Breheimen · Jotunheimen · Skarvheimen · Hardangervidda
21 days · 350km · 7.5kg · 2022
The MASSIV trail is one of Norway’s ultimate long-distance mountain treks, spanning 350 kilometres across four of the country’s most dramatic mountain regions: Breheimen, Jotunheimen, Skarvheimen, and Hardangervidda. Established by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT), this challenging route connects a network of mountain huts from Sota Sæter to Haukeliseter, offering hikers an unparalleled journey through Norway’s most spectacular highland landscapes. Norwegians know this route as MASSIV ruta or DNT Massivruta, with detailed turbeskrivelser (route descriptions) covering each section of the journey.
Prepare for Norway's 350km MASSIV trek: route, timing, gear, logistics & safety. 21-day insights, plus planning tools & GPX downloads included.
MASSIV Statistics showing total distance, number of steps, steepest ascent, highest altitude, coldest temperature and more.
Post-expedition debrief for the MASSIV trek: body recovery protocols, gear maintenance tips, and packing list analysis.
NOTE: This is my pre-hike packing list - please see Packing Lists for the latest Excel file. A dear friend once said that while on the trail, you can choose …
Final wax and impregnation One day to go. Backpack came in at 7.6kg which is not too bad for a 21 day hike. That only includes two days of food though as …
Approach hike from Jostedalen through dense fog requiring GPS navigation. 17km with 340m ascent, zero visibility above 1200m. Early footcare lessons and …
First full day: 800m steep ascent into dense fog and heavy rain. Rocky terrain with dangerous DNT map errors at narrow cliff ledges. Zero visibility navigation, …
Second consecutive brutal day: 26km with 1838m ascent through Breheimen. Cold, wet, steep terrain with narrow cliff ledges requiring careful navigation. DNT map …
Solo glacier crossing of Fannaråkbreen to Fannaråken at 2068m, MASSIV's highest point. Mentally challenging 16km traverse with 895m ascent. Completing Breheimen …
Short 12km descent from Keiserpasset through stunning Gjertvassdalen valley. 300m descent past Gjertvatnet lake, fog lifting to reveal spectacular valley views. …
Strategic rest day at Skogadalsbøen after five consecutive hiking days. Recovery, gear maintenance, and reflection on expedition progress. Body holding strong, …
Deceptively challenging 25km through massive Jotunheimen boulder fields. Flat terrain disguises difficulty, severe underestimation of boulder-crossing time. …
Flat Jotunheimen finale on gravel roads. Trail running shoes, hour-long cloudberry feast (100+ berries), marshlands full of mosquitoes. Self-service hut …
Beautiful yet uneventful 19km Skarvheimen entry. Historic King's Road section with 2-300-year-old cairns, changing landscapes from Jotunheimen's mountains. …
Best night's sleep and spectacular Northern Lights at Sulebu. Stunning Skarvheimen proving earlier judgements wrong, speed record at 10.1km/h across plains. …
Halfway point: 13km through Skarvheimen, completing 175km of 350km total. Body holding strong with no blisters, but bruised hips from the backpack. Short …
Storm shelter at remote Bjordalsbu: 17km through heavy wind and rain, self-service cabin 15km from nearest road. Solid stone cabin with ample firewood. Morning …
Longest stage: 30km from Iungdalshytta via Kongshelleren to Geiterygghytta through Skarvheimen. MASSIV's most demanding day requiring early start and massive …
Second strategic rest day at Geiterygghytta with one week remaining. Moose stew indulgence, gear maintenance, mental preparation for entering Hardangervidda. …
Short 17km to Finse with St.Paul summit detour at 1694m. Spectacular Hardangerjøkulen glacier views, Star Wars filming location, with extreme snow conditions. …
Entering Hardangervidda: relatively flat 25km with armour-piercing rain and gale-force winds. Transition from dramatic Jotunheimen peaks to an open highland …
Cloudberry heaven: 100-150 berries causing stomach rebellion and hour-long schedule deviation. Weather observation practice across the open Hardangervidda, …
Speed record at 5.2km/h racing thunderstorm forecast. 24km across monotonous flat Hardangervidda with makeshift roads and wheel tracks. Fast, steady progress to …
Near-perfect day: 27km through stunning Hardangervidda to remote Litlos cabin. Sun-baked relaxation, abundant blueberries, pristine, undeveloped rivers and …
Penultimate day: 18km final approach to Hellevassbu. Excellent sleep, body performing flawlessly with no aches or blisters. Anticipation building, final …
Final stage: successful completion through varied terrain to Haukeliseter. 23km with 743m ascent, 918m descent. Reflection on meticulous planning success, 400km …