About This Hike
Fannaråki (2,068 m) carries Fannaråkhytta, Norway's highest tourist lodge, and is a classic high-alpine day from Turtagrø. The marked route first follows the road into Helgedalen, then climbs steeply on trail over increasingly rocky ground to the summit. DNT gives the ascent from Turtagrø as about 8 kilometres, 1,200 metres of ascent and four to six hours; an out-and-back therefore needs a full day, typically 16 kilometres and eight to twelve hours depending on conditions and breaks. The reward is a huge panorama over Hurrungane, Smørstabbreen and Jostedalsbreen. This is a demanding mountain day rather than a casual summit walk: the weather can change quickly and the upper mountain is exposed to wind, cloud and lingering snow. Fannaråkhytta is staffed in the summer season, and an overnight stay is a good option if you want to enjoy the sunrise; book accommodation before setting out. A separate route from Sognefjellshytta crosses Fannaråkbreen and must be done with a pre-booked glacier guide, not independently.
Highlights
- ✓ High-alpine experience
- ✓ Summit hut atmosphere
- ✓ Expansive mountain views
- ✓ True wilderness feeling
Getting There
Park at Turtagrø Hotel; this is the standard trailhead for the 18 km return route.
Before You Go
There are two distinct Fannaråki approaches. This guide covers the marked, glacier-free route from Turtagrø: DNT's 8 km and four-to-six-hour figure is one way, so reserve a full day for the 16 km return. The Sognefjellshytta approach crosses Fannaråkbreen and needs a pre-booked glacier guide. If staying at Fannaråkhytta, reserve before hiking and treat an overnight as a weather-dependent mountain stay, not a guaranteed backup plan.
Information checked: September 2026, against DNT Fannaråkhytta's current access and glacier-guiding information
⚠️ Safety Notes
- Steep, loose boulder and rock fields on the upper climb demand sure footing, and a slip on this terrain can cause serious injury.
- Snow can linger on the upper route well into summer, hiding the path and making the steeper sections slippery early in the season.
- The exposed upper mountain offers little shelter from strong wind, and sudden fog can bring whiteout conditions near the 2,068-metre top.
- The Sognefjellshytta route crosses a glacier and requires a pre-booked guided rope party; do not attempt glacier travel without the correct training and equipment.