Svolværgeita, Fløya & Djevelporten: Lofoten Hike Guide
Sitting excessive above the city of Svolvær, the capital of the Lofoten Islands is the Svolvaægeita (or the Svolvaer Goat) and the mountain of Fløya.
Climbing the sherpa steps to get a better view of the Svolvær Goat is on many peoples’ bucket lists of issues to do within the Lofoten Islands.
Some take this additional and full the complete flight of stairs to Djeveloprten; a rock balancing in between a slender opening, after which on to Fløya the place you get spectacular views of each the Svolværgeita beneath you and the city of Svolvaer, surrounding mountains, lakes and fjords.
If you happen to’re visiting Lofoten, I extremely suggest finishing this hike for skilled hikers. You get unbelievable views on par with these on the Reinebringen hike, however this hike is arguably extra enjoyable.
Right here is the whole lot it is advisable know concerning the Djevelporten, Svolvaergeita and Fløya hike.
get to the Djevelporten trailhead
The Djevelporten trailhead is similar trailhead that’s generally used for climbing Fløya in Svolvaer in addition to for the strategy for climbing the Svolvaer goat or the Svolværgeita and numerous different trails.
You’ll find Djevelporten parking by looking out ‘Parkering for Sherpasti, Djevelporten, Svolværgeita og Fløya‘ on Google maps.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Lofoten
This car parking zone is a 15-minute stroll from Circle Ok off the primary street or a 20-25 minute stroll from Svolvaer to the Djevelporten trailhead.
If parking on the foot of the steps is full, you’ll find further parking close to the Shell storage throughout the street from Circle Ok. Parking at this car parking zone is free on Sundays and paid for utilizing the EasyPark app.
Since this hike has been rising in reputation, parking on the trailhead comes with a price. Parking right here prices 45 NOK an hour or 300 NOK a day.
In the summertime months, it’s possible this car parking zone will get full from mid-morning.
Learn extra: Climbing information for Ryten and Kvalvika Seaside
What to know earlier than doing the Djevelporten hike
- All the time observe depart no hint ethics. Unsure what these are? Get a refresher here.
- Keep in mind to respect the terrain, setting, and different customers while you’re having fun with the paths.
- Observe the three Ts—journey planning, coaching, and taking the necessities.
- Don’t depart dwelling with out your 10 necessities. They may save your life!
- Don’t stroll off the path – this damages the setting which could be very fragile and results in path closures being put in place.
- Learn up on the Lofoten Code of Conduct to minimise your impression.
Svolvaergeita hike on the Djeveltrappa
The Solvaergeita is the identify given to the unusually formed rocks sitting between Svolvaer and the height of Fløya.
The rocks are stated to be formed like goat’s ears, therefore the identify the Svolvaer Goat!
Personally, I believe it seems extra like a llama or alpaca, however I’m positive goats are extra frequent round these components so I can see why a goat was chosen!
The Djeveltrappa (Satan’s stairs) is what the locals name the steps that lead all the best way as much as Djevelporten and previous some nice viewpoints of the Svolvaergeita.
You’ll see why they’re referred to as this while you take them on! These Svolvær sherpatrappa positively pack a punch!
The Djeveltrappa are sherpa steps similar to these on the Reinebringen hike and the Sherpatrappa in Tromsø.
They had been constructed by sherpas from Nepal and assist cut back soil and land erosion from the quite a few ft that trample up this hillside yearly.
Ranging from the car parking zone, you’ll cross below some prayer flags and start your journey up the Djeveltrappa.
The steps generally really feel relentless, however there are a couple of locations the place you’ll be able to relaxation and benefit from the views.
There are additionally a couple of sections the place you get a brief break from the steps and should navigate some bigger boulders to proceed your journey.
As you proceed up, you’ll come to a transparent path branching off to your proper. You’ll comprehend it’s the best one in the event you’re additionally on the identical top as the bottom of the Svolvaergeita.
That is the trail that climbers take to start their climb of the Svolvaergeita.
Be aware: Climbing Svolvaergeita is totally not one thing you must do solo. Solely very skilled hikers and people on Svolvaergeita climbing tours ought to try this.
We didn’t climb the Svolvaergeita since we had been visiting Lofoten in winter.
In case you are not on a tour then you’ll be able to stroll in direction of the bottom if you wish to get a better have a look at the rock or stick with it to Djevelporten beneath.
The Djevelporten hike (Devils Gate), Lofoten Islands
The Djevelporten (Satan’s gate) is a rock that’s suspended in a slender rocky column and nothing else beneath it other than a pointy drop-off.
From the turn-off in direction of the Svolvaergeita, the path continues upwards on the sherpa steps.
The steps now take you all the best way to the Djevelporten and are in actually good condition!
Fortunately there are extra stunning views and benches alongside the best way the place you’ll be able to relaxation.
Learn extra: Finest tenting in Lofoten
Upon getting completed one of many steepest sections of steps, you arrive at Djevelporten.
If you happen to want to step out onto the rock, there’s a small path to the right-hand aspect which appears to be the one most individuals use to climb up.
I’ve seen some individuals say that Djevelporten is protected and never that dangerous because it’s only some metres off the bottom and whereas that is true in some respects, the bottom beneath this can be very steep and falling off may result in you sliding fairly a good distance on harsh terrain.
Take excessive care in the event you select to face on Djevelporten.
Persevering with on to the Fløya hike in Lofoten
From Djeveloprten, your hike continues onto Fløya which has top-of-the-line views in Lofoten (which is saying one thing since there are such a lot of stunning views!).
The steps are completed now and also you’ll be following a rocky, crumbly path alongside the mountainside.
Whilst you’re largely protected in your left-hand aspect from falling, there are areas the place it opens as much as a steep drop-off. And, in your right-hand aspect, you’ll be able to see the steps you’ve simply climbed.
Observe the trail, taking your time and utilizing your arms the place wanted to maintain your stability.
I prefer to observe the 3-points of contact rule that I realized whereas caving in Campbell River. The place you may have three of your 4 factors of contact (each arms, each ft) touching the bottom or environment at one time.
To achieve the true peak of Fløya, you’ll have to climb up a really steep and difficult path. Personally, I don’t suppose the views from up listed below are any extra spectacular than what you may get by strolling additional to the perspective (described beneath) and never well worth the danger.
As a substitute of summiting the true peak, we carried on straight in entrance of us, which required a small descent earlier than persevering with alongside the ridge line.
You’ll take a couple of ups and downs as you navigate over the rocky terrain and ultimately get to some extent the place you’ll be able to’t go any additional.
If you happen to stand you’ll have the ability to see the Svolvaergeita down beneath you.
From up right here it seems tremendous low down, however keep in mind you began even additional beneath that earlier than you hiked up the Djeveltrappa!
We discovered a spot up right here and loved some lunch and snacks earlier than climbing down.
We beloved the views of each Svolvaer and behind us, you might even see the place we’d hiked earlier than to Tjeldbergtind!
To hike down, observe the ridge line after which search for a path simply off to your left (the place the decline from the height of Fløya and the ridge line meet at a low level).
You may take this path down which is sort of rocky and difficult in components, or go all the best way again to Djevelporten and take the steps all the best way again to the automotive.
Keep in mind to take care on the best way down, happening the steps can really be tougher than going up them!
Djevelporten and Fløya path stats
AllTrails is my go-to climbing app for locating, planning and navigating whereas I’m out on the paths. With offline maps on AllTrails+, you may be assured you’re nonetheless heading in the right direction, even with out cell sign.
- Distance: 4.2 km (spherical journey)
- Length: 3-4 hours
- Elevation: 515 m
- Issue: Intermediate
- Trailhead: On the foot of the steps on Blåtindveien in Svolvaer.
Are you able to hike Djevelporten and Fløya in winter?
It’s not really helpful to do the Fløya hike in winter if there’s already snow within the mountains.
We did this hike in late November and it was earlier than any snow had fallen in Lofoten.
Whereas the steps had been icy, it was simple sufficient to search out patches the place there was no ice. I’d additionally suggest packing microspikes with you for early and late-season climbing (spring and autumn/winter), as they might help cease you from falling.
Learn extra: Issues you must know earlier than going to Lofoten
Climbing this within the snow is likely to be okay on the best way up, but it surely’ll be tremendous treacherous on the best way down.
That’s as a result of the snow will get worn down in a manner that’s not simple to hike down on and will increase your possibilities of slipping. If you happen to slip on snowy steps you’ll be able to decide up velocity actually simply and that could possibly be very harmful on this Lofoten hike.
Learn extra: Kleppstadheia hike in Lofoten
Is the hike to Djevelporten Svolvær appropriate for youngsters?
If in case you have energetic youngsters who’re a bit older and used to climbing then positive, you’ll be able to try this hike and see the way it goes. Simply keep in mind they’ll want the power to get again down too!
The Djevelporten stairs are in good condition and shouldn’t submit too many points other than getting drained.
What to pack for the Djevelporten, Lofoten
What to pack for this hike is dependent upon what season you’re climbing in.
- Try my day hike packing listing right here.
- If you happen to’re climbing in summer season you must pack sunscreen, sun shades, layers, water and bug spray in addition to the whole lot within the 10 necessities for climbing listing.
- Right here is what to put on climbing in scorching climate
- Try this submit on the very best leggings for climbing or what to put on climbing in summer season for extra particulars and my gear suggestions.
- If you happen to’re climbing in winter after the snow has began falling you’ll want microspikes on the very least. If there’s quite a lot of snow you’ll in all probability want snowshoes.
- You must also take loads of layers together with a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are additionally crucial in addition to a good backpack to maintain the whole lot in.
- You must also pack water and a few snacks too to maintain you going as they’re a part of the 10 necessities for climbing!
- Planning a climbing date? Try what to put on on a climbing date however nonetheless look cool.
