The hike as much as the summit of Segla is one among Senja’s hottest hikes. And this was our primary purpose for visiting Senja.
Many guests skip previous Senja, heading on to the Lofoten Islands. However these persons are lacking out seeing a stunning a part of Norway and a few hidden gems. That’s fantastic…which means much less crowded mountain climbing trails for folks “within the know.”
The hike up Segla is brief however it’s surprisingly powerful. It’s a must to be ready to work laborious to get to the summit, however you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Norway.
It’s value touring to Senja simply to do that hike.
How you can Hike to Segla
Segla Climbing Stats
Distance: 5 km spherical journey
Issue: Strenuous
Elevation achieve: 610 meters (2000 ft) with a max elevation of 639 meters on the peak
Size of time: 3 to 4 hours
When: Could by way of September
Non-compulsory: You may mix this hike with Barden (extra on the finish of this publish)
Segla Elevation Profile
Please observe the seven ideas of Depart No Hint: plan forward, keep on the path, pack out what you deliver to the mountain climbing path, correctly get rid of waste, go away areas as you discovered them, be thoughtful of different hikers, and don’t strategy or feed wildlife.
Segla Path Information
Attending to the Trailhead
The trailhead is positioned in Fjordgard. From the Brensholmen – Botnhamn ferry it takes 25 minutes to drive right here.
A small parking zone is positioned behind Senja Montessoriskole, the Fjordgard faculty. GPS coordinates: 69.504415, 17.625956
Subsequent to the parking zone is an indication marking the trailhead.
On the Path to Segla
A large gravel path wastes no time in gaining elevation. It’s a gradual and regular climb till you come to a fork within the path. Keep to the proper to proceed as much as Segla or flip left to hike up Barden.
The beginning of the hike. The height of Segla might be seen on this photograph.
Non-compulsory Detour: You may take the path to Barden, summit Barden, after which hike to Segla from right here. We didn’t do that so I don’t have the small print on how a lot elevation achieve and distance this provides, but it surely’s quite a bit. In case you have loads of power and a full day to do that, it seems like an incredible addition to the Segla hike.
After you cross by way of a small, virtually flat valley, the path narrows and turns into very rocky. It additionally will get steeper. That is only a preview of the climb that awaits you additional up the path.
As you pause to catch your breath and relaxation your legs, look again in the direction of Fjordgard and benefit from the view.
The Ultimate Climb
After mountain climbing up the rocky path by way of the forest, you find yourself on a plateau. The views actually open up right here and also you get your first view of the ultimate climb to the summit.
View of the ultimate climb to the highest of Segla.
To achieve the highest of Segla, an extended, rocky, and really steep climb awaits you. It seems deceptively simpler than it feels (and at occasions it seems like it is going to by no means finish).
For those who climb up only a brief distance, you get probably the greatest views of the day (thus far). Comply with the view of the plateau out to Barden, with the jagged, attractive mountains making a shocking backdrop.
Wanting again over the plateau. You may see the height of Barden off within the distance.
It took us roughly half-hour to make the ultimate climb up Segla. That is very steep and really strenuous. We’d hike up a brief distance, pause to catch our breath, and proceed on once more. At this level, you might be climbing a path with a forty five° incline.
There is no such thing as a single path to the highest. Over time, earlier hikers carved out a number of totally different trails to the highest. For those who take the path that’s on the far left you’ll hike close to the sting of Segla. There are some outcroppings of rock right here that offer you a vantage level to see the sheer face of Segla. Segla doesn’t look spectacular, or lovely, from the mountain climbing path. It’s not till you get a view of the cliff plunging into Mefjord that you just really respect the great thing about this mountain.
On this photograph, you may get an concept of how steep the path is.
Tim, standing on Segla.
Lastly, we reached the summit of Segla and had been rewarded with one among our most spectacular views of Norway.
Views from the High of Segla
From the highest of Segla, take pleasure in 360° panoramic views of Senja. Attractive, proper?
Wanting down at Fjordgard.
Signal the turboka (the signature e-book), take your photograph on the summit, and spend a while having fun with this wonderful view.
We spent an hour on the summit and for just a little bit we had all of it to ourselves.
Return Hike
Return to your automobile the identical approach or add on the hike to Barden. To hike to Barden, descend again right down to the plateau, hike throughout the plateau, after which hike as much as the summit of Barden for one more wonderful view. You may then take the path instantly from Barden again to the parking zone.
Video of the Segla Hike
Need to see extra of the path? Watch our video in regards to the hike up Segla, together with clips shot with our drone.
Our Expertise
We did this hike as a part of our street journey by way of northern Norway. The night time earlier than we slept in Sommarøy.
From Brensholmen, which is the ferry cease closest to Sommarøy, we took the primary ferry of the day (8:45 am). We arrived in Botnhamn at 9:30 am and drove to Fjordgard. At 10 am, there have been solely 3 different vehicles within the parking zone for this hike. After we obtained to the height of Segla, there was just one different group of hikers right here. As soon as they left, we had the height of Segla all to ourselves. It was fantastic.
By the point we started our hike again to our automobile, many extra folks had been on the path and the parking zone was full. It wasn’t too unhealthy however if you want to have a quieter expertise, begin this hike early within the day in case your schedule permits.
What To Carry
- Sturdy sneakers with good traction. Climbing sneakers are splendid however we noticed folks carrying sneakers and so they had been doing simply fantastic.
- Water
- Digicam
- Sunblock
- Snacks
- Climbing poles (non-obligatory)
If you’re new to mountain climbing or are inquisitive about what it’s best to deliver on a hike, try our Climbing Gear Information. Discover out what we stock in our day packs and what we put on on the paths.
Be Cautious!
Sections of the path cross close to the sting of Segla. Watch out right here so that you just don’t slip and fall. You may hike up Segla on one of many trails that don’t get near the sting, which is really helpful if you’re doing this with youngsters or you’ve got a concern of heights.
Hesten
Segla seems probably the most spectacular when you see it from the north. However you’ll by no means get this view on this hike, because it approaches Segla from the south. We solely obtained this view as a result of we’ve a drone.
Our drone photograph of Segla. You will get the same view by mountain climbing to Hesten.
If you’re , you may get this view by mountain climbing to Hesten. Whereas on high of Segla, I noticed a path that leaves from Fjordgard and heads to the Hesten and the mountains north of Segla.
There is just one path up and down Segla and that’s on the southern face. There is no such thing as a path that takes you down the north facet of Segla. It’s virtually a straight down drop and it will be extraordinarily harmful to try this. So if you wish to hike Segla and get the enduring view of it, you’ll have to do two separate hikes.
Wanting north from Segla. Hesten is among the peaks close to Mefjord.
The place We Stayed
We stayed in Mefjordvaer at Mefjord Brygge. This place was nice. We had our personal home with three bedrooms, two bogs, two dwelling rooms, and a full kitchen. It was superior having a lot house to unfold out in. Mefjord Brygge additionally runs a restaurant that serves contemporary fish and seafood and actually good desserts. From the property we may look out over Mefjord and see Segla.
For extra data on what to do and see on the island of Senja, try this text by Amanda Williams.
