Hiking in Møre and Romsdal - 7 mountain tours from Romsdalseggen to Sunnmørsalpane

Part 11 of 15 in the Norway series.

Møre og Romsdal is located in Northwest Norway, between Vestland in the south and Trøndelag in the north. The county includes Nordmøre, Romsdal and Sunnmøre, with Ålesund, Molde, Kristiansund and Åndalsnes as important starting points.

Here are some of Norway's most alpine hiking environments: deep fjords, steep mountain walls, glaciers, rushing rivers and high peaks in the Sunnmørsalpane, Romsdalsalpane and Tafjordfjella. At the same time, there are calmer valley and fjord tours. Møre og Romsdal should therefore not be confused with Vestland, Trøndelag or Innlandet. The terrain and logistics vary significantly between the regions.

The highest point in the county is Puttegga, officially 1,999.17 meters above sea level , on the border between Fjord and Rauma. Older information of 1,989 meters exists, but is incorrect according to current height measurements.

1. SignaTUR Romsdalstien – five stages between fjord and mountains

The SignaTUR Romsdalstien is the most distinctive multi-day hike in the county. It runs from Åfarnes to Grøvdal and is approximately 50 kilometers long, divided into five stages:

1. Åfarnes–Skorgedalsbu: 15 km
2. Skorgedalsbu–Måsvassbu: 14 km
3. Måsvassbu–Vasstindbu: 10 km
4. Vasstindbu–Svartvassbu: 8 km
5. Svartvassbu–Grøvdal: 6 km

Overnight stays are at Skorgedalsbu, Måsvassbu, Vasstindbu and Svartvassbu . Always check booking, key or opening procedures and current trail status before departure.

The terrain goes through forest, bog, valleys and more open mountain areas. The elevation changes between the stages, and it is more relevant to study the respective elevation profile on UT.no than to use a single total number. The surface can be wet, rocky and uneven. Expect several hundred elevation changes on the hilly days.

This is a demanding hut-to-hut hike for hikers who are used to long days and can navigate when the trail becomes unclear. Summer is the main season, but snow can remain high up well into the season. Check wading, water sources, weather, mobile coverage and transportation from Åfarnes and Grøvdal. The DNT grading guide is useful, but does not replace your own judgment.

2. Romsdalseggen – exposed ridge from Venjesdalen to Åndalsnes

The Romsdalseggen trail is approximately 10–11 kilometers from Venjesdalen to Åndalsnes and often takes 5–8 hours. It goes over a lofty mountain ridge with views of Trollveggen, Romsdalen and Romsdalshorn. The route passes Rampestreken and ends via Romsdalstrappa.

Expect approximately 890 meters of elevation gain and around 1,250 meters of descent , depending on the route variant. The surface consists of stone, steep dirt and grass sections, boulder terrain and sections secured with chains. Venjesdalsbu is a nearby starting point, while Åndalsnes is the end point with better transport options.

This is not a beginner's tour. The chains are an aid, not a safety system. Wet rock, loose rock, fog and strong winds increase the risk quickly. Turn around in time if visibility is lost or if the group gets tired. Children should not be taken on the most airy parts if they lack experience of exposed mountain terrain.

Check weather, possible shuttle service, parking and current trail status. Use offline map, map and compass even if the trail is busy.

3. The triangle in Trollheimen – classic cabin-to-cabin

The Trollheimen Triangle runs between Gjevilvasshytta, Jøldalshytta and Trollheimshytta . The round trip is approximately 59 kilometers and is normally done in three days:

• Gjevilvasshytta–Jøldalshytta: 21 km
• Jøldalshytta–Trollheimshytta: 16–20 km depending on the route
• Trollheimshytta–Gjevilvasshytta over Mellomfjell: 21 km

The options via Svartådalen, Geithetta or Trollhetta's three peaks offer different lengths and levels of difficulty. The total climb is around 2,272 metres in altitude according to UT's route description.

The tour is demanding but not technical climbing. You will encounter rocky paths, bogs, mountain heaths, wades and long valley stretches. Trollheimen is located on the border between Møre og Romsdal and Trøndelag; parts of the area and the route therefore touch on several counties. Therefore, plan your transport and regulations based on both counties.

Check cabin booking status, food and opening status, snow conditions and water levels. UT's area overview for Trollheimen is a good starting point.

4. Innerdalen – valley tour with mountains all around

Innerdalen in Sunndal is sometimes called Norway's most beautiful valley. It is a clear trail and overnight environment, not untouched wilderness outside all trails. The DNT cabins Nyhytta, Gammelhytta and Låven, also called Innerdalshytta , are located in the valley.

A typical valley tour is about 8 kilometers with about 280 meters of elevation gain , depending on the starting point and variant. The surface is mainly gravel road and path, but can be wet after rain. The surrounding mountains are significantly more demanding than the valley itself.

Innerdalen is therefore suitable both as a quieter overnight trip and as a base for longer mountain trips. Transport goes via Ålvundeidet and further towards the entrance to the valley. Check parking conditions, road status, accommodation and any rules in the protected area. Mosquitoes can be a problem during warm evenings.

5. Puttegga – the county's highest point at nearly 2,000 meters

Puttegga in Tafjordfjella is Møre og Romsdal's highest point: 1,999.17 meters above sea level . A typical trip from Reindalseter is about 12 kilometers round trip with about 1,000 meters of elevation gain .

This is a demanding independent high mountain hike, not a simple day hike. The terrain is rocky and exposed to the elements, with steep grass and rock sides, loose boulders and limited help if something goes wrong. The hike is technically relatively easy in good conditions, but it requires good fitness, orientation skills and experience in high mountains.

July to September is normally the most realistic hiking season, but snow and ice can change conditions. Check snow depth, weather, water, possible wading and access to Reindalseter or nearby cabins. Turn around if cloud base drops, if the rock becomes slippery or if the schedule no longer holds.

6. Slogen from Øye – steep peak in Sunnmørsalpane

Slogen is 1,564 meters high and is located in the Sunnmøre Alps near Øye. The most common hike from Øye is about 6.6 kilometers , with about 1,410 meters of elevation gain and about five hours of walking time uphill depending on the route variant.

It is a demanding day hike with steep trails, airy sections and loose rock. Some sections may require you to use your hands. Unsafe sections should not be attempted without experience in steep mountain terrain. Wet grass and slippery rock change the hike from difficult to unsuitable.

Patchellhytta is used as an alternative starting point and overnight stay. Check weather, snow conditions, transportation to Øye and current trail description. Children should not be taken on the exposed parts if they are not used to that type of terrain.

7. Mardalsfossen – a quieter fjord and valley alternative

In Eikesdalen is the clearly marked trail to Mardalsfossen. From the parking lot in Mardalen it is about 2 kilometers one way and about 300–325 meters of elevation gain . The hike normally takes 30–45 minutes to the top.

The surface is largely gravel and a well-maintained path. This makes this a more accessible alternative than Romsdalseggen, Puttegga and Slogen. At the same time, the path can be slippery near the waterfall, and the water flow varies with season and weather.

The tour is suitable for half a day and can be combined with an overnight stay in Eikesdalen. Check current access, parking, water flow and local regulations. Visit Norway's tour description provides basic practical information.

Equipment for wind, cold and wet trails

For cabin-to-cabin, the backpack will be lighter. For camping, however, you need a wind-resistant tent, sufficient insulation and a margin for cold, wet nights. See HikingStore's tents , backpacks , sleeping pads and sleeping bags and quilts .

A sleeping pad with insufficient insulation will lead to cold ground and poor recovery, even if the sleeping bag is warm. When choosing a sleeping bag, don't look at CUIN alone. CUIN describes the loft of the down per gram; the fill weight, construction and temperature rating determine the actual warmth. Read more in Bird Down in Sleeping Bags – The Complete Guide .

Bring rain and reinforcement clothing, hat, gloves, headlamp, first aid, food, water capacity and offline maps. Mosquitoes are relevant in valleys and near water. Vipers and ticks can be found in lower, more lush terrain. This summer mountain hiking packing list will help you build your pack layer by layer.

Allemansrätten in Møre og Romsdal

In Norway, a distinction is made between outback and innmark . You are normally allowed to camp in outback, at least 150 meters from inhabited houses and cabins, for a maximum of two days in the same place. Longer stays normally require the landowner's permission, with the exception of remote mountain areas. Tents in innmark, close to buildings or in special tent areas may require a permit or follow their own rules.

The fire ban in or near forests and other open land applies from April 15 to September 15. Local bans may be stricter. Check the fire situation on the same day; a closed fire pit is often a safer alternative than an open fire. National leash laws for dogs apply from April 1 to August 20, and local extensions may apply. Motorized traffic in open land is not included in the right of public access.

The right of public access also entails obligations: leave no traces, avoid disturbing animals and people, do not cross inland areas or through farmyards and keep your dog under control. Møre og Romsdal has very steep terrain, private farms and mountain pastures. Several areas are located in Dovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella National Park or other protected areas. Rules may be stricter, and access may be affected by the calving and hunting of wild reindeer.

The rules differ from Denmark, where access and camping are often more tied to specific areas, and from Swedish and Finnish public right of way, which have different boundaries and local applications. Read the Environmental Directorate's information about public right of way before your trip.

The best equipment is not the lightest in theory. It's the one that works when the wind picks up, the rocks become slippery, and visibility disappears.

The next county in the Norway series is Trøndelag.