Norway's national mountain Stetind
Highlights
- Experience Stetind's clear anvil-like mountain profile from roads, fjords and viewpoints
- See Norway's national mountain towering 1,391 meters above sea level
- Explore a landmark with a strong place in local identity, climbing history, and outdoor recreation
- Learn about the importance of mountains for Norwegian ecophilosophy and nature-friendly thinking
- Take pictures from Storelv or from the exit on the waterfront along Stefjorden
Description
Stetind is a mountain that takes its place in the landscape long before you stand at the foot of it. At the innermost part of Stefjorden, the granite rises steeply from the fjord, with smooth mountainsides and a flat, anvil-shaped peak that makes the mountain easy to recognize. In 2002, Stetind was named Norway's national mountain, and in Narvik municipality, the mountain is also a clear symbol of local identity.
The mountain has been shaped by glaciers over thousands of years and towers 1,391 meters above sea level. The polished granite shape has made Stetind a popular motif for climbers, artists and photographers, and a mountain with a strong place in Norwegian natural and outdoor history. Stetind is also linked to the Stetind Declaration and Norwegian ecophilosophy, where the relationship between man, nature and respect for the mountains is central.
You don't have to go into the mountains to experience Stetind. From Highway 827, you can get close to the mountain, among other things by driving through the tunnel that runs under the foot of the mountain. At the tunnel exit, good vantage points await at the parking lot at Storelv, and at the exit on the sea side about 2 kilometers south along the fjord. Here you see fjords, mountains and raw granite gathered in one spectacle, with changing light throughout the year.
For mountaineers who master climbing in stone scree, the classic route goes to Hall's forepeak, the neighboring peak of Stetind at 1,314 meters above sea level. From here, certified mountain guides offer guided tours on to the Stetind peak in season. Hall's summit is named after Carl Hall, who had to turn around there during an attempt to reach the summit in 1889. The first ascent of Stetind was made in 1910 by Alf B. Bryn, Carl W. Rubenson and Ferdinand Schjelderup. Nearby mountains such as Presttind, Tømmeråstinden and Titinden also offer varied mountain experiences with spectacular views of the national mountain, and in lower terrain there are family-friendly hiking opportunities towards lakes such as Svartvatnet.
More information
- Stetind is located at the innermost part of Stefjorden, near Kjøpsvik in Narvik municipality.
- The mountain is 1,391 meters high.
- Stetind can be experienced from roads, parking lots and viewpoints without hiking.
- The rest area at the foot of Stetind has an information board, toilets and an emptying station for waste.
- Parking should only take place in marked places. Parking on the shoulder of the road is not allowed.
- Be aware of traffic if you are photographing from the roadside area.
- Stetind can be experienced in all seasons, from winter lights and northern lights to the midnight sun.
- In lower terrain there are family-friendly hiking opportunities towards Svartvatnet.
- It is too steep and rugged to take a dog up Hall's front peak and Stetind.
- Guided summit tours are carried out during the summer season and only in good and dry weather.
- Climbing Stetind requires good physical shape, height comfort and respect for the mountain. A certified mountain guide is recommended.
- The standard route to the summit involves exposed back walking and a short climbing section.