Now Hardangerjøkulen is open for winter ski trips!
Jøkulrunden, as it is called, is one of Norway's most beautiful ski trips. The round was branched out on Monday 11 March, in glorious winter weather. The trip starts from Finsehytta and you can follow the twig over Hardangerjøkulen itself and back to Finsehytta.
Published: December 16, 2024 Written by:
Kari Merete Horne
DNT's offer
Our photographer got to join the limbing in glorious winter weather. Watch the film and be inspired for a spectacular ski trip over the sixth largest glacier in mainland Norway. The trip is considered demanding, but achievable for very many. It is a safe ski trip, because you follow DNT's marked twig trail all the way.
Not just anyone can set a marked trail over a glacier. Jon Erik Fadenes grew up in Finse and has a knowledge that is completely unique. We got to join Jon Erik and manager at Finsehytta, Rune Sundt on the 18.5 km long round on March 11. When you limb, the trip is at least twice as long, because we had to go back and forth quite a few times," says photographer Linn Hines, who was on the trip.
Jon Erik has a lot of knowledge about the mountain areas at Finse and shares his experiences and knowledge with Rune. Photo: Linn Hines
In winter, DNT knots 4,300 km of winter trails in the mountains.
The routes from cabin to cabin are marked with twigs, so that it is safe to ski in the winter mountains. DNT also notices some round trips, such as the Glacier Round at Finse.
Limbing trails is a significant work both in terms of planning and implementation. DNT hires experienced mountain people to carry out the job and to maintain the routes/twigs throughout the winter. These can be the managers of the serviced cabins or others with very good local knowledge. Prior to tagging, permission must be applied for from landowners, municipalities and mountain boards. This is an extensive work that is carried out every year.
Limbing of the winter trails is a major cost for DNT's member associations and the membership fee is an important contribution to cover this cost.
From left: Manager at Finsehytta, Rune Sundt and caretaker/hotel employee Romauldas Pauskte secure the cargo. Bundle of twigs and signs that are put out when the route is marked and ready for use. Photo: Linn Hines
As a general rule, the twig is put out when the serviced DNT cabins open
The twigs are put out ahead of Easter and are taken down in some places again right after Easter. This depends on which permissions apply. As a general rule, the dormer is in place when the serviced DNT cabins open in the area in question. In some places, limbing is done as early as during the winter holidays. This applies, for example, to Langsua and some routes in Jotunheimen. The routes around Finse have been marked until well into May.
Jøkulhytta is located at 1,780 meters above sea level and is a popular hiking destination for skiers in Finse. Photo: Linn Hines
Check dormer dates before you go on a trip
Before you go on a trip, it is very important to check when there is limbing in the area in question. You will find an overview if you search for the mountain area in question on DNT.no. You can also search for the relevant route on ut.no. On the map, you can see the marked trails as a dotted blue line.
The glacier round is 18.5 km and you should calculate 6-7 hours. But of course, it depends on the weather and wind direction. If the weather is glorious, you are guaranteed to take longer, because there are so many nice places to rest along the way. We recommend some nice spots right after the descent from the glacier. The managers at Finsehytta are helpful with good tips and how to assess the weather and wind direction on the day you are going on a trip
Views you won't soon forget: From the top of Hardangerjøkulen, there is a huge view over Hardangervidda, Hallingskarvet, Jotunheimen, Norefjell and towards Gaustadtoppen. Photo: Linn Hines
