Torfinsbu - Nørdre Kalvehølotinden

North (Nørdre in Norwegian) Kalvehølotinden, with its 2019 meters above sea level, is the southernmost of Norway’s 2000-meter peaks. The mountain is part of a ten-kilometer-long mountain massif called Kalvehøgde, which consists of ten peaks over 2000 meters, including Vang and Valdres’ highest peak, Vestre Kalvehøgde (2208 meters). This not too demanding hike is a perfect trip for those who want to ascend a 2000 meter peak, but who has less experience with climbing.

 

Interactive map of the Torfinsbu - Nørdre Kalvehølotinden hike

 

Difficulty: Challenging
Time: 4-6 hour(s)
Distance: 7 kilometers
Elevation at peak: 2019 meters
Ascent height: 970 meters

About Nørdre Kalvehølotinden

The mountain North (Nørdre in Norwegian) Kalvehølotinden, with its 2019 meters above sea level, is the southernmost of Norway’s 2000-meter peaks. Despite the name, the mountain is also actually the southernmost of the Kalvehølotindene mountains. The mountain is part of a ten-kilometer-long mountain massif called Kalvehøgde, which consists of ten peaks over 2000 meters, including Vang and Valdres’ highest peak, Vestre Kalvehøgde (2208 meters). North Kalvehølotinden is located just west of South Kalvehølotinden and just east of Torfinnstindane, and offers spectacular views of the majestic neighboring peaks of Torfinnstindane, and the majestic Jotunheimen in the north. Kalvehølotinden is a nice walk from Torfinnsbu. It is not too demanding, and is therefore fit for most people. The trip offers a relatively steep incline, and there is some light climbing necessary in some areas, but one can easily get to the top without the need for climbing equipment.

North Kalvehølotinden is located in the Gjende Alps in the southern part of Jotunheimen, north of the Bygdin lake’s shores, in the municipality of Vang. The easiest way to get there is by catching the boat M/B Bitihorn from Bygdin (the place) and hop off at Torfinnsbu.

Hike Description

From Torfinnsbu, the trip up to North Kalvehølotinden is about four kilometers long, depending somewhat on which path you choose. The hike has an elevation of 970 meters with a mostly steep incline, and needs light climbing in several short legs of the trip, but is otherwise relatively easy to get around. The return to Torfinnsbu goes in the same path as the one up, and all together the route is about 8 kilometers long.

The trip takes anywhere from four to about six hours to complete, and can be carried out as a day trip. From the M/B Bitihorn boat docks at Torfinnsbu at 09:50, you have just over 6.5 hours before you have to be back for the return to Bygdin. However, should it prove challenging, there are accommodation options at Torfinnsbu.

From Bygdisheim Access the Summit from the East side. Follow the path from Bygdisheim to Hestvøllen, along the shore of the Bygdin Lake. The river Kalveåne will take you up towards the top,

For Whom the Trip Fits

This hike is on a medium level. It requires the person to be in good shape, with some experience.

Although the hike up to the summit calls for some light climbing in steep terrain, the ascent is generally straightforward, and the peak should be accessible to most people – both adults and children with some mountain hiking experience.

This “friendly” peak is also a good alternative option for those who are considering embarking on the more challenging neighbour in the west, East Torfinnstind, but who suspects that it may be a bit too challenging. North Kalvehølotinden offers views just as spectacular as its neighbour, amongst other things to just that – the majestic Torfinnstindane.

Season

The main season is summer/late summer. This is when the area is most suitable for trekking. To access Torfinnsbu, one needs to travel by M/B Bitihorn that runs from late June to the beginning of September. One can also walk from Bygdisheim but this is of course a much longer hike.

Accommodation

Stay at Bygdin Mountain Lodge or Fondsbu DNT which are located on the opposite sides of Bygdin Lake. Or spend a night at Torfinnsbu, a self-service DNT cabin right at the foot of Torfinstindane.

How to Get There

You can access the area by catching the M/B Bitihorn ferry from Bygdin (the place), and hopping off at Torfinnsbu. Or walk from Bygdisheim.