Norwegian Mountains, Sogn og Fjordane
 

Orkja, 948m

County/
Municipality: 		Sogn og Fjordane county/Jølster
Maps: 1318-III Breim (Statens Kartverk, Norge 1:50 000)
Primary factor: 470m
Hiked: Oct 2012
See also:
• Grovabreen • Stenbotnegga/Såtefjellet
• Eggjenibba
See also : Other Sogn og Fjordane  mountains on westcoastpeaks.com


Orkja

Orkja
(Click for larger image)

Introduction

Orkja is a characteristic and popular peak, rising above Jølstravatnet and located close to Skei. There are several routes to the summit, and this page will describe the 2,5km route from Myklebust (elevation gain 460 meters). The route is fairly easy and should qualify as a family hike. You have a good view towards the peaks surrounding Jølstravatnet.

 

Skei seen from Orkja

Skei seen from Orkja
(Click for larger image)

 

Primary factor:

Orkja (Norge 1:50,000: 948m, Økonomisk Kartverk: 948,22m, UTM 32 V 362244 6825333) has a primary factor of 470m towards the higher parent mountain Grovabreen (1635m). The defining saddle (approx. 32 V 363351 6824648) is near Dalheim in Dvergsdalsdalen. Ref. Økonomisk Kartverk (5m contours), the saddle is within the range 475-480m, interpolated to 478m.

 

Orkja in sunset

Orkja in sunset
(Click for larger image)

 

Google map

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

 

Route 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 judgment 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 judgment, inappropriate or insufficient equipment, improper training or experience and of course, bad luck...


Route 1: Myklebustdalen - Orkja

Difficulty : YDS Class 2
Exposure : No
Comments : Family hike
Distance : Approx. 2,5km to the top
Time : Approx. 1,5-2 hours to the top
Starting Elev.: Approx. 490m
Vertical Gain : Approx. 460m (total)
Map of the area
Map of the area
 (No Javascript)
 Detailed map
Detailed map
 (No Javascript)

This route description is valid per October 2012

Access

(all distances are approx. distances)

This route description starts at the place Skei in Jølster. The nearest airports are Sandane and Førde. Highway E39 runs through Skei. 

From the E39/RV5 junction, drive:

  • 2,1km on RV5 in the direction of Fjærland/Sogndal until you see the "Vassenden" signpost (N61.55530 E6.46860). Turn right.
  • 1,1km on bridge across Kjøsnesfjorden to the "Vassenden/Sægrov" junction (N61.54833 E6.45653). Turn right.
  • 1km to the "Dvergsdalsdalen" exit (N61.54685 E6.44103). Turn left
  • 2,5km to a fork (N61.53018 E6.42846) near Dalevatnet. Turn right.
  • 0,9km southwest to the Orkja trailhead (N61.52649 E6.41217) - signposted.

The route:

 

The route, as seen in Google Earth

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

 

The path leads you to a cabin. Walk up the stairs and pass the cabin. You'll join a forest road. Turn right and follow it up to another cabin where the forest path begins. Turn left here.

The path runs north up to the powerline, then you follow it for 50-100 meters before you turn right into the forest again and continue northwest up the forest to 800m elevation where the path turns northeast and takes you to the summit (N61.53692 E6.40868) - marked by a small cairn.

Pay focus to the path. It can suddenly turn vague and you need to be on it to avoid slab areas on the south side of the mountain. If you lose view of the path, backtrack and try again until you find it.

 

Orkja in sunset

Orkja in sunset
(Click for larger image)

 

Pictures and Trip reports:

westcoastpeaks.com Other Sogn og Fjordane mountains Other Norwegian mountains