Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the lowest-lying glaciers in mainland Europe. You can experience Svartisen from either its
eastern or more spectacular western side. Most visitors to either just make a quick hop by
boat, but hikers will find more joy approaching from the east.
Østisen , the eastern glacier, is more accessible from Mo. From the end of the Svartis-
dalen road, 20km up the valley from Mo i Rana's airport, ferries (adult/child return Nkr120/
60; mid-Jun-Aug) cross Svartisen lake (Svartisvatnet) four times daily. From the ferry
landing, it's a 3km hike to the beginning of the Austerdalsisen glacier tongue. There's a
kiosk and campground at the lake.
From the end of the road you can also trek up to the hut on the shore of the mountain
lake Pikhaugsvatnet, which is surrounded by peaks and ice. This is an excellent base for
day hikes up the Glomdal valley or to the Flatisen glacier.
Saltfjellet
The broad upland plateaus of the Saltfjellet massif transcend the Arctic Circle, connecting
the peaks surrounding the Svartisen icecap and the Swedish border. Within this relatively
inhospitable wilderness are traces of several ancient Sami fences and sacrificial sites, some
dating from as early as the 9th century.
A 15km walk to the east leads to Graddis, near the Swedish border, and the venerable
Graddis Fjellstue og Camping ( 75 69 43 41; graddis@c2i.net ; s/d from Nkr500/680;
mid-Jun-mid-Aug) . This cosy little guesthouse has been run by the same family since its es-
tablishment in 1867. It makes an excellent base to launch yourself into one of Norway's
least-tramped hiking areas. Camping is also available, and Methuselah, a 1000-year-old
pine tree, is a nearby attraction.
By car, access to Saltfjellet is either along the E6 or the Rv77, which follows the south-
ern slope of the Junkerdalen valley. Rail travellers can disembark at Lønsdal en route
between Fauske and Trondheim. Check whether you need to request a stop.
Arctic Circle Centre
Latitude N 66°33' marks the southernmost extent of the midnight sun on the summer sol-
stice and the ragged edge of the polar night on the winter solstice. Where the Arctic High-
way between Mo i Rana and Fauske cuts across this imaginary line, in a high, broad valley
 
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