Norwegian Mountains, Møre og RomsdalTrollvasstindan, 1422m
Trollvasstindan
IntroductionTrollvasstindan (plural) is a rugged mountain massif, located in the western outskirts of the Romsdal mountain region. A peninsula is found between Tresfjorden and Isfjorden/Innfjorden. The Sandfjellet - Storbua - Trollvasstindan - Litlevasstinden - Nonstinden - Middagstinden range form the "backbone" of this pensinsula, and Nonstinden is the highest mountain on this range. To the south, a valley connects to (no roads) the Åndalsnes region to Øverøye and Stordal. Trollvasstindan has a number of pointy tops. According to the maps, the north and the south top are both 1422m. A traverse (this is climbing!) across Trollvasstindan is regarded as one of the finest traverses in the Romsdal region. The south top is (apparently) fairly easy to reach via Fokhaugtinden. The north top (which is documented on this page) can be scrambled. Only experienced hikers will feel comfortable while scrambling the north top. It is very exposed, but on the easiest route, the scrambling is easy. If you are OK with Romedalstinden, the north top should be no problem. If you think Slogen is airy, don't visit Trollvasstindan's north top. Trollvasstindan's north top has been known to be a difficult mountain, but as word gets around that the top isn't all that difficult, the top is gradually becoming popular. A faint track can be followed up the east ridge. This track leads to a crux (YDS class 4) that can seem scary to some (the author included). There is however an alternative route, which is just as airy, but easier to scramble (YDS class 3). Both routes are described on this page.
Trollvasstindan
Primary factor:The concept of primary factor is based on the theory that no two peaks are equally high. As the south top and the north top is both 1422m, this site has simply nominated the north top to be the highest. Right or wrong. Trollvasstindan north top (Norge 1:50,000: 1422m, Økonomisk Kartverk: -, UTM 32 V 412370 6927040) has a primary factor of 427m towards the higher parent mountain Litlevasstinden (1490m). The defining saddle (approx. UTM 32 V 413222 6926879) is found between the two tops, on top of Ådalen, south and above Lake Stortrollvatnet. Ref. Norge 1,50:000 (20m contours), the saddle is defined through a fixed point - 995m. GPS measurement on the summit cairn (approx. 1,7m high) read 1425m, averaged over a 10-minute period (error margin +/- 3m). 
Trollvasstindan seen from the air
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.
Access (all distances are approx. distances) Ålesund is the nearest larger city. From Ålesund, follow highway E136->E39 towards Åndalsnes. From the E136/E39/Olsvika roundabout near Breivka, follow E39 approx. 28Km to the RV650 junction just after Sjøholt. Turn right onto RV650 (Geiranger/Stordal) and drive approx. 25,1Km (passing the place Stordal) and turn left towards Overøye. Drive 10Km (pass the ski-centre) and turn right onto the road marked Fokhaugstova. Drive 300m and cross the river on a bridge. Drive 300m and turn left in a fork. Drive 50m and turn right in another fork and continue 100m to the parking area. The route 
The east ridge route
From Kvitlane, follow the Fokhaugstova trail on the south side of the river. After 250m, you cross the river on a bridge and follow the the trail to Fokhaugstova (approx. 30 minutes). Follow the path towards Innfjorden. This path runs to the north for a little while before it turns eastbound. At the entrance of the Ådalen valley (the name is NOT used by the locals, it's Ytste Brynebotnen), turn left and leave the path. You have Kammen's western tip on your right-hand side. You don't want to head up to Ådalen too early, as you'll run into a bush nightmare. But if you follow the river from Ådalen, the terrain is quite open and easy. There is a path, apparently from Innfjorden, that runs along the east side of the river from Ådalen. When you reach Lake Ytste Brynbotnvatnet, you can pass on either side, but it is easier on the east side (right). Follow the valley upwards until you look down on Lake Stortrollvatnet. Turn left and head for Trollvasstindan north point's east ridge. The steepest part is in the beginning. You can either scramble on the ridge proper, or find easier, but more exposed terrain on the left-hand side of the ridge. Higher up, you'll pass a gap on the ridge. The exposure is not too bad. Follow the broad ridge upwards to the two cairns on the northeast side of the summit ridge. A faint track may lead you along the crest of the summit ridge, but this route will force you to bypass a very ugly gap just before the summit. This is YDS class 4 scrambling/climbing with a hilarious exposure. But you don't need to go here. As you look into the gap, a ridge runs down to your left. Another ridge is found on the far side of the gap. These two ridges form a "balcony" 20-30m down to your left. Backtrack a little, head down the first ridge until it drops steep into Ådalen. Curve around the ridge and into the balcony. The obvious crossing place is a ledge which is blocked by a rock. Climb across the rock. Although this is just YDS class 3 terrain, this will be your heartbeat moment of the day. Cross the balcony and gain the ridge on the far side through grassy ledges. Enter the ridge where it drops steep into Ådalen. This is an exposed place, but the handholds are excellent. DO test any rock that you decide to depend on. Then proceed up to the summit cairn on easy terrain. The summit is marked by a proper cairn. You will see another top next to the summit. This height of this top is probably very similar to the top you are on, but visiting the other top without a rope is perhaps something you don't want to do. Descend your ascent route. Note that from Fokhaugstova, you can follow the path on the north side of the river. When you reach Kvitlane, you need to figure out which road to follow in order to get back to the parking. 
Trollvasstindan north top
Pictures and Trip reports:
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