Hiking Mount Saksa

There are few better places to enjoy an outdoor excursion than around the Hjørundfjord. This 20-mile-long (33 km) arm of the Storfjord is located in the Sunnmøre Alps and is surrounded by green valleys and jagged mountain peaks. The Hjørundfjord is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful fjords in the world, and the area is a great base for hiking due to its abundance of glaciers and alpine farms.

One of the best mountains to hike in the area is Mt. Saksa. The 1-mile (3-km) trailhead starts at the small village of Urke, and the path works its way up 3,520 feet (1,072 meters) to the summit. Make no mistake; this is a demanding hike that will prove difficult for those without a good level of physical fitness. Still, the difficulty will cease to matter once you reach the stunning viewpoints at the south peak. From here, you can see all the way to the end of the Hjørundfjorden in one direction and out to the charming city of Ålesund, with its colorful art nouveau buildings, in the other. Also, keep an eye out for the stone stairway built by sherpas from Nepal.

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