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Andreas Wenk
Snøhetta traverse
At 2,286 m, Snøhetta is the highest peak outside Jotunheimen and one of Norway’s most iconic mountains. The Snøhetta Traverse is the ultimate way to experience it — linking all four main summits in a single, unforgettable day. This high-alpine journey takes you across airy ridgelines, past vast glacial plateaus, and over peaks that feel like the very rooftop of Norway.
- Location: Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, Norway
- Total elevation gain: ~1,200 m
- Distance: ~15–18 km (depending on route)
- Duration: 10–12 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging (techinical climbing and hiking, a long route exposed to weather)
- Highest point: Stortoppen — 2,286 m
- Season: mid July– early September
- Group size: Max 2 guests per guide
- Price: From 4500 NOK per person- private traverse from 7,200 NOK
- Meeting point: Hjerkinn station or Snøheim Cabin
Why Choose the Traverse?
Most visitors hike just one of Snøhetta’s peaks — but the traverse lets you summit all four:
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Vesttoppen (West Peak) — 2,253 m
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Hettpiggen — 2,265 m
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Midttoppen (Middle Peak) — 2,284 m
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Stortoppen (Main Peak) — 2,286 m
Each summit offers a fresh perspective: sweeping alpine vistas, exposed ridges, and the rugged plateaus of Dovrefjell. Linking them in one continuous ridge walk transforms a day hike into a true alpine climbing adventure.
Traverse Itinerary
08:00 — Meet in Hjerkinn
Greet your certified guide, review the day’s plan, and check gear.
Bus transfer (110 NOK, not included) to Snøheim lodge
Ascent to Vesttoppen
A steady climb through high-alpine terrain brings you to the day’s first peak.
Vesttoppen → Hettpiggen
Rappel from Vestoppen to the saddle. Scramble and traverse the saddle with towards hettpiggen. Exposed sections secured by your guide with ropework methods. Climb to Hetpiggen (technical climb, grade 3+)
Hettpiggen → Midttoppen
Scramble along the ridge to the midtop. Exposed sections secured by your guide with ropework methods.
Midttoppen → Stortoppen
Final push to the highest point in the range. Celebrate with a well-earned break at 2,286 m. Descend via main hiking trail to Snøheim Lodge
A two-day package is possible where Day 1 is arrival at Snøheim Lodge, acclimatization walk and dinner. The traverse is on Day 2, where you meet your guide in the moring.
Equiptment
- Sturdy hiking boots (broken-in) that are ok for climbing and are crampon comptable
- Layered clothing (base layer, insulating mid-layer, windproof/waterproof shell, Sunglasses & sunscreen)
- 20–30 L backpack
- 1.5–2 L of water (refills possible at streams in early season)
- helmet, climbing harness, 2x120cm sling, 2x locking caribiners, 1 ATC/belay deveice (this equitment can be rented from Opplev Oppdal)
- crampons if snow and ice on route (early or late season)
Getting There
- By train: Oslo–Trondheim line stops at Hjerkinn.
- By car: 5 hours from Oslo, 3 hours from Trondheim.
- Access road to Snøheim: Shuttle bus from Hjerkinn, 5 times daily 110 NOK per person
Best Time to Go
July–September often offers snow-free ridges and the highest chance of stable weather. August often has the best conditions, with highest chance of the pervious winters snow having melted and new snow not yet come.
- The traverse is long and exposed — suitable for hikers with good fitness and some climbing experience.
- Weather can change rapidly; strong winds and low visibility are possible even in summer.