Kvigtinden

1,700 m

Norway

Also known as Квигтинден, Voenjelensnjurhtjie

Квигтинден · Voenjelensnjurhtjie

Elevation: 1,700 m
Prominence: 1,160 m
Difficulty: 3/10; Mountain hike
Best Season: Jul–Aug
Routes: 1

Routes

3D Preview

Open 3D

SACT3HikeNormal route

Sources differ: Krevende (demanding) (ut.no)

The usual route to the roof of Børgefjell: from the Simskardet national park entrance (420 m) on the path past Simskardhytta, then pathless up the scrubby, boggy Bisseggskardet to the lake Vestre Måsskardvatnet and south onto Kvigtinden's ridge, with snow patches and a few steep, airy sections to the 1,699 m summit. 32–35 km and about 1,400–1,800 m of ascent return; usually two days.

About 77% of this line is approximate (no mapped trail; drawn from the terrain). Check it against a map before relying on it.

Why? 5 check notes

77% approximate geometry
ascent 1602 m vs net gain 1290 m (+24%)
Simskardhytta → Vestre Måsskardvatnet: dem (snap_failed, 6.4 km)
Vestre Måsskardvatnet → Kvigtinden: dem (snap_failed, 4.6 km)
unresolved waypoints: Bisseggelva bridge, Bisseggskardet, Kvigtinden ridge

Elevation Profile

approximate line

Distance: 14.3 km; one way
Ascent: +1,602 m; −313 m lost on the way up
High Point: 1,701 m
Time Up: 7h 45m; DIN 33466
Time Down: 6h 02m; DIN 33466 · same way back

Drive to the Simskardet entrance to Børgefjell National Park, following the national park signs from Fiplingdalen (Austfiplingdalsvegen); the last 3 km are gravel to the summer car park at about 420 m, with toilet, lean-to and information boards. A marked path runs to the park boundary and continues unmarked but clear to the bridge over Golverskardelva, then on towards Simskardhytta and the Bisseggelva bridge, about 3.5 km from the car park. Leave the path just before the Bisseggelva bridge and follow the river up the valley; leaving earlier leads into heavy bushwhacking. Bisseggskardet climbs gently through old forest and birch to open slabs, but its middle part has scrub and bog with only a faint, intermittent path, slow going and full of insects in summer. At the head of the pass turn left along the river from Vestre Måsskardvatnet; the climb to the lake is steep, then the ground levels and there are good tent sites. The outlet river must be waded or rock-hopped and can be hard to cross in high water. From the Måsskardvatna lakes there is a little over 800 m to the summit: take the shortest line south to the ridge (or go east round the north ridge of Måsskardfjellet and climb steeply to the ridge), crossing a cliff band where the stream drops from the upper pass, then follow the ridge for 300–400 m of ascent. Expect snow and some steep, airy sections; the summit block is turned on the left. A glacier lies east of the summit. Return the same way. Most parties camp at the lakes or stay at Simskardhytta; as a single day it takes 10–13 hours.

Start

Simskardet410 m

None to Simskardet; nearest rail is at Trofors on the Nordland Line
Parking at the trailhead

Stages

Day	Stage	km	m ascent	m descent	Time
1	Simskardet → Vestre Måsskardvatnet	9.7	789	313	4h 28m
2	Vestre Måsskardvatnet → Kvigtinden	4.6	817	0	3h 18m

Waypoints

Parking:
Simskardet410 m
Summer car park; in winter park at the ploughed area on Austfiplingdalsvegen, 3 km further out
Hut:
Simskardhytta467 m
Statskog cabin about 3.3 km from the summer car park
Feature:
Vestre Måsskardvatnet882 m
Tent sites; wade or rock-hop the outlet river
Summit:
Kvigtinden1,700 m

Key Passages

Leaving the path before the Bisseggelva bridge
Scrub and bog in Bisseggskardet
Outlet crossing at Vestre Måsskardvatnet
Cliff band below the upper pass
Summit ridge and summit block

Equipment

0/7 packed

Technical

Microspikes or light cramponsearly season when the ridge snow is hardRecommended

Footwear

Sturdy boots and gaitersbog, scrub and snow patchesRequired

Clothing

Windproof and waterproof layersRequired
Insect repellent and long clothingmosquitoes and horseflies in Bisseggskardet in summerRecommended

Navigation

Map, compass and GPS trackmostly pathless above Bisseggelva; summit often in cloudRequired

Hut & Camping

Tent and sleeping bag (or a booking at Simskardhytta)usual two-day planRecommended

Other

Spare shoes and trekking poles for river crossingsoutlet of Vestre MåsskardvatnetRecommended

Downloads

Route confidence 52%

Download GPX Download KML

Overview

The highest peak of Børgefjell National Park (1,699 m), the 'queen of Børgefjell' on the Grane–Hattfjelldal border. A remote, mostly pathless two-day trip through scrub, bog and snowfields to a fine ridge summit with a small glacier on its east side.

Kvigtinden (South Sámi Voenjelensnjurhtjie) rises on the border between Grane and Hattfjelldal municipalities in Nordland, in the western part of Børgefjell National Park. It is the park's highest summit, just ahead of Golvertinden (1,682 m) to the north-west. To the east of the summit lies a small glacier; around it is a wide plateau of lakes and rivers running to the Swedish border.

The usual ascent starts at the Simskardet entrance in the west: a short path to the Statskog cabin Simskardhytta, then a long pathless walk up Bisseggskardet to the Måsskardvatna lakes and a final 800 m climb to the ridge. Most people take two days, camping by the lakes.

The summit is often in cloud and the weather changes quickly. Trip reports mention large reindeer herds in the high valleys in summer.

Climbing Notes

Good fitness, navigation skills and comfort on trackless ground are essential: 32–35 km and roughly 1,400–1,800 m of ascent return, with scrub and bog in Bisseggskardet, a river crossing at Vestre Måsskardvatnet, snowfields and some steep, airy ridge sections near the top. Plan two days: either camp at the Måsskardvatna lakes or book Simskardhytta (Statskog, via inatur.no) and do a 10–11 hour summit day from there. Carry a GPS track, insect protection and spare shoes for the river. Plan around the forecast; the summit is frequently cloud-capped.

Season

Best Jul–Aug

January: Not advisable
February: Not advisable
March: Possible
April: Possible
May: Not advisable
June: Possible
July: Best (best window)
August: Best (best window)
September: Good
October: Not advisable
November: Not advisable
December: Not advisable

Jan: Winter; access road to Simskardet partly unploughed
Feb: Winter
Mar: Ski touring for experienced, self-sufficient parties only
Apr: Ski touring for experienced, self-sufficient parties only
May: Snowmelt; rivers high
Jun: Much snow left; rivers high
Jul: Main season (July–September); snow patches and insects
Aug: Main season
Sep: Main season ends; shorter days
Oct: Wintry

Access & Permits

Hut Booking

Simskardhytta (Statskog) has an open day room, free for day use and emergency overnight stays on the floor, and a locked rental section bookable on inatur.no.

Fees

Simskardhytta rental section: booking fee on inatur.no (price not confirmed)

Rules

Børgefjell National Park rules apply
Reindeer-herding area: give grazing herds a wide berth

Getting There

Trofors (Grane); Mosjøen for services

Mosjøen Kjærstad (MJF)

By car: from Trofors via Fiplingdalen and 16 km of Austfiplingdalsvegen, or from Trøndelag turning towards Fiplingvatnet 5.5 km north of Majavatn; follow the Børgefjell signs and 3 km of gravel road to the summer car park at Simskardet
In winter, park at the ploughed area on Austfiplingdalsvegen, 6.3 km from Simskardhytta
No public transport to the trailhead

Hazards

Remoteness
Weather
River crossing
Exposure

Huts & Shelters

SimskardhyttaHutUnstaffedBooking required
All year; 3.3 km from the road in summer, 6.3 km in winter
Book Simskardhytta Website of Simskardhytta
467 m