Norwegian Mountains, Nordland
Visttindan

Vistkjerringa, 1239m (Væstangåmma)
Vistmannen, 1066m (Væstangobpe)
Litlskardtinden, 1182m (Dårretjensnjurhtije)
 


County/municipality : Nordland/Vefsn, Vevelstad, Brønnøy
Maps : 1826-II Eitrådalen (Statens Kartverk, Norge 1:50 000)
1926-III Trofors (Statens Kartverk, Norge 1:50 000)
Primary factor : Vistmannen: 313m
Vistkjerringa: 529m
Litlskardtinden: 132m
Hiked : July 2010
See also :
Blåfjellet/Storklumpen Breidvasstinden
Anddalshatten N. Høyholmstindan
Oksskolten Hatten
See also : Other Nordland mountains


 

Vistmannen, Vistkjerringa & Litlskardtinden

Vistmannen, Vistkjerringa & Litlskardtinden
(Click for larger image)

 

Introduction

The Visttindan peaks (Vistmannen, Vistkjerringa and Litlskardtinden) are located inside the Lomsdal - Visten National park (1102km²) - established in 2009. Other known peaks inside the national park are Finnknean and Breidvasstinden.

While the Lomsdal - Visten region can be considered as wilderness, the Visttindan peaks can still be reached on a (long) day-hike. Vistkjerringa - the highest of the Visttindan peaks - is only 6km west/southwest of the closest trailhead (Eiterådalen). This page will describe a 23km round trip (off-trail) across all tops - starting in Eiterådalen - with a vertical gain of almost 2000 meters. The terrain is fairly gentle (except for one river crossing), and there are no difficult or exposed sections.

From Visttindan, you can see landmarks such as Breidvasstinden, Heilhornet, Vega tops, Anddalshatten, Høyholmstindan, De Syv Søstre, Finnknean, Okstindan, Geittinden and Brurskanken, Golvertinden and Kvigtinden - to name some...

In Eiterådalen, you may see the Skjørlægda information board. This nature reserve became a part of the greater Lomsdal - Visten national park. The "Naturreservat" signposts on the mountain will gradually be replaced by national park signposts.

Vistmannen and Vistkjerringa is shared between Vevelstad and Grane municipalities, while Litlskardtinden is shared between Vevelstad, Grane and Brønnøy.

 

Visttindan

Visttindan
(Click for larger image)


 

Primary factor:

Vistkjerringa (Norge 1:50,000: 1239m, Økonomisk Kartverk: -, UTM 33 W 409177 7271085) has a primary factor of 529m towards the higher parent mountain Langskardnasen (1244m). The defining saddle (approx. UTM 33 W 409325 7263463) is found at the top of Velfjorddalen - 1,1km west/southwest of Mosskardfjellet. Ref. Norge 1:50,000 (20m contours), the saddle is within the range 700-720m, interpolated to 710m.

Vistmannen (Norge 1:50,000: 1066m, Økonomisk Kartverk: -, UTM 33 W 409382 7273477) has a primary factor of 313m towards the higher parent Vistkjerringa. The defining saddle (approx. UTM 33 W 409177 7272941) is found between these two peaks. Ref. Økonomisk Kartverk (5m contours), the saddle is within the range 750-755m, interpolated to 753m.

Litlskardtinden (Norge 1:50,000: 1182m, Økonomisk Kartverk: -, UTM 33 W 409292 7269985) has a primary factor of 132m towards the higher parent Vistkjerringa. The defining saddle (approx. UTM 33 W 409703 7271003) is found between these two peaks. Ref. Norge 1:50,000 (20m contours), the saddle is within the range 1040-1060m, interpolated to 1050m.

 

Visttindan

Visttindan
(Click for larger image)

 

Google map

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

 

Google maps
Google maps
(Click on image)

 

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 descriptions are valid per July 2010.

Route 1: Eiterådalen - Visttindan round trip (all tops - summer/autumn)

Difficulty : YDS Class 2
Exposure : No
Distance : Approx. 22,7km round trip
Time : Approx. 9-11 hours round trip
(estimate for fit hikers)
Starting Elev.: Approx. 190m
Vertical Gain : Approx. 1900m
Map of the area
Map of the area
(No Javascript)
Detailed map
Detailed map
(No Javascript)

Access

(all distances are approx. distances)

The starting point for this route description is Eiterådalen. From highway E6, you will have to find a place to cross the river Vefsna. You can do this at Grane (N65.58515 E13.38729), Nedre Fallmoen (N65.67763 E13.25038 - narrow bridge!) and Mosjøen (N65.82841 E13.20735). Drive towards Øksendal and from the main fork near Øksendal (N65.70734 E13.21544), drive into Eiterådalen - approx. 14km to Holmen (N65.61177 E13.15390), then continue 5km to the end of the road (N65.56885 E13.15502) and park here. Don't block for larger vehicles who need to turn around here.

This trailhead (close to the river) is also a good place to put up a tent and have a cosy meal...

 

The route, as seen in Google Earth

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

 

The route

 

Småtjønna:

The first task is to get through the forest and up to the plateau and the Småtjønna lakes, from where you can see Vistmannen and Vistkjerringa; from the parking, walk a few meters along the Eiterådalen road, then turn left and proceed northwest along a forest path/old tractor road. After 350 meters, the path turns west/southwest. The path crosses a meadow and stays approx. 150 meters south of Trolldalsbekken. At N65.56957 E13.14073 (340 meters), the route gets steeper. Follow the path southwest up to the southernmost of the Småtjørna lakes (moving gradually away from Trolldalsbekken). Near the national park border (N65.56511 E13.12654 - 560 meters) the path fades away.

Vistmannen:

There should be no mistake about Vistmannen; it's the ONLY distinct peak for miles and miles. Head directly west towards lake 515m. Ford the north drain (N65.56355 E13.08271 - or find an alternative ways to the south) and continue northwest towards Vistmannen's east ridge. The initial ascent of Vistmannen is easy enough, but the upper route forces you to actively search for the best route from ledge to ledge. There are however no exposed sections here. Vistmannen summit (N65.57072 E13.03612) is marked by a medium-sized cairn.

 

Vistmannen

Vistmannen
(Click for larger image)

 

Vistkjerringa:

Descend Vistmannen along your ascent route, then turn towards the Vistmannen - Vistkjerringa saddle when you see fit and find the best route up Vistkjerringa's north ridge. Vistkjerringa summit (N65.54922 E13.03330) is marked by a large cairn.

Litlskardtinden:

Descend Vistkjerringa along the southwest ridge. At approx. 1160m, it's time to turn south and cross over to Litlskardtinden's west ridge. Again, you will have to search for the best way to ascend this ridge. There are no difficult sections on the easiest route. Litlskardtinden summit (N65.53938 E13.03653) is marked by a few rocks.

"Vistknerten":

Descend Litlskardtinden along the east ridge. Proceed northeast towards point 1122m (N65.54607 E13.05629). 180 meters west of point 1122, you'll see two distinct rock features on the ridge. The easternmost (N65.54600 E13.05237) requires scrambling. Try it on! For reference, I gave it the name "Vistknerten". Translating the point into English is harder...

Continue down the rugged Sirjordaksla ridge and join your ascent route near the national park border.

 

The route, as seen in Google Earth

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


Pictures and Trip reports:

 


westcoastpeaks.com Other Nordland mountains Other Norwegian mountains