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Saksa Hike

By François · updated in May 202605/2026My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Hard Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
5h Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
6.8km
out and back
Elevation gain
990m
Type of route
Out and back
Maximum altitude
1,022 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
Slightly
Marked
No
Popularity
Moderate
County
Møre og Romsdal
Start point
62.21370, 6.56694
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

Conquer Mount Saksa, the iconic peak of the Sunnmøre Alps, renowned for offering one of the most breathtaking views of the majestic Hjørundfjord. Starting from the village of Urke, this challenging hike is an unforgettable immersion into the heart of Norway's most spectacular fjord landscapes.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Saksa Hike

Description and difficulties of the hike

As is often the case in Norway, the route starts at sea level. It climbs through a pine forest, then birch trees, before gradually opening up at an altitude of around 400 to 500 meters, roughly halfway through the hike.

Get ready for a vertical challenge! The climb is demanding with 1,000 meters of elevation gain over just 3 kilometers. The slope gets steeper the higher you go, especially on the scree during the final section.

Fortunately, the trail is clearly defined and several sections have beautifully built stone steps crafted by Sherpa artisans from Nepal. This remarkable work makes negociating the most technical sections easier.

Though the trail is not marked, the path is generally easy to see and there are few intersections, so navigation is fairly simple in good weather. However, since the weather in Norway is notoriously changeable, it is essential to carry reliable navigation tools as fog and low clouds can arise very quickly.

What you'll love

  • A dazzling 360° panorama: The undisputed highlight of this hike! From the summit, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the Hjørundfjord and the surrounding peaks, one of the most spectacular in Norway.
  • The Hjørundfjord from every angle: Saksa's unique position allows you to take in the Hjørundfjord as it majestically branches in several directions.
  • Very reasonable hiker numbers: Although Mount Saksa is widely appreciated by Norwegians, it is still relatively unknown to international hikers. You can therefore enjoy the beauty of the area without the crowds.

Practical information

Parking

There is a car park for hikers in Urke, just a stone's throw from the trailhead. Price in 2025: NOK 50.

Best time to go

From mid-June to September, on average. See the Norway FAQ for more details.

Village of Urke at the start
Village of Urke at the start
Trail in the shade of the forest to start
Trail in the shade of the forest to start
A shelter with a magnificent view
A shelter with a magnificent view
Magnificent view of the Norangsfjord from the shelter
Magnificent view of the Norangsfjord from the shelter
Panorama from Saksa
Panorama from Saksa
The village of Urke below and the peak of Stalbeghornet
The village of Urke below and the peak of Stalbeghornet
The village of Urke and the Norangsfjord
The village of Urke and the Norangsfjord
Hjørundfjord and the hamlet of Leira in the background
Hjørundfjord and the hamlet of Leira in the background
The iconic Slogen peak on the left
The iconic Slogen peak on the left
The iconic peak of Slogen on the left and the village of Øye at the end of the Norangsfjord
The iconic peak of Slogen on the left and the village of Øye at the end of the Norangsfjord
Norwegian flag at the summit of Saksa
Norwegian flag at the summit of Saksa
The magnificent branches of the Hjørundfjord
The magnificent branches of the Hjørundfjord
Panorama of the Hjørundfjord from the summit of Saksa
Panorama of the Hjørundfjord from the summit of Saksa
Discovering the surrounding mountains at the edge of the forest
Discovering the surrounding mountains at the edge of the forest
The village of Øye and the Norangsfjord
The village of Øye and the Norangsfjord

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/norway/saksa/