Snolkehytta

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.

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.