Oksskolten (1916 metres above sea level), the highest peak in Northern Norway, offers a magnificent view of all the lesser peaks in the Okstindan range.
The first ascents of Oksskolten took place in 1883, and a plaque on the summit honours two of the climbers. One was the Frenchman Charles Rabot, who also has a glacier and one of Okstindan’s DNT cabins named after him.
To ascend Oksskolten, you must be in excellent shape and allow 8–10 hours for the round-trip. Don’t allow yourself to be deceived by the fact that the hike is only 7 km each way, and that your ascent starts from a height of 525 m.a.s.l. The marked trail, which starts a few kilometres past Kjensvasshytta cabin, leads you to the edge of the glacier. Naturally that is where the trail markers end. To continue, which is best done in the company of an experienced guide, you need crampons and to be roped together. There may be crevasses in the glacial ice, and some of these may be hidden by snow!
Fortunately, you can also reach Oksskolten summit without risking a trek across the glacier. Your starting point will be the same, but your route will take you on a major detour along a marked trail across Oksfjellelva, a river of glacial meltwater. Please see the map at Hemnes Trekking Association’s website.
Every year, the Hemnes chapter of the Norwegian Trekking Association offers a guided hike to the top of Oksskolten. This takes place in July. They can also put you in touch with an experienced guide at other times. Click Guided hikes for further information.