I’ve been looking for a new fitness challenge. After six rounds of the Nijmeegse Vierdaagse (the four day marches), I’m ready for something different. Don’t get me wrong, walking 200km in four days through the filled streets of Nijmegen has been amazing, but living in Norway now, the logistics of getting back to Nijmegen each year are becoming a bit much. Plus, after six times, it’s an oké time to call it quits, as you have the new medal with the crown. Doing it one more time would mean I have to go on to 11!
So there I was, brainstorming with ChatGPT about potential fitness goals, when an interesting idea emerged: climbing the seven highest peaks in Norway. At first, I thought, wow, this must be a big thing, as the Norwegians love toppturer (hiking to summits). Well, I forgot the essence of Scandinavian outdoor culture for a moment. Yes, they love toppturer, but more as an individual or family pastime, rather than big events. And bragging or medals also doesn’t really fit into the jantaloven, either.
The “Seven Summits of Norway” isn’t really an established thing in Norwegian mountaineering culture. No official DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) recognition, no certificates waiting at the end, no tracking system. It’s more of an informal pursuit that some mountaineers take on. Norrøna offers a guided package for approximately 45,000 NOK if you fancy tackling all seven peaks in one intense (and expensive) week.
The more I research this, the more intrigued I become. The technical variety is what got me most excited. Some you can hike, others require serious climbing skills. Let me break down what I’ve discovered about each peak.
The Seven Peaks: From Walkable to Montaineering
1. Galdhøpiggen (2,469m)
This is Scandinavia’s highest peak, and thankfully, it’s actually quite accessible. There are two main routes: a 13km hike from Spiterstulen that takes 6-8 hours (no technical skills required, just good fitness), or a shorter 5km glacier route from Juvasshytta that needs a guide and crampons. The summit even has a little hut where you can buy a coffee in summer.
2. Glittertind (2,452m)
The second highest comes with a permanent snow cap that often requires crampons. It’s about 7.5km from Glitterheim with over 1,000 metres of elevation gain. Takes 4-6 hours up, and while it’s not technically difficult, that glacier cap means you need to know what you’re doing with crampons and ice axes.
3. Store Skagastølstind (2,405m)
Here’s where things get properly serious. This peak requires climbing skills—we’re talking Norwegian Grade 4+ (equivalent to British HVS or about 5.7-5.8 in American terms). Although not technically challenging, the route is exposed and takes 12-15 hours round trip.
4. Store Styggedalstind East (2,387m)
Another technical peak in the Hurrungane massif. Known for its exposed ridges and requires mountaineering skills.
5. Skarstind (2,377m)
This one sits somewhere between hiking and climbing. There’s scrambling involved, but it’s less technical than the Hurrungane peaks. Still requires attention and proper preparation, especially in poor weather.
6. Vesle Galdhøpiggen (2,369m)
Also called Veslpiggen. Havn’t found much information on this one yet.
7. Surtningssue (2,368m)
The lowest of the seven, but still a solid mountain requiring good fitness and basic mountaineering skills. A good one to gauge whether you’re ready for the more technical peaks.
How This Compares to My Vierdaagse Training
The training requirements are different from what I’m used to. For the Nijmeegse Vierdaagse, it’s all about building endurance—20-24 weeks of progressive walking, getting your feet tough enough to handle four consecutive days of 30-50km on tarmac. It’s repetitive, predictable.
These peaks are a different game. Sure, I need cardio fitness for long approach hikes, but I also need:
- Technical climbing skills
- Glacier travel knowledge
- Alpine decision-making skills (weather windows, risk assessment)
- Specific strength training for sustained climbing
- Equipment familiarity
The Plan Moving Forward
The next step is to determine what I need to do to have a good chance of succeeding in this challenge. What courses to take, such as a glacier course and a mountaineering course. I’d like to do the summits in 1 year. But I can already see this becoming challenging, as I will not have enough vacation days to do both the courses and the mountaineering in one season.
I’ll keep this post updated as I move along with this challenge. If you have any tips on good resources, I’d like to hear them!
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