Norwegian Mountains, Møre og Romsdal

Blåtind, 697m

Fylke/Kommune : Møre og Romsdal/Ulstein
Maps : xxx
(Statens Kartverk, Norge 1:50 000)
Primary factor : 697m
Visited : Apr 2006
See also : Kongsvollen
See also : Melshornet
See also : Garnestua
See also : Eikenakken
See also : Lidaveten
  

Blåtind (left of center) seen from Melshornet

Blåtind (left of center) seen from Melshornet

Introduction

Blåtind is the highest mountain in Ulstein kommune, and the highest mountain on Hareidlandet island. The mountain is for the most part hidden behind Kongsvollen (683m) when viewed from the northeast, and hidden behind the large mountain plateau (600m+) on the north side of the island. After having visited over 50 tops in the Ålesund - Haram - Vestnes - Ørskog - Sykkylven regions within 4 months, I had still not had a clear view towards this top.

But of course the summit can be seen if you look hard enough. Being the high point on the island, the views are quite extensive. The Bergehornet - Liadalsnipa range block the view towards Sunnmørsalpene, but there are plenty of other fine peaks to rest your eyes on from this summit.

There are a couple of paths that lead up the mountain. A few begin at Indre Haddal, and one of these runs up Klungsdalen. The route described on this page runs up from Ringstaddalen and provides a narrow path up the mountain. If you are looking for a long roundtrip hike, you can start from Indre Haddal, visit Haddalshornet (607m), Blåtind (697m) and Kongsvollen (683m) before descending into Ringstaddalen. Refer to the Kongsvollen page for how to reach Kongsvollen from Lake Løsetvatnet. From Kongsvollen, you can continue to Blåtind and descend the route described on this page.

I visited this mountain late April, and I recommend everyone else to visit this mountain when you can ski up the mountain, or wait until the snow has gone. The long and steep hillside is tremendously exhausting when you have to walk in butter-soft snow, reaching up to your knees.

Primary factor:

Blåtind (M711: 697m, Ø.K.: 697,43m, UTM 32 V 339751 6908537) has a primary factor of 697m being the island high point.

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.

Ringstaddalen - Blåtind (spring)

Difficulty : Class 2 (YDS)
Exposure : No
Comments : Easy terrain
Distance : Approx. 2,1-2,6Km to the top
Time : Approx. 1,5-2 hours to the top
Starting Elev.: Approx. 70m
Vertical Gain : Approx. 630m (total)

Map of the area
Map of the area
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Detailed map
Detailed map
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Access

From Ålesund, follow highway E39 towards Bergen, and then RV61 towards Hareid. Take the Sulesund - Hareid ferry and follow RV61 (roughly) 3Km towards Ulsteinvik. At the roundabout junction outside Ulsteinvik, turn left and follow RV61 southbound. RV61 later turns right (SW) towards Måløy. At this junction, drive straight ahead and keep driving for approx. 1,3Km and turn left towards "Haddal".

Drive approx. 500m on the main road (which curves sharp to the right in the beginning) and turn left into "Ringstaddalen". Follow this road approx. 550m and locate an old shack on the right-hand side of the road. There is room for 1 car without blocking for other (potential) traffic to this shack.

The route

Cross the fence on a small ladder and continue southeast on a narrow, but visible path. When you reach the mountain foothills, the path gradually turns eastbound. You can either follow this path (detour) or head up the hillside. The terrain is quite easy. No cliffs or any other obstacles. That side, the hillside is overall steep. On unstable snow, I can imagine that you can start a small avalanche, although the hillside in general is not known to be avalanche prone.

Once the terrain levels out at 580m elevation, follow Blåtind's northwest ridge, which should not give you any problems even when large cornices block any other ascent route. The summit is marked by a large cairn. The visitor's register is found just below the cairn, in a plastic box on the north side of the cairn. Descend your ascent route, or via Haddalshornet or Kongsvollen.

Pictures and trip reports


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