Snolkehytta

Gratangen

Snolkehytta is a moderate mountain hike in Gratangen, about 30 minutes north of Narvik. The trip goes through marsh, forest and open mountain terrain before you reach the day trip cabin with a view of the fjord, valleys and mountains.

Highlights

  • Experience a varied mountain hike through marshes, birch forests and open mountain scenery
  • Follow a well-marked path with plank walks over wet areas
  • See views of Gratangen, Gratangseidet, Kvernmoen and the surrounding mountains
  • Visit Snolkehytta, a modern day trip cabin built in stone, wood, and glass
  • See traces of war history from the battles for Narvik along the route

Description

The trail to Snolkehytta is clearly marked, varied and easy to follow, but still with enough incline that you feel like you are on a hike. From the parking lot at Kvernmo, the path goes over flat marsh areas and further into forest before the terrain gradually rises towards the mountain. Along the way, the landscape changes rhythm. You walk over plank walks, follow forest paths and pass open areas with bird life, heather, ferns and viewpoints. Near the top there is a drinking area where fresh mountain water is led out through a pipe. As the forest lets go, the landscape opens up towards Gratangen, Gratangseidet and the surrounding mountains. At 502 meters above sea level is Snolkehytta, firmly anchored in the rock and built of stone, wood and glass. The cabin is open to everyone as a day trip cabin and is for many a favorite place for a break, enjoy your packed lunch or seek shelter from the weather. Inside there is seating and a wood stove, and outside the terrace awaits with views of the fjord, mountains and valleys. Overnight stays at the day trip cabin are strictly prohibited. The area also has a clear historical dimension. Along the route there are traces of trenches and rusty barbed wire from the battles during the Battle of Narvik in April 1940. The summit was later used as a vantage point for air defence during the Cold War in the 1950s, before the site was developed into today's day-trip cabin through strong local involvement.

Transport

Snolke ligger på Kvernmoen i Gratangen, cirka 30 minutter nord for Narvik. Med bil kjører du nordover mot Bjerkvik, tar av i rundkjøringen og fortsetter nordover i cirka 15 kilometer til skiltet merket «Kvernmoen». Ta av mot Kvernmoen og fortsett noen hundre meter til parkeringsplassen på venstre side. Offentlig transport er ikke tilgjengelig til startpunktet.

Additional information

The hike has medium difficulty The length is 3 kilometers each way The ascent is 305 meters Duration is approximately 2 hours The trail is well marked all the way to Snolkehytta The terrain goes through marshes, forest paths and open mountain landscape There are plank walks over wet areas There is a drinking area near the top with mountain water from pipes Outdoor toilet is available at the cabin Snolkehytta is a day trip cabin, and overnight stays are strictly forbidden There is mobile coverage along the entire route The tour is suitable for children and dogs The tour is not suitable for strollers or people with reduced mobility The trip is especially recommended from spring to autumn The weather in the mountains can change, and the guest must make their own assessments along the way

Map & Directions

30 min

The starting point is the parking lot at Kvernmoen, by the large information sign for "Gratangen and the surrounding area-hiking map". From here, the trail starts, which is well marked all the way to Snolkehytta.