Starting Point

The tour starts at the chapel of Hans Egedes Minne at Elgsnes.

Directions

From Harstad city center follow RV 83 north towards Ervika. Take the first exit at the roundabout at Shell at Samamoa. Follow Kulsengveien (Fv 867) about 2.8 km to Ervika. Drive straight ahead at the crossroads and follow Fv 1 in the direction of Kasfjorden. At Høgda turn right onto Fv 2 over Aunfjellet towards Elgsnes. Parks at the chapel Hans Egedes Minne at Elgsnes.

Total mileage from Harstad city center is about 23 km (35 min). There is a great view over Toppsundet and Grytøya as you drive down from Aunfjellet towards Elgsnes.

Tour description

Enter the forest road that starts on the other side of the road relative to the chapel. Follow the forest road about 1.16 km to a larger swamp on the right hand (first major flat area on right hand side). Follow the road. The trail starts slightly up the hill on the other side of the swamp. The trail is clearly visible all the way to the top. When you are at the top you should go to the north end of the plateau, and see the view from there too. The whole trip is about 2.7 km from the parking lot to the top of the road.

Highlights of the trip

The view from the top of Elgen is great. To the west you see the mountains in Vesterålen, and to the north all the way to the Andenes. The trip is especially recommended for a warm summer night with midnight sun!!

Difficulty and time use

The last 1/3 of the trace is relatively steep. About 500 m from the top there is a short part (3-4m) which requires some "climbing". And a little closer to the top there is a part on the trail that some will call "airy" (See pictures). One should expect to use about 1-1,5 hour from the parking lot to the top.