Breheimen

Scandinavian Mountains over 2000 metres - James Baxter

AreasBreheimen › 15.13 Hesthøi (2021m)

Hesthøi is at the eastern end of the ridge that runs north east for 10km to Lomseggi 2066m. The ridge is the apex of the rounded and uninspiring massif between the steep sided valleys of Bøverdalen and Lundadalen.

The Route from Netosætri
total distance for return trip18km   
total ascent and descent1300m   
total time for return journey 6-8hrs
difficulty rating - 4season: apr, may, jul, aug, septskiingno glacier crossingno climbingsuitable for wet conditions

Hesthøi can be climbed from Netosætri in Bøverdalen. Take the E55 road from Lom for about 15 km until there is a turning on the north to Kvanndalsvoll. Follow this road for 6km until a boom is reached at the very picturesque and traditional seter hamlet of Netosætri. Park near the bridge that crosses over the Geitåi stream.

The north side of Hesthøi rising above taken 2 km above heimste Lundadalssætri in LundadalenTake the first road to the east of the stream and follow it up for 200m. When the road splits take the lower (left) road and continue for another 200m until a path to the west (left) crosses a small stream over a small bridge. Take this path for 300m until you arrive at another bridge over the Geitåi stream. Do not cross this second bridge but take a much smaller path which leads up the hill from this bridge.

Follow this smaller path for about an hour as it climbs quite steeply up on the north east side of the Geitåi stream. The 500 metres of ascent is quite sustained but the spectacular gorge and waterfall break up the plod. If the path is lost through the dwarf trees and shrub it should always be easy enough to locate on the top of the gorges side. Eventually the sustained ascent eases as one enters a high grassy bowl with some wonderful camping places and a great view to the Hestbrepiggen massif.

The snowfields of Storberka on the left, Hestbrepiggan in the centre and Låven in the distance from ytste Lundadalssætri in LundadalenIn the spring this path will be covered with snow and you are advised to park near the boom and attach ski skins and ski up to Netosætri. It may also be that the two km of gravel road from Kvanndalsvoll to Netosætri is also blocked with snow which will mean skiing along this short section also.

From this flat grassy meadow at about 1300m head directly north for about 4km until you reach height 1812m. From this hill (1812m) continue directly north towards the summit of Hesthøi for a further km crossing Runningsbre glacier to reach the saddle between Storberka and Hesthøi. When crossing this glacier no special equipment is needed but do not veer to the east at all (if anything keep to the west slightly) From this saddle continue directly north for another 1 ½ km up the gentle south side of Hesthøi to the summit.

The descent is by the same route. It is also possible to continue to Lomseggi and descend to Bismo.