Norwegian Mountains, Oppland

Kyrkja, 2032m

Kyrkja seen from Bukkehøi

Introduction

Kyrkja, with its characteristic cone shape, is located close to Leirvassbu, and is one of the most popular day hikes from this popular tourist hut. Kyrkja is located in the "heart" of the Jotunheimen mountain range, and despite the "modest" height, the view from the top is outstanding.

Kyrkja is rather steep near the top, and calls for some caution. A rumour says that "2 of 10 turns around near the top". Whether this is true or not, some will feel uncomfortable about the exposure near the summit.

Kyrkja (Norge 1:50,000: 2032, Ø.K.: - UTM 32 V 462362 6823329) has a primary factor of 279m towards the higher parent mountain Visbretinden (2234m). The defining saddle (approx. UTM 32 V 462304 6822779) is found in the saddle between Kyrkja and Kyrkjeoksle. Ref. Norge 1:50,000 (20m contours), the saddle is defined through a fixed point - 1755m.

Kyrkja seen from the air

Google map

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

Google maps (Click on image) Norge i 3D Click on image (Java required)

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.

Leirvassbu - Kyrkja (summer/autumn) Difficulty : Class 2+ (YDS) Exposure : Yes, near the top Distance : Approx. 4,2Km to the top Time : Approx. 4-6 hours to the top Starting Elev.: Approx. 1400m Vertical Gain : Approx. 650m

Map of the area (No Javascript) Detailed map (No Javascript)

Access

(all distances are approx. distances)

On highway RV55 (Sognefjellet - Lom), exit towards Leirvassbu. Access to the road requires a fee, paid at the start of the Leirvassbu road. Drive to the Leirvassbu hut, and park there (approx. 20Km).

The route

From Leirvassbu, follow a gravel road going south on the west side of lake Leirvatnet. As the road turns southwest near point 1459, turn left onto the Høgvaglen trail. This trail may cross some snowfields, but is easy to follow. Before the trail descends to Lakes Øvre Høgvaglstjønnun, turn left onto an unmarked, but cairned, trail up the Kyrkjeoksli ridge.

Before you reach ridge point 1843, locate a cairned path down to the pass between Kyrkjeoksli and Kyrkja. From the pass, follow cairns all the way to the top of Kyrkja. The terrain is rock and scree. Lichen on the rocks can make the terrain slippery. On the upper parts, the mountain has a reddish color, and this is where you may find some steps to be exposed.

 

Kyrkja seen from Loftet

Trip reports and pictures

No trip report from this mountain. The mountain was visited August 2000, on a very foggy and rainy day, and no pictures were taken.

Other pictures

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