Norwegian Mountains, Nordland

Middagstinden, 923m

Fylke/Kommune : Troms/Kvæfjord
Maps : 1332-III Tjeldsundet (Statens Kartverk, Norge 1:50 000)
Maps : 1332-IV Harstad (Statens Kartverk, Norge 1:50 000)
Primary factor : 558m
Visited : July 2007
See also : Sætertinden
See also : Hinnstein/Vardheia
See also : Elgen

Middagstinden. © Hans Petter Tollefsen, tollmuth.com

Introduction

Middagstinden is located on the eastern side of Hinnøya - Norway's largest mainland-connected island. Middagstinden belongs to Kvæfjord kommune - one of the largest kommuner on the island, but is not among the highest peaks in Kvæfjord.

It is however the highest top in the small mountain group around Lake Vebbestadvatnet. This region has a some tops that (seemingly) offer interesting ridge traverses, Tretindan in particular. Middagstinden does not offer any other obstacles than boulder and grass on the easiest routes.

Middagstinden is more a ridge with numerous couloirs facing east, rather than a distinct peak. These couloirs offer good opportunities for skiers who enjoy a fast ascents and even faster descents. The summer route described on this page follow Vebbestadelva river and the northwest ridge. Skiers who are targeting the couloirs will get a shorter ascent via Saldalen valley. Many summer hikers choose to begin their hike in Straumsbotn, which is a longer hike than the one described on this page.

Middagstinden

Middagstinden

Primary factor:

Middagstinden (Norge 1:50,000: 923m, Økonomisk Kartverk: 922,54m , UTM 33 W 546835 7622661) has a primary factor of 558m, towards the higher parent mountain Jakobstinden (975m). The saddle (approx. UTM 33 W 548564 7619332) is found just south of Lake Steinvatnet (Melåmyran). Ref. Økonomisk Kartverk (10m contours), this saddle is within the range 360-370m, interpolated to 365m.

Google map

Google's interactive map. You can zoom, pan and click on the markers.

Trail descriptions:

Notes: Class ratings are in reference to YDS. Click here for more information.

The trails described below are not necessarily the *easiest* trails to this mountain.

Hundstadsætran - Middagstinden (summer/autumn)

Difficulty : Class 2 (YDS)
Exposure : You can avoid it
Comments : Boulder from 420m and up.
Distance : Approx. 3,6Km to the top
Time : Approx. 2-2,5 hours to the top
Starting Elev.: Approx. 20m
Vertical Gain : Approx. 900m (total)
Map of the area
Map of the area
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Detailed map
Detailed map
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Access

(all distances are approx. distances)

The closest larger city is Harstad. From Harstad, follow highway RV83 westbound. Drive across Hinnøya to Vikelandsbukta bay, where RV83 meets RV849. Turn left and drive 9,4Km. Locate a parking area on the left-hand side, 100m after you've crossed a creek.

The route

Ascent:

Follow a visible path from the parking. After 100-150m (distance), you'll join a forest trail coming up from your right. After 400m, you'll join a forest road coming up from your left. This forest road is strenuous (they've omited the switchbacks) and runs up to 320m elevation.

Proceed in your direction up to 360m elevation, turn left onto a vague path and aim for Middagstinden's northwest ridge. There is no distinct path up the ridge. Just stay in center and follow the terrain as you see fit. The side to your left gets more and more exposed, but as the west flank isn't steep at all, you can avoid any exposure.

The summit is marked by a cairn.

Descent:

Descend your ascent route to approx. 750m elevation. Turn left and follow CONVENIENT grassy slopes towards Lake Vebbestadvatnet. At approx. 450m elevation, you'll come upon a path. This path may either come from Middagstinden or Langdalen. Follow this path back to the forest road. Actually, the path forks in all directions. You're above the forest, so just maintain the direction towards the forest road.

Trip reports and pictures

Other pictures

1. 50mm view from Hinnstein, part 2/2 (1202KB)

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