Hiking Segla and Hesten – The most iconic mountains in Arctic Norway

Ascent to Hesten

From my point of view this trip is visually much more attractive than the hike to Segla itself. Not only for the wonderful views on the Segla which appears literally like a spike from a certain angle. But also for the opportunity to walk on the edge of the cliff falling steeply to the fjord, which is not for faint-hearted natures.

For ascending to Hesten peak the best is to start the trip from the center of upper Fjorgard. Fjordard is in my opinion the most beautiful and the most quiet fishing village on Senja island so enjoy it! You can find here a small parking lot where we’ve spent a night in our campervan. There is also a small wooden shelter nearby where you can spend an evening, overnight or just to have a meal under the roof. 

Start walking up pointing to the saddle between Segla and Hesten on the very obvious path towards the small skiing lift. The path can be boggy in some period of time and therefore there are often provisional board walks to avoid sinking. Soon the path becomes more steep and rocky tending more to the right side towards the pass on the right side of Hesten. Continue climbing the steep section until You reach the pass and now is the time to turn around and look. The amazing shape of iconic Segla mountain will amaze You. 

Following the exposed cliff ridge and the way back

For better views and more breathtaking angles of the peak continue on the ridge to Hesten peak. Be careful on the top it’s not noticeable, but you have over 400 meters of vertical cliff under Your feet. Stop for a while and enjoy 360 degrees of view around the island Senja. I recommend following the ridge towards Segla and its pass. You will have plenty of time admiring a cliff falling down to the ocean, but don´t go too close no one will ever find You down there.

Also be prepared for attacks of birds in case You are coming in during the nesting period. They can be very bothersome and dangerous. I experienced many times a bird impacting my head trying to scare me, and he did. Luckily birds are nesting on the cliff, but some of them are at the edge with their eggs so don’t disturb them. 

From the pass between Hesten and Segla there is no other way then to go back to the Fjorgard as there is no other option to hike to the top of Segla. There is also no option to go around the peak to shorten to hike if You are interested to climb Segla. Unfortunately there is no path and mossy stones are slippery and it’s irritating to go over them.

Ascend to Segla

The hike to Segla is not as visually attractive as hiking to Hesten as you will miss the spiky shape of it, but still worth doing. The starting point for the hike to Segla is on the southern part of Fjordgard near the school and kindergarten. From here start to climb on the right side of the narrow mountain spring. Be aware of wet terrain and rather take high shoes to be able to step sometimes to the water. 

At one moment the path is splitting into two parts, so you follow the steep one straight  to the ridge. On the ridge turn right and again be cautious there is the surprisingly steep cliff which is not forgiving. The hike to Segla on the ridge is nothing stearnous. The path is pretty wide, but some stoney sections can be very slippery even in the summer season. Be also very careful with approaching aggressive birds trying to také you down in the nesting period. 

Summiting Segla and the way down

The final section is pretty hard, but only by matters of steep ascent. If You do not go too close to the edge of the cliff You shouldn’t be in a big danger. As the mountain looks almost unreachable from the northern face the southern is really easy. I personally found the ascent to Hesten more difficult as some sections were airy and usage of hands was necessary.When You reach the summit enjoy the feeling like being on the top of the world. Observe the entire island Senja from there and its peaks covered with leftover snow patches.

Unfortunately there is no other option going down the same way You came up. So follow your steps back the way You reached the summit. I recommend not to shorten the distance as walking on the path is much more comfortable than jumping on stones.