The Hjørundfjord
The Hjørundfjord

Hiking Mount Saksa

Overview

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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Itineraries with Hiking Mount Saksa

Norway Scenic Road Trip - 14 Days

Starting and ending in Oslo, this wide loop covers a staggering variety of landscapes where'll you drive through three of Norway's official scenic routes. First, make your way to a former Olympic village and two national parks loaded with wildlife, then head west for hiking and boating in the fjords. Stay two nights in the art nouveau city of Ålesund before you swing back around towards Jotunheimen National Park. Finish in the alpine village of Lom with one of the best restaurants and bakeries in Norway.