet" and runs through birch and spruce forest up to the Gamlestøylen building. The path turns northbound and you must cross a creek before you reach the meadow below the Festøykollen south ridge. Leave the path and aim for the south ridge and follow it to the top. The summit is marked by a *large* cairn. Descend your ascent route.
In winter, you may get a nice run down directly south of the summit (and west of Kloven), but this is only an assumption.
Svein Myhre took the initiative to this fine evening trip. We took the 16:10PM ferry from Solavågen and were ready to start the hike by 16:40PM. It was a very warm and hazy evening. Svein had observed big snowmelt on Festøykollen, so the only winter gear we brought, were gaiters.
The route we followed had no snow left. After an easy boulder off-trail ascent on Festøykollen's south ridge, we reached the summit 18:15PM. Haze is always a disappointing factor, but the nearby mountains are a treat at any given day.
We descended south-southeast on rotten snow and bush, then followed the 500m contour back to Litletua near the Rametinden - Festøykollen saddle. We were back at the car 19:45PM, being in good shape for the 20:10PM ferry.
Note:: Varying picture quality due to broken auto-focus.
To Festøykollen
360 deg. wide-angle panorama
50mm panoramas, 2 parts
Other pictures from the top
Descent
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