Grytetippen and Keipen

The hike to Grytetippen and Keipen leads to two iconic peaks on the island of Senja in Norway. It is considered one of the most beautiful climbs in the region. From these two rocky summits, hikers can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the northern part of the island, with breathtaking vistas of Ørnfjorden, the picturesque villages of Husøy and Fjordgård, as well as the surrounding legendary peaks such as Segla, Barden, and Breidtinden.

From the summits of Segla or Barden, it's hard to imagine climbing Grytetippen without climbing equipment because the cliffs on its western face are so impressive. However, this climb is not only feasible but also relatively easy from a technical standpoint. It is a must-do for experiencing the wild beauty of Senja.

Remarks

Best time to go: July to September on average. See the Norway FAQ for more details.

Shortcut option: If you want to shorten the hike, you can climb only one of the two peaks. In this case, opt for Grytetippen, which offers a slightly better view. This option reduces the elevation gain by 200 meters and the distance by about 2 kilometers.

Access: The parking lot is located on the road to Fjordgård, just before the tunnel entrance (same starting point as the Barden hike).

Difficulties of the hike

The main difficulty lies in the route's length and elevation gain of over 1,100 meters, which should not be underestimated. The trail remains clearly visible throughout the route thanks to the popularity of the hike, with no technical passages to speak of.

The hike begins with a half-hour crossing of a marshy area, which can be particularly unpleasant and infested with insects in the summer. Then, you will come across one or two short, fairly exposed passages; be careful, especially if the ground is wet. Once you reach the plateau at an altitude of 550 meters, the environment becomes more mineral, and there are several trail options. The final climb to the summits involves steep scree slopes and fields, requiring extra caution.

What you'll love

  • Exceptional views: From Grytetippen, enjoy spectacular views of Ørnfjorden, Husøy, Segla, and Breidtinden. From Keipen, take in the magnificent panorama of the northern islands.
  • Double reward: Climb two peaks on one hike and enjoy different perspectives of the island of Senja from each one.
  • Privileged location for viewing the midnight sun: This is an ideal location to observe this unique phenomenon during the Arctic summer.
  • Feel the sense of accomplishment after climbing these seemingly inaccessible peaks from the valley.
icone activite
Activity: Hiking
icone difficulte
Difficulty: HardiDifficulty levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
icone duree
Average duration: 6 hiFind out how we calculate the duration here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
icone distance
Length: 9.2 km
icone typetrajet
Type of route: Out and back
icone denivele positif
Elevation gain: 1140 m
icone altitude
Maximum altitude: 938 m
Vertiginous: ModeratelyiVertiginous levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
icone balise
Marked: Yes
frequentation
Popularity: Moderate
icone region
Region: Senja
icone depart
Start point: 69.47505, 17.69565
Grytetippen and Keipen