Norwegian Mountains, Møre og Romsdal

Rømerhornet, 866m
Vardefjellet, 891m

Fylke/Kommune : Møre og Romsdal/Sykkylven
Maps : 1219-IV Sykkylven (Statens Kartverk, Norge 1:50 000)
Primary factor : Rømerhornet: 56m
Primary factor : Vardefjellet: 363m
Visited : Feb 2007
See also : Aurdalsnibba
See also : Revsdalshornet
See also : Straumshornet
See also : Auskjeret
See also : Sandvikshornet
See also : Urfjellet
See also : Hundatinden
See also : Ramstadvarden
See also : Tjønesfjellet
See also : Aurenakken

Rømerhornet and Vardefjellet (left of center)

Rømerhornet and Vardefjellet (left of center)

Introduction

Vardefjellet is the high point on a mountain massif (there are valleys on all sides) located between Sandvikshornet and Auskjeret in Sykkylven. Rømerhornet is the westernmost point, and has probably earned a name through being the massif's "face" towards Sykkylven. The normal ascent route is from Aurdal, and the recommended winter route runs via Storlia.

Even though Sandvikshornet and the Auskjeret/Aurdalsnibba massif steal some of the views, Rømerhornet is a fine viewpoint, with a nice view towards Sykkylven, and the Rånahalvøya mountains, which forms a fine background.

Thanks to a long forest road, and a minimal section of birch forest, Rømerhornet is excellent for skiing. There are no steep sections - at least if you follow the least steep slope to the top. The further route to Vardefjellet includes a couple of humps, which can be bypassed on the south side. Once on the proper ridge to Vardefjellet, the terrain is quite easy. The winter route is described on this page.

In summer, one can drive along the forest road towards Aurdalssætra, and park when it's time to get on the branch towards Tua. Follow the forest road to its end, cross over Heiane and aim for Rømerhornet's southwest ridge. You may also follow a path from Aurdalssætra, which joins the winter route.

Rømerhornet and Vardefjellet seen from Sandvikshornet

Rømerhornet and Vardefjellet seen from Sandvikshornet

Primary factor:

Vardefjellet (Norge 1:50,000: 891m, Økonomisk Kartverk: 891m, UTM 32 V 383092 6920784) has a primary factor of 363m, towards the higher parent Aurdalsnibba (1126m). The saddle is found W of lake Melsetvatnet. Ref. Økonomisk Kartverk (5m contours), the saddle is within the range 525-530m, interpolated to 528m.

Rømerhornet (Norge 1:50,000: 866m, Økonomisk Kartverk: 865,90m, UTM 32 V 381216 6921051) has a primary factor of 56m, towards the higher parent Vardefjellet (891m). The saddle is found on the ridge between the tops. Ref. Norge 1:50,000 (20m contours), the saddle is within the range 800-820m, interpolated to 810m.

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.

Aurdal - Rømerhornet - Vardefjellet (winter)

Difficulty : Class 1 (YDS)
Exposure : No
Distance : Approx. 6Km to Vardefjellet, via Rømerhornet
Time : Approx. 2,5-3 hours to Vardefjellet
Starting Elev.: Approx. 160m (winter!)
Vertical Gain : Approx. 800m (total)
Map of the area
Map of the area
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Detailed map
Detailed map
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The tops seen from Aurdalsnibba

The tops seen from Aurdalsnibba

Access

From Ålesund, follow highway E39 towards Bergen, and then highway RV60 (Stranda) to the Magerholm - Ørsneset ferry (towards Sykkylven). This ferry runs quite often; every 20 minutes in the busy hours of the day. From Ørsneset, follow RV60 (Stranda) approx. 2,6Km and turn left towards "Ramstaddal". Follow this road 2,2Km, turn right onto an unsigned, paved road. Drive 150m and turn left in the upcoming junction, just after having crossed the river on a bridge.

Continue 1,5Km up the main road until you reach the forest road towards Aurdalssætra. There is no public parking here. A hint would be to ring someone's doorbell and ask for permission to park.

The route (winter!)

Rømerhornet

Follow the forest road 850-900m, and ignore one or two branches to your left. Then turn left onto a side road. This junction is quite wide (summer parking). Head northwest 200m, then northwest and follow the road 500m upwards. Leave the forest road and find the best route through the birch forest, while heading east towards and past Storlia. Once the terrain opens up, pick any direction upwards. Either gradually gain Rømerhornet's southwest ridge, or aim for the Rømerhornet - Vardefjellet saddle, and turn left.

The southernmost point on Rømerhornet is the high point, marked by a small cairn.

Vardefjellet

From Rømerhornet, follow the ridge towards Vardefjellet. The first two humps should be bypassed to the south. Once you are on the main ridge towards Vardefjellet, there are no steep or exposed parts, but don't get close to the cornices facing north. Descend your ascent route.

Trip reports and pictures


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