Rørsethornet

Prepare for an unforgettable hike to the 659-meter summit of Rørsethornet on the picturesque island of Otrøya in Møre og Romsdal County. This unique adventure takes you to the summit via one of the world's longest stone staircases, an impressive structure with 3,292 steps. Your efforts will be richly rewarded with breathtaking coastal views, some of the most beautiful in the region.

Remarks

The Rørsethornet staircase is a remarkable feat and a major highlight of this hike. However, it is important to note that the dedicated parking area (around 20 spaces in 2025) is often insufficient for the site's popularity. To maximize your chances of finding a spot and enjoying a more peaceful experience, it is strongly recommended that you plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon/evening, especially during the summer months.

Best time of year to hike: From May to October, on average. See the Norway FAQ for more details.

Difficulties of the hike

The entire route is equipped with a staircase made of wide stone steps. While this makes walking easier and avoids muddy sections, it is still quite a strenuous hike, with an elevation gain of over 600 meters concentrated over a distance of about two kilometers. No marking is necessary: the path is obvious, just follow the impressive staircase!

After a brief section through the forest, you will quickly cross the tree line. At this point, a spectacular panoramic view of the archipelago opens up, widening with every step towards the summit. The ascent is continuous and requires sustained effort, especially on the steeper sections. However, no specific technical skills are necessary.

What you'll love

  • Monumental Staircase: Enjoy the unique experience of climbing one of the longest stone staircases in the world. It is considered a real attraction in its own right.
  • 360° Panorama: Enjoy breathtaking views of the archipelago, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding mountains throughout the climb and from the top.
  • Easy access: Although the effort is real, the stone staircase makes the climb smooth and easy to follow, making this hike accessible to most hikers.
icone activite
Activity: Hiking
icone difficulte
Difficulty: ModerateiDifficulty levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
icone duree
Average duration: 2 h 45 miFind out how we calculate the duration here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
icone distance
Length: 4.7 km
icone typetrajet
Type of route: Out and back
icone denivele positif
Elevation gain: 610 m
icone altitude
Maximum altitude: 659 m
Vertiginous: SlightlyiVertiginous levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
icone balise
Marked: No
frequentation
Popularity: Moderate
icone region
Region: Møre og Romsdal
icone depart
Start point: 62.72154, 6.75225
Rørsethornet