Senja Island in Northern Norway offers two popular and impressive mountain peaks, Segla and Hesten, which attract hikers and travelers from around the world. Both peaks offer incredible, dramatic landscapes and challenges, but they differ slightly from each other. Choosing between these two can be tough, but hopefully, this post will help you make that decision.
Segla is the most photographed mountain on Senja and, therefore, a popular hiking destination. However, the best photos of Segla are taken from Hesten.
The hiking trails to both destinations start from the village of Fjordgård in the northern part of Senja Island. The first adventure begins even before the hike, as the road to Fjordgård passes through a long, dark, and narrow tunnel. Driving through the tunnel for the first time might make you question if it’s the right way, but rest assured, you are on the right path.
Dramatic Segla
Segla is known for its steep and incredibly dramatic cliffs that rise vertically from the sea, making it one of the most impressive peaks in Northern Norway.
Hike description:
The Segla trail is about 4.2 kilometers round trip and takes you to a peak that rises 639 meters above sea level. The hike isn’t very long, but it involves a total ascent of about 600 meters, making it quite intense. Initially, the path gradually ascends toward the mountain peak, is clear, and relatively easy to navigate, although it is rocky in places. The first major landmark is a dramatic plateau with breathtaking views. From here, you can admire Segla’s peak, the steep drop directly into the sea, and see Senja’s highest peak, Breitinden.
This plateau is also a great end point for the hike if you don’t want to climb to the top. For many hikers, these intermediate plateaus on both Segla and Hesten are the destination, without the need to reach the summit. The views from this level are already spectacular.
Beyond the plateau, the terrain becomes more challenging for the next 300 meters. The path becomes steeper and rockier, with no clear trail, requiring you to find your way through the rocks. The mountain slope can be quite steep, and the hike may become partly a climb. The final section can be difficult if you have a fear of heights.
Summit views:
The views from the summit are well worth the climb. Segla’s peak offers a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding mountains and the sea. The surrounding mountain cliffs rising vertically above the sea create an unforgettable landscape.
Hesten – Views of dramatic Segla
Hesten is located right next to Segla, and the hiking trail also starts from Fjordgård village. The Hesten trail is very similar to Segla, with the main difference being more climbing near the summit.
Hike description:
The Hesten trail is about 5.3 kilometers round trip, slightly longer than the Segla trail, and the peak is at 556 meters, making it lower than Segla. The trail starts through low woodland, steadily ascending. Hesten also offers the option to climb to an intermediate plateau with great views, providing a lighter hiking alternative.
The final section of the Hesten trail is more challenging, running along the edge of a cliff with larger rocks to climb over, requiring some effort and climbing.
Summit views:
Reaching the summit is an incredible experience – the views of the dramatic, wedge-shaped Segla are simply stunning. Like Segla, Hesten offers wide views of the surrounding mountains and the sea, with vertical cliffs rising from the water.
Segla vs. Hesten: Which one to choose?
Both Segla and Hesten offer an amazing hiking experience and incredible views, but it’s hard to rank one above the other.
Segla’s trail might be slightly more challenging, and the summit rewards you after climbing the steep, rocky slope. Hesten, on the other hand, offers magnificent views of the dramatic Segla and might be a bit easier as a trail.
In conclusion, Segla wins for the hiking experience, while Hesten wins for the views and photo opportunities. Regardless of which one you choose, you will be treated to stunning landscapes and a fantastic hiking trail. And you don’t necessarily have to choose – you can hike to both peaks!
