Norwegian Mountains,
Nordland

Kjelviktinden, 1088m (Tjeldviktinden)
 

Fylke/Kommune : Nordland/Bindal (high point), Brønnøy
Maps : 1825-I Tosbotn  (Statens Kartverk, Norge 1:50 000)
Primary factor : 358m
Hiked : July 2010
See also :
Middagstinden Breidvasstinden
Snøfjellene Rismålstinden
Mosvasstinden  
See also : Other Nordland mountains

Kjelviktinden

Kjelviktinden
(Click for larger image)

Introduction

Kjelviktinden (Tjeldviktinden on recent maps) is located along Tosenfjorden, and just south of Tosbotn - home of the 5857 meter Tosentunnelen tunnel that connected the Brønnøy region with highway E6 in 1986. Kjelviktinden is also (per July 2010) the high point of Bindal municipality.

There is an ongoing debate between Grane and Bindal municipalities regarding the border. The old maps clearly shows that Kvannlitinden (1095m), aka Kvennlitinden belonged to Bindal, but recent maps tell a different story. So, until this issue is resolved, Kjelviktinden is Bindal's high point, but visit both (to make sure) if you collect municipality high points...

Old map

Old map
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Map per 2010

Map per 2010
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You can reach Kjelviktinden from different directions; the best way (a subjective opinion) is to get a boat ride to Kjelvika, ascend Kjelviktinden from here, and descend via Tosdalen. This is the route described on this page, and has logistic challenges. This also implies that you can reach Kjelviktinden from Tosdalen (...) Another route runs via Middagstinden with a return the same way. This option involves more vertical meters than the first option. A third way is to hike from Tosenfjellet, via Mosvasstinden, Kjerringtinden and Kvannlitinden. This is a very long route. You can also reach Tjeldviktinden from E6, via the mountain service road to Øvre Kalvvatnet. This road is not open to the public, and involves a long bike trip and a long approach from the south.

The traverse across Kjelviktinden from Tosenfjorden to Tosdalen involves several creek/river crossings, and although there are no steep and exposed sections, the (long) route is best suited for experienced hikers. The big reward is an (until now) untouched and stunning landscape.

 

Below Tsoevtsetjahke

Below Tsoevtsetjahke
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Primary factor:

Kjelviktinden (Norge 1:50,000: 1088m, Økonomisk Kartverk: -, UTM 33 W 405793 7238422) has a primary factor of 358m, towards the higher parent Kvannlitinden (1095m). The defining saddle (approx. UTM 33 W 407805 7237885) is found south of lake 690m. Ref. Norge 1:50,000 (20m contours), the saddle is within the range 720-740, interpolated to 730m.

GPS measurement read 1092m (on the cairn, <0,5 meters high), averaged over a 5-minute period (error margin not recorded).

 

Kjelviktinden seen from Tsoevtsetjahke

Kjelviktinden seen from Tsoevtsetjahke
(Click for larger image)

 

Google map

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

 

Google maps
Google maps
(Click on image)

 

Trail descriptions

Route 1: Tosbotn - Kjelviktinden - Tosdalen (summer/autumn)

Difficulty : YDS Class 2
Exposure : No
Distance : Approx. 19,4km on foot (2D distance)
Approx. 4,4km in a boat
Time : Approx. 9-10 hours on foot
Starting Elev.: 0m
Vertical Gain : Approx. 1250m (total)
Map of the area
Map of the area
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Detailed map
Detailed map
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This route description is valid per July 2010

Access

(all distances are approx. distances)

The starting point for this route description is Brønnøysund. Follow highway RV17 towards Vennesund. At Skillvika (10 minutes outside Brønnøysund), turn left onto highway RV76. Drive 63km to Tosbotn (passing Hommelstø along the way)

This route has some logistic challenges; you need a boat ride from Tosbotn to Kjelvika, and you need a car waiting at the entrance of the Tosentunnelen tunnel (unless you walk back to Tosbotn - approx. 5km. If you don't have access to a boat, then you can get to Kjelviktinden by foot from Tosentunnelen. See the route description below, and read the descent section backwards...

The route

Ascent:

The route up from Kjelvika

The route up from Kjelvika
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Assuming you get a boat ride to Kjelvika, start on the south side of the Kjelvikelva river (N65.29799 E12.92229). Head east towards the river (don't cross it yet) and look for a vague path that takes you up the distinct forest ridge along the river. Cross Kjelvikelva at approx. 180 meters (N65.29639 E12.93283). Continue up the wide valley and try to find the best route through the bush.

At 300 meters (you're now above the bush), cross a creek from Middagstinden. This crossing (N65.28866 E12.94838) should be fairly easy. Proceed southeast upwards in the direction of Kjelviktinden, with a canyon down on your right hand side. You top out on Tsoevtsetjahke (949m, N65.26553 E12.96344), from where you have Kjelviktinden in full view. Pass lake 881m on the west side and keep a southeast bearing up to the summit (N65.25537 E12.98270), marked by a few rocks and a (fallen) trigonometric point.

Descent:

Tosdalen

Tosdalen
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Descend east to the pass between Kjelviktinden and Kvannlitinden. Cross the creek on the south side of lake 690m, then find a place to ascend the ridge above you (the amount of snow will influence on your decision). Once up on the ridge, cross it (while staying southeast of point 776m) and look for a place to descend into the valley on the east side of the ridge. Make sure you don't begin your descent too soon. There are dangerous slabs below you! Stay west of Keilåtinden and cross the creek (N65.27723 E13.05796) just before it drops steeply into Tosdalen.

Descend Keilåtinden to the northeast and look for good places to descend between the ledges. Once you are down in Tosdalen, cross the creeks (may be small rivers!) and then the large meadow. Aim for the southwest corner of lake Tosdalsvatnet and locate the vague path that runs along the lake.

When you reach the north side of the lake (N65.29716 E13.03612), you must cross the river. Be careful; depending on the amounts of water in the river, this crossing can be serious. Once on the other side, follow a forest road to Tosentunnelen.


Pictures and Trip reports:


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