- Cumulative ascent: 195 meters
- Duration: 1h30
- Low point: Torghatten Parking (13 m) / High point: Torghatten Tunnel (208 m)
- Difficulty: 2/5 / Technique: 1/5
The mountain of Torghatten, located on Norway’s Helgeland coast, is a unique and spectacular geological formation. Its distinguishing feature? A natural tunnel, 160 metres long, 35 metres high and 20 metres wide, that runs right through it. This unusual passage, nicknamed “nature’s cathedral” because of its high ceiling, has earned Torghatten worldwide renown. The hike begins at Torghatten Camping and progresses rapidly along a well-maintained path to the tunnel. You then descend on the other side, towards the sea, and walk along a beach before reaching the starting parking lot.
Rising 258 metres above the sea, this granite mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding archipelago. From the tunnel, visitors can admire a 360-degree view of the islands, islets and turquoise waters of the Norwegian Sea.
The origin of the Torghatten hole has long been the subject of legend and speculation. While science agrees that the tunnel was formed during the last Ice Age, geologists are still debating the precise mechanisms that led to its creation. Some suggest glacial erosion, while others favour a combination of factors, such as the action of water and tectonic movements.
But it’s the Nordic mythology that offers the most poetic explanation for the formation of this hole. According to legend, the giant troll Hestmannen was pursuing the beautiful Lekamøya. Desperate not to reach her, he shot an arrow to kill her. The king of the mountain Sømna, touched by the girl’s fate, threw his hat into the path of the arrow, saving Lekamøya. As the sun rose, the hat petrified and transformed into Torget Mountain, while the arrow pierced Torghatten Mountain, creating the famous tunnel.
The hike to Torghatten was made on August 15, 2024.
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We recommend you take along a 1:25000 paper map or a GPX track of this hike. Always be cautious when hiking. Topexpos Voyages and the author of this fact sheet cannot be held responsible for any accident or inconvenience that may occur on this tour.
