
Time To Go - MASSIVE
Henning Hoff Wikborg is the general manager of DNT Oslo and Omegn, and in 2016 he walked the entire MASSIV. Together with friends, family and acquaintances, he completed the 350 km long trip.
Completed MASSIV - arrival Haukeliseter
Browse your way through the tour!
Time, experiences and long-distance routes
Life is a long journey. Despite this, many people feel that time is rushing. What we fill our time with is important, it shapes our lives and who we are.
I want to go MASSIVE!
Still, many people rarely stop and ask the question "why do I act the way I do?". Do I just follow a flow, let myself be seduced further in life without allotted time to reflect? Yes, think about what I want to fill my time with and how I will manage just that – time. I simply have to set aside time to have time. In other words, have a conscious relationship to the fact that time is important and that the time I spend gives me experiences and reflection on how I spend time. Stig Johansson has put it this way: "Those who do not have time, have nothing else of value."
To put time on hold, I have to protect myself. Protect myself from all distractions. I'm a world champion at inventing new things in the middle of other tasks. Maybe I'm afraid of not catching everything? Maybe that's the big danger, that I strive for new things without stopping. I want to reflect. I miss the time. I just want to be – for a while. Follow a thought without being interrupted by new temptations or other distractions.
Fortunately, we still have places to apply to. Places that are new, places that evoke memories. DNT's grid and cabins represent a formidable offer. It's almost unreal when you sit down with an overview map and see how DNT's grid and more than 500 DNT cabins spread out into Norwegian nature. A cobweb of lines that are connected. So many undiscovered gems. So many places you can dream of coming back to. The more I think about it, the stronger I feel an inner urge to just be.
DNT Oslo and Omegn owns and manages large parts of the route network, the branched trails and cabins in DNT. It is a privilege and a great responsibility to be involved in managing this together with all the skilled employees in the association. Without our large volunteer apparatus, we would never have managed to exceed the 76,000 volunteer hours that have been registered this year alone. It often strikes me when I walk on a trail or visit a cabin how grateful I am. I send warm thoughts to the volunteer group who have noticed and when I, as a tired hiker, arrive at a well-kept cabin, firewood and equipment and a full stock of provisions, it is easy to be moved by the effort that is put in to be able to experience just this.
All of us who are involved in managing this fantastic offer must also tempt people out into nature. Make people aware of the values inherent in our offer. Values that are linked to experiences, joy and quality of life. To be able to use your senses and have time to let yourself be influenced by impressions that flow in. In order to set aside enough time, we at DNT Oslo and Omegn have worked out some suggestions for long trips. MASSIV – the route from Sota Sæter in Breheimen to Haukeliseter, south of Hardangervidda is our newest "long route". Through the four fantastic mountain areas of Breheimen, Jotunheimen, Skarvheimen and Hardangervidda. Beautiful DNT cabins like pearls on a string and nice private cabins in between.
This year, we hope that our members will use the offer. That you set aside time. This year I set aside time, I want to go. Just go, days on end. I want to go MASSIVE!
Henning Hoff Wikborg.
Henning Hoff Wikborg is the general manager of DNT Oslo and Omegn. This summer, he has decided to go MASSIVE. He will encourage friends, family and acquaintances to join him on the 350 km long trip. Here you can follow Hoff Wikborg's thoughts before departure, updates along the way and not least guest blogs from his hiking companions.
The day before the day
It's Sunday, tomorrow I'm starting my long trip MASSIVE. I will hike from Sota Sæter in Breheimen to Haukeliseter south of Hardangervidda. 350 km, or 35 miles. Smack a bit on it, both sound a lot, but not insurmountable. What I will need is TIME. Take the time to help and just walk. Hike from day to day for three weeks.
I feel the feeling of having to walk far, for so long. Tingles in my body in a way. I feel that the trip is approaching and feel a mixture of joy and a little excitement. The logistics at home with his wife and three children and a dog have not only been easy. Being away for three weeks, without contact, is a challenge. The job is also a challenge. There are probably many who will notice that I am gone for three weeks. Gone in a real sense. Without email contact. Without me being available when tricky things come up. I will probably find that being away is perhaps a bigger problem for myself than for my employees. They can probably do well without me and maybe that's a reflection in itself I can feel along the way?
I take a pencil and a notepad with me on the trip. Along the way, I will write down ideas and thoughts. Thoughts I want to take with me. Issues I want to work with. Quite simply, clean up a bit, in thoughts and tasks that need to be done. I feel a tingle in me. Now I'm going to an office meeting in the mountains. I'll sort, prioritize and maybe I'll come up with some good ideas along the way. But, I'm not going to let myself be stressed. I will have plenty of time. I should have time to just be. Sense the impressions around me. Talk to people I meet. Meet many of our skilled helpers in the mountains and nice managers at the DNT cabins along the way. The experiences should be the goal. There should be nothing to rush for along the way, on the contrary, I hope for experiences along the way that slow me down and give me the feeling of just being. Maybe MASSIV and our new long-haul route can provide just that, quality of life and absence of stress? My now good friend, Øystein Dahle, has stressed exactly this, that people are rushing off. Rushing off to get new things. Maybe they rush off without catching anything?

27 June Sota Sæter - Nørdstedalseter
Before the stage
First day. My body tingles and I can't wait to get going. On this first day, I get to accompany my wife a bit on the way. A soft transition to more solitary days. Today I can choose two routes, along Ildvannet or over Fortundalsbreen. The trip over Fortundalsbreen is by far the most spectacular and beautiful. Let's hope the weather stays and that there won't be too much rain and wind. Soon I will leave Sota Sæter. Up the hill I will be able to look down over the valley and down at the fantastic DNT cabin, a soreness appears, I am in a way leaving something beautiful and safe. Now I'm looking ahead, I'm going to Haukeliseter.
Touchdown Nørdstedalseter
Finally up and running! The first slopes up from Sota Sæter I got to accompany my wife, Anne Kristine.
When she turned around, I quickly felt a lump in my throat and the first warning of loss and thoughts of those at home, Anne Kristine and our three beautiful sons. The first steps on MASSIV are done. Phone and email were stuffed well into my backpack, but thoughts about work and emails I have noted, but not been able to answer before I left were buzzing in my head during the trip. I haven't gotten any peace over the trip yet, it will probably be a few days before a calm sinks over me and the distance to my email account and phone becomes long enough.
So incredibly nice to be up and running. I'm starting to reflect on the fact that I'm actually going to be on a trip for almost three weeks. A bit scary really, I feel a little tired already, and I've only gone for a walk. Let's hope it "works out"...
Facts about today's trip: Sota Sæter - Nørdstedalseter
The trip is exactly 25 km long. It rises from just over 700 at Sota to over 1600 meters above sea level along the way. That means just over 900 meters of altitude to be climbed. The trip is set up as an 8 hour trip, but you should probably calculate something more. It's quite rocky midway through the stage. Along the steepest part along Illvannet you should pay close attention so you don't lose the DNT trail.
Still some snow, but this is not an obstacle, quite the opposite. This makes traversing stone sections easier. Be aware that several snow bridges over streams and rivers are now becoming unsafe. Do a safe inspection before you cross. From the end of Illvannet and down towards Nørdstedalseter, there is a nice gentle descent into a beautiful landscape. Nice end to the trip and great to arrive at nice managers at Nørdstedalseter. The route over Fortundalsbreen is clearly the most spectacular, but will now require a glacier guide. (There will be glacier guides in place in the period 23 July to 7 August). There is not much snow and the snow bridges on the glacier may collapse.
June 28 Nørdstedalseter - Krossbu/Sognefjellshytta
Before the stage
The first stage is done. Somewhat sore feet already, how will this be in the long run? A very pleasant stay at the serviced cabin "Nørdstedalseter" with great managers, good food and a great cabin. Today I'm going to walk a stage that is completely new to me, the route over to Sognefjellshytta. Exciting also to experience the new Sognefjell cabin. Also this stage I walk alone. A little tired today, feel the muscles are sore. Will they become even stiffer or will it loosen up, let's hope the latter...
Touchdown Sognefjellshytta
Today I can only think of one word; Tired.
The inspiration along the way has been the map and keeping an eye on that I don't go wrong. I wouldn't have been able to do that today. I thought maybe I would get some inspiration over me today. I thought that reflection and creativity would flood in now that I was now on stage two going to be well underway. Tough day today, I had more than enough to get through the stage. But, tomorrow, a great stage awaits down to beautiful Skogadalsbøen. Then inspiration will probably come over me.
Facts about today's trip: Sota Sæter - Nørdstedalseter, via Illvannet
25 km long. Have to calculate about 9 hours time. Highest point at about 1600 meters above sea level, i.e. height difference from the start of about 700. But a lot more altitude meters must be climbed. A lot of ups and downs, but beautiful scenery. Please note that it is somewhat tough to cross the river that leaves Liabrevatnet, just before the fork in the path meets Bøvertun. Also note that the route is somewhat rerouted at the southwestern end of Storevatnet.
June 29 Sognefjellshytta - Skogadalsbøen
Before the stage
At Sognefjellshytta I met my good friend Ole Christian Apeland. He has said he wants to join him for a few days. He's probably worried that he's not in as good shape as me, but he doesn't have two long day's legs like me. It will probably be fine. It is a beautiful stage that stands in front of us today. I look forward to following the beautiful terrain down towards Skogadalsbøen, perhaps one of our most beautiful cabins. It is far from absolutely everything, in a beautiful place. I look forward to a new meeting and look forward to showing Ole Christian the great place.
Third stage
For two days I have been strolling in my own thoughts. Haven't met anyone along the way. On the third stage, I have been joined by Ole Christian Apeland. From Sognefjellshytta to Skogadalsbøen, the conversation has gone in a set. Very nice, but great contrast to the previous days. The trips are very different if you go with a group or if you stroll alone. Valuable both. Today we have taken our time, had lunch and strolled. Mostly fine weather with heavy rain showers in between. Arriving at the most beautiful place I know of, Skogadalsbøen, is always a happiness.
Facts about today's trip: Sognefjellshytta - Skogadalsbøen
The trip is 14 km long. It mostly goes downhill and downhill. About 600 meters drop from 1400 to 800 meters above sea level. Fantastic views out towards Hurrungane in the west and Mjølkedalspiggen in the east. Great waterfalls, nice bridges and mostly good trail. Not much snow. An easy terrain and nice for most people. Nice trip also for families with children.
30 June Skogadalsbøen - Olavsbu
Before the stage
From Skogadalsbøen to Olavsbu. Today we have been very doubtful about where to go. The goal is Fondsbu, but it is a long way. Both Mjølkedalen and Uradalen lead to Fondsbu and are each great hiking options. But, they are long. We decide to break up the route to Fondsbu and make the trip via Olavsbu, Norway's most visited self-service cabin in the DNT system. Olavsbu is self-service, so tonight we have to cook, unaccustomed after three cabins with deliciously served food. We'll see if there will be canned meatballs and pineapple for dinner.
What a day!
It has simply bucketed down. Rain and more rain. Stiff gale against and half the distance on snow. But, then, in the midst of all the misery, the mountain just opens up. All the majestic 2000 meters above sea level come out and the fog on the peaks just slides away. How amazing is that. A little wet and cold and then the mountain just reveals itself. Almost like a divine experience. I just soak it up and just think about one thing where I'm standing quite soaked and tired. I think about happiness and how adventurously beautiful and dramatic it is around me. Yr.no have predicted terrible weather, it also got bad, but then come these moments that are soul-setting, unexpected and that become a gift there and then.
Facts about today's trip: Skogadalsbøen - Olavsbu
From Skogadalsbøen to Olavsbu, we took the northernmost route. Up towards Leirvassbu and off halfway and into Rauddalen. The trip takes 6-7 hours. The distance is 20 km. Elevation difference, up about 600 m. Most people can manage the trip, but a bit tough in bad weather. Also note that there is a lot of snow left above about 1,100 meters above sea level. The rivers were rough, but no wading was necessary. Good footwear required.
1 July Olavsbu - Fondsbu
Before the stage
After a very nice visit to Olavsbu, we now set course for Solbjørg Kvålshaugen, the manager at Fondsbu. At Fondsbu, they have completely restored the kitchen and redone the entire reception area. Now I'm looking forward to seeing how it has turned out. Ole Christian is hanging on. We take our time today, a nice stage that is not very long. No stress and no obligations today. The only thing that we have to watch out for today is to take the time to enjoy nature and have some good conversations. However, we have one thing to do; Solbjørg's dinner at Fondsbu, they are always an experience.
We started in sun and promising weather today!
It lasted for a while. It's raining every day now, we're used to it. But, we have the pleasure of walking together Ole Christian and I. It's nice to be two, but at Fondsbu, Ome Christian gets on the bus home. It will be strange to be left and have to walk new day's stages alone. Today's trip was varied and nice. Several 2000 meter peaks showed up for a while. Majestic.
Facts about today's tour: Olavsbu - Fondsbu
The trip is 15 km long. You have to calculate about 6 hours on the trip. Highest point about 1600 meters above sea level. Altitude difference on the trip is down about 400 meters in altitude. Still a lot of snow on large parts of the route.
2 June Fondsbu - Sdeleningsbu
Boom, boom and boom!
When I planned the trip, I was going to save weight and arrange maps along the way. I only took maps with me that covered down to and including Fondsbu. At Fondsbu, they had no more maps left that covered south and into Skarvheimen. However, Solbjørg at Fondsbu had a forgotten map on a scale of 1:100,000 that I took with me.
Along Tyin it went very smoothly, but the problems started when I was going up from Tyinosen and into Slettningsbu. It started to rain, I gritted my teeth up the long uphills. I was looking forward to getting there, but went in my own thoughts. Eventually I thought the path was doubtfully invisible, felt it matched the map and I followed cairns. Then I came to a large lake. There are no large lakes into Slettningsbu, with the exception of the water it is located by. Booms again.
The cairns stopped and were not DNTs. Off course and an extra hour in the rain to search for the right track. Next time I pay closer attention along the way and my recommendation is: don't go for maps on a scale of 1,100,000. The hiking map series of 1:50,000 should be used.
Facts about today's stage: Fondsbu - Sdeleningsbu
It should be calculated 8 hours on the trip. The route is slightly hilly and a lot of small bumps. At the end of the trip there is an uphill climb with almost 300 meters of elevation gain In total, the trip is 25 km The snow has melted and very few snow fields remain The last kilometers towards Tyinosen were very wet. Follow the water's edge where possible. Overall a fairly simple route, but many kilometers. The first six kilometers are by road. In addition, it is a kilometer on the way from Tyinosen and west on the national road to Øvre Årdal, before you turn off and go straight south of the large lake Torolmen.
3 July Sdeleningsbu - Sulebu
Today, my thoughts have been flying.
My observation is that I have first and foremost "emptied" my head.
Emptied it of tasks that are on hold at work and things that should have been done at home. I can recognize this phase from previous trips. I won't brag about any brilliant thoughts today. But, the mind has opened up and memories and previous ideas have characterized the day.
As the keynote all day, there has been a song repeating itself. The same song as in 1988 when I hiked in the Tafjord mountains. At the time, I was a law student and had a summer job as a sheriff's officer in Sandane in Gloppen municipality. There were a lot of mountain hikes that summer and a song followed me all the time. The same song that came out today, almost 30 years later. The song is a very old song from the south of Europe and which Alf Cranner has adapted to Norwegian and which is sung in such a nice way.
The song is "Your thought is free" and the chorus goes like this; And so it will always be, your thought is free..."
I remember one of the verses like this;
I think what I want
My wish decides
In silence, it is made
In Unknown Dreams
My thought and longing
Wants to break every fence
And this is how it will always be
My thought is free
Then I'll see if other thoughts take hold of me. But one thing is for sure, all my thoughts, songs and ideas that came to light today, they came because I have time to let them come. And, I've had time to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind me.
The song is "Your thought is free" and the chorus goes like this; And so it will always be, your thought is free..."
I remember one of the verses like this;
I think what I want
My wish decides
In silence, it is made
In Unknown Dreams
My thought and longing
Wants to break every fence
And this is how it will always be
My thought is free
Then I'll see if other thoughts take hold of me. But one thing is for sure, all my thoughts, songs and ideas that came to light today, they came because I have time to let them come. And, I've had time to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind me.
Facts about today's stage: Sdeleningsbu - Sulebu
The trip is 18 km long. You must calculate about 7 hours on the trip. Not much snow left, only a little in the backdrops and shadows. The trip is marked in two parts, before and after the crossing of the E16 over Filefjell. It goes very steep down to Kyrkjestølene. Just over on the other side of the road you will find the "King's Road" which is followed for a little while. Break off and then follow the DNT marked route steeply uphill. After steep hills, there is nice and open terrain into Sulebu with beautiful Suletinden on the right side of the trail.
4 July Sulebu - Breistølen
Today I saw a lot of reindeer between Sulebu and Breistølen. Large herds and single animals. This herd I have taken video of today I came across suddenly. I sat down calmly so as not to disturb me. At the same time, I picked up the phone and filmed.
July 4 Sulebu - Bjordalsbu
This is probably the toughest stage of the entire trip.
Actually, these are two stages merged into one. If you are tired halfway, accommodation at Breistølen will be recommended.
It was a fantastic trip, for the first time without rain. A long hike with many impressions. The trip was probably also marked by the fact that I was going to meet Dag Fagermyr, general manager of Aust Agder Trekking Association. It was important to keep a good pace to keep the appointment time. On the way to Breistølen I came across a fantastic herd of reindeer that I filmed and that I attach here on the blog.
Once at Breistølen, I met Dag, who I had to wait for...
Up to Bjordalsbu we had a fantastic walk in the sun. A particularly beautiful landscape with lush valley and lovely trails. However, the last bit towards Bjordalsbu is characterized by some of the most untidy stone scree I have experienced.
Dag had a couple of beers in his backpack to mark that Masssiv right here is halfway there. A nice celebration with a good friend.
Facts about the trip: Sulebu - Bjordalsbu
The trip is 33 km long. Calculate at least 10-11 hours on the trip, could be more. If you are not in very good shape, I would recommend accommodation at Breistølen. Varied terrain, wear good mountain boots. Do not carry water, many streams to drink from. You can have lunch at Breistølen. Good food.
Tips for MASSIVE
We have had a chat with Sigbjørn Bøtun, who together with his brother Ruben, tested MASSIV for us in the summer of 2015. Here are Sigbjørn's tips for Henning and everyone else who is going to walk MASSIV this summer.
In which of the four areas did you like the most?
It's hard to single out just one, since everyone is different, and has its own charm. But I want to win Skarvheimen. The combination of mountains and lush valleys is very beautiful. This mountain world was just as powerful as Jotunheimen, and just as colorful as Breheimen, therefore I have to sail Skarvheimen.
What was most exciting about Skarvheimen as an area?
You have nature to yourself to a greater extent in Skarvheimen, at least in comparison with Jotunheimen in the north and Hardangervidda in the south. Personally, I think the mountains and valleys are more beautiful than the nature is in both Jotunheimen and on Hardangervidda. At least in the summer and when you happen to travel in the valley, so it's a bit strange that I didn't meet more tourists here.
I want to hitchhike Skarvheimen first and foremost for the rich and wild wildlife there. Me got close to a herd of about 100 animals. I also saw several deer and mountain birds. The lush valley was apparently a delight for more than just us on two legs.
Which MASSIVE cabin is your favorite?
Litlos was a beautiful cabin, in even more beautiful surroundings. It was almost castle-owned between fish-rich lakes, and green plains on the divide between the nature of Western Norway and Hardangervidda.
The manager and the other employees at the cabin were of course also very involved in that I want to highlight this cabin. They were extraordinarily nice, service-oriented and talkative. It's like me who has been on a long trip.
Do you have any tips for those who are planning to hike MASSIV this summer?
By sleeping and eating at the DNT cabins, the backpack can become very light. I encourage everyone to bring as little as possible, to make the trip a little easier, and to bring a pair of good sneakers that one can use on the nice days. It's good to get rid of those stiff and heavy mountain boots.
What was the feeling like to stand at Haukeliseter after completing MASSIV?
There was a small sprint down the steep mountainside to Haukeliseter, I both wanted to be first. It was a wonderful feeling of accomplishment to reach the cabin. I was probably both very proud. I felt a little bit of the feeling that it was now over, and that there were 100 things waiting in my "normal" life in Oslo. For 2 weeks I had had a complete presence "here and now". From the day I started the trip at Sota Sæter, I had not given a thought to what happened in ordinary life. I had left all of social media, work-mail, everyday stress, rackets, nonsense and hustle and bustle lying dead. I felt that I was going to miss the joy of hiking and the satisfying feeling of only living in the moment.

July 5 Bjordalsbu - Iungsdalshytta
After singing songs and trying to remember the lyrics, I realize that it's mostly just the choruses that stick. Today I have hiked in fantastically beautiful nature together with Dag Fagermyr from Aust Agder Trekking Association. A very nice and cozy travel companion. Day is the essence of "the cheerful south". Almost annoyingly positive, no matter what we are up against. Actually quite amazing. But Dag put me on some thoughts today. He kept talking about how privileged people are. "Look out over the valley, isn't it absolutely fantastic that we get to experience this?", he could say on the trip. He is absolutely right. We are incredibly lucky to experience this fantastic nature and not least this stretch from Bjordalsbu to Iungdsalshytte. It is especially beautiful to experience Fødalen down towards Iungsdalshytta, it is rarely beautiful.
I think about Dag's positivity and his experience of being privileged. He's absolutely right, I can feel it in me. An enormous happiness and joy rolls over me when I take the time to reflect and time to feel how it feels to walk Massiv. It's incredibly long. Many tough stages. An incredible amount of reindeer and snow. But so many beautiful impressions. For some mountainous areas, constant change in formations on the long trek. How privileged am I to experience this? It is unique to be able to take the time for this. But health is also important. Being able to walk day after day with a body that works, it's not a given. Today I feel a sense of happiness. I feel Dag's expression that we are privileged. He is so right! Thank you Dag for the positivity and thoughts about how lucky we are to live right now, right here.
Then I feel the longing for the children and Anne Kristine. They will meet me tomorrow at Geiteryggshytta. Then all five of us will celebrate that Anne Kristine and I have been married for 20 years. Also something to feel privileged for and happy about. Can't wait for tomorrow.
Facts about today's trip: Bjordalsbu - Iungsdalshytta
The trip is 16 km long. You need to calculate about 6-7 hours on the trip. This stretch still has a fair amount of snow. A lot of rock scree, make sure you have good mountain boots. A lot of ups and downs but very beautiful and beautiful nature. The entrance of Fødalen and further down the last kilometers to Iungsdalshytta is especially beautiful

July 6th Iungsdalshytta - Geiterygghytta
Today I had planned a rest day at Iungsdalshytta. But, there will be a celebration of Anne Kristine's 20th wedding anniversary. And, our oldest son Erling turns 19 today.
The whole family of five meets at Geiterygghytta tonight. I look forward to it and trudge off to make it to the gathering. I feel that it feels good to miss all three of our boys and Anne Kristine. How lucky I am! Today, it's not time and cuddles that count. Today I am going quickly to meet those who are most important to me. From tomorrow I will be accompanied by my three sons to Finse and later over to Krækkja.
Facts about today's trip: Iungsdalshytta - Geiterygghytta
The hike is quite long, 28 km. Lunch can be eaten at the DNT cabin Kongshelleren after about 15 km. The trip is estimated to be 9 hours, but it can quickly go something more. A lot of snow in the entire area, which is above 1400 meters above sea level. Several streams have to be crossed and there is a lot of water. Is fine to cross with shoes on if you walk with high gaiters.

7 July Geiterygghytta - Finse
The sun is shining!
Not many departures during the MASSIVE trip that has been so promising with sun and blue skies. And, I have the pleasure of having all three of our sons, Erling (19), Harald (16) and Magnus (14) with me. It is good to see them in action. At the same time, it's nice to get some time with the boys. On a trip, you get to talk and be together in such a nice way. Quite a contrast to what it is like at home, where the children quickly seek their own rooms and respond to any attempt at conversation with a yes or no.
The hike was quite tough up from the valley at Geiterygghytten, but it was incredibly beautiful. This side of the mountain turned out to be far more lush and colorful than the side down towards Finse. The boys walked smoothly and well, but felt it well in their legs that there were many meters of altitude to be climbed.
At the top at Sankt Pål at 1695 meters above sea level, we could look out over an absolutely fantastic view. I could see Jotunheimen's pointed peaks sticking up far north and in the distance. I caught myself thinking "think all the way up there I've been and all the way from Breheimen north of the peaks I see". To me, it seems almost unreal that I have gone this far. I start thinking about all the mountain areas I have passed. Not by car or by plane, but on foot. Each of the mountain areas has had its spectacular sides, but different. Imagine that only on a hike like MASSIV can you experience traveling through such areas in one stretch. With trails and cabins all the way. So fantastically arranged. So unbelievably eventful. I feel that I'm getting tired. I've already started to look forward to the day I step into Haukeliseter. But, at the same time, how amazing is this journey!
How great it will be to be able to look back on a journey like this! It's experience and achievement. It is first of all a happiness to be able to do just that, to experience the cream of Norwegian nature in a long journey where it is all sewn together - to inner peace of mind, gratitude and happiness.
Facts about today's trip: Geiterygghytta - Finse
The trip is 15 km long. Almost 500 meters of altitude from bottom to top. Calculate at least 5 hours of walking time. There is a lot of snow and can be challenging to walk in at times. Bring plenty of clothes, it can be cold over at Sankt Pål.
8 July Finse - Krækkja
We woke up today with glorious sun over Hardangerjøkulen. A wonderful day lay ahead of us. All three boys, Erling, Harald and Magnus, were to follow me for a bit on the way to Krækkja and then return home by train from Finse.
When the guys said goodbye, everyone gave me a hug before they said good luck and turned back to Finse. Once over the first pile, I could no longer hold back. I burst into tears and felt a tremendous loss, after only 500 meters from the time we parted. The lump in my throat has been sitting there all day. On the trip today, I haven't thought much about it. I've started counting down and considering whether I can speed up some places on the trail. I feel that I want to go home now, that the trip has lasted a long time. The body also begins to feel all the stages, especially the knees and feet.
But, there are also some great stages left. Tomorrow I'm going over the flattest parts of the whole trip. The route over to Sandhaug must be some of the more open mountain landscape we have. If I'm lucky with the weather, it can be a mighty sight south towards Sandhaug, to Jan and Brita. I look forward to a new visit to Sandhaug!
Facts about today's trip: Finse - Krækkja
The trip is 23 km long. A few hundred meters of elevation, this does not make the trail demanding. You have to calculate plenty of time, a lot of rocks and up and down makes the trip quite heavy. Many will probably spend at least 8 hours. The snow has melted well, just a few patches of snow in between.
A lot of rocks require good footwear. Many streams along the way, do not carry too much water.
9 July Krækkja - Sandhaug
Krækkja - Stigstuv - Sandhaug
It has been a long but eventful trip. I feel it well in my legs after just over 40 km. The first route over to Stigstuv takes me over from Skarvheimen's hilly terrain to the flat sections, good trails and fantastic views.
Today I have been able to walk, think and enjoy the view at the same time. This landscape is not as dramatic as earlier in the trip, but it is truly a powerful and magnificent landscape. All the time views and views of heights and water. On the route over to Stigstuv, I would strongly recommend taking your time over the "moors" on the heights just before stigstuv, is an insane sight over the hardangervidda.
At Stigstuv I had a very nice lunch with the managers, Katrine and Tommy. A place I hope many people visit. Great people and a very cozy place with a magnificent view of the plateau.
The trip to Sandhaug is as long as the first part. Nice long surfaces and good paths on one of the plateau's flattest parts. Today I have taken on a tough task, it was far but no less unbelievably nice to finally see the cabin over the edge. First the pennant, then the cabin. Inside the reception is Jan, the manager at Sandhaug. So incredibly cheerful, good to see him.
Facts about today's trip: Krækkja - Stigstuv - Sandhaug
Link - Stigstuv
The trip is 20 km long. Calculate 6 hours. Small differences in altitude, just some longer heights to be traversed. Here on this trip you can walk in light mountain equipment. Mostly good, sometimes very good trails. Some wetlands must be passed.
Stigstuv - Sandhaug
There are several route alternatives here. This time I wanted to try to orient a little outside the marked route. A total of 20 km. Allow at least 6 hours. I went straight south on the marked route to Byen. From here I took a tow, which you can find on the map, straight south. Follow this to a hill with a large stone on the left side. Then slope towards the characteristic height to the right. Try to follow the path west of the summit. Now you have to have your tongue straight in your mouth. Follow the path marked on the map between the lakes and then slope upwards towards the T-marked route that comes from Rauhelleren. Then follow the marked path to Sandhaug.
10 July Sandhaug - Litlos
Before the stage
It was social at the cabin yesterday, Saturday evening and a good atmosphere at Sandhaug. Woke up a little tired today, but ready for a new trip. I haven't walked the stage today since the summer of 1995. I was single and did away with Hardangervidda all over the place.
Penultimate stage
I have good memories from the trip from Sandhaug over to Litlos, it was high summer and a fantastic weather. The rain also came telling eventually.
Today's stage was largely characterized by getting through. The fog put a damper on the view, so my thoughts went to Litlo's and pleasant visit to Jarle. Now I also feel that I am tired in my legs and shoulders. In general, I am more relaxed and no longer have the same power legs. I must admit that on parts of the trip today I reflected on whether I will be able to walk all the way to Haukeliseter tomorrow, despite a lot of snow and 40 km. The thought has started to stick over how unbelievably nice it will be to cross the finish line and lie down in a good bed at DNT's cabin at Haukeliseter and know that the next day I can just lie down, preferably sleep over breakfast. I just have to try to reach Haukeliseter tomorrow, imagine how delicious!
Facts about today's trip: Sandhaug - Litlos
The trip is 25 km long. You should allow at least 7 hours on the trip. The trip goes in slightly hilly terrain. Many nice sections with a good path. A good deal of snow remains, so several lake areas must be passed. Not much climb, but somewhat up after passing Besså and at the very end there is an uphill that is not that long, but which you feel good at the end of the day. Usable hiking boots are required.

July 11 Litlos - Hellevassbu - Haukeliseter
With respect for the long trip I have today, I went to bed very early yesterday. I woke up to tendencies towards sun after heavy rain last night.
Litlos is so incredibly beautiful, wild and far from absolutely everything. From here I'm going out of the mountains this time. It seems unreal, long and almost unattainable. But today I have one goal, that is to reach Haukeliseter during the day or maybe the evening.
I often turn around to see Litlos for the last time this trip.
I'll probably turn around 100 times. So beautiful, so sad that I'm going out from the mountains. Out from Litlos and all the other beautiful cabins and our many managers who stand by for us hikers. What a fantastic offer, such an adventurous and unique offer as here is facilitated for all of us lovers of the mountains. Maybe we also attract new users, I hope so. What DNT creates here is something the whole community should enjoy.
After Litlos disappeared for me over the mountain, I must admit that I started to keep an eye on my watch with GPS. How far have I gone, how far do I have left? Today I've tuned in to be tough. It is 40 km to walk. Along the way, I don't allow myself to enjoy how nice it will be to arrive. It can quickly become a trap. Then comes the disappointment that there is still a new mountain to be climbed. Therefore, to protect myself, one kilometer at a time. Then I always know what I have to deal with.
I enjoy the trip, I fight against the weather and wind and I fight with my own motivation and the strong desire to be there. Every kilometer passes, step by step I approach the goal. Suddenly, I realize that the goal is near. Just a few kilometers from Haukeliseter I feel you, the goal is near. I struggle to hold back the tears. What a trip. What happiness! What an opportunity to experience Norway and my own inner self. And, so incredibly nice to feel how much I miss the children and Anne Kristine. Into the yard at Haukeliseter, I feel a sense of pride in having walked through four beautiful mountain areas. Just as important, an experience that this was important to me and that my ambitions for both work and family have grown during the trip.
Finally, I would like to say this:
- When do we have time to stop?
- When do we have time to pursue a thought without being disturbed?
- When do we have the opportunity to give ourselves time to reflect on things we are concerned about?
- When do we really have time to just have time?
- MASSIV has been tiring, but first and foremost fantastic.
- I hope and believe I will return home more reflective.
Tired as I am, it hurts all over, I still feel that it's hard to get better than this. As a human being, a long trip every now and then is a happiness and experience everyone should indulge in.
Thanks for following!
Facts about Litlos - Hellevassbu
The trip is 17 km long. Calculate at least 4-5 hours. It starts smoothly along the water at Litlos. But, immediately there will be a climb. A little downhill again and then a steeper climb. The trip goes up and down a lot, but very beautiful. A lot of snow now, but it's melting fast now.
Facts about Hellevassbu - Haukeliseter:
The trip is 22 km long. Allow at least 7 hours. It starts tough with several uphills. Several heights must be passed. Still a lot of snow here too, but melting very quickly now. The snow bridges are melting and disappearing. Please note that at the end of the hike there is a little more up and down than you might get the impression of on the map. The slopes down towards Haukeliseter are steep, take it easy.
See also

