Hattfjelldal: Mountain Scenery and Sámi Culture

Snowmobile trails, Sámi culture and mountain scenery give Hattfjelldal a varied character. Around the town, you’ll find destinations for hiking and ski touring, as well as museums and historic sites. The aspects that interest you most can help determine your choice of hotel base.

Mountains, Hiking Trails and Water

Hatten, called Aarpije in Sámi, lies east of Hattfjelldal’s administrative centre and is 1,128 metres high. From the summit, you can look out over Røssvatnet and Okstindan. Hattjønna, a swimming lake, is beside the trail to Hatten. There are also many lovely swimming spots at Røssvatnet and around the mountain lakes near Hattfjelldal.

Kjerringtinden, by Røssvatnet, offers a clear contrast between seasons: in winter, the mountain is used for ski touring, while summer and autumn are ideal for hiking. The summit is also a border mountain between Hattfjelldal and Hemnes. Hattfjelldal is also on Villmarksveien, near Røssvatnet.

A large part of Børgefjell National Park lies in Hattfjelldal. South Sámi reindeer husbandry takes place in Børgefjell; related activities and traces can be observed both inside and outside the national park. The continuous long-distance hiking route Nordlandsruta begins in Hattfjelldal, more precisely at Harvasstua in Susendal. If you’re interested in motorised recreational activities, there’s another option: municipal information updated on 23 December 2025 lists 36 mil—that is, 360 kilometres—of snowmobile trails for recreational use.

Culture, Collections and Historic Sites

At Fjellfolkets hus, exhibitions explore the rich history of Hattfjelldal and its mountain communities; there is also a dedicated accordion exhibition. Lensmannsgården, an almost century-old red museum building, is also located in the centre of Hattfjelldal. It displays objects from the collections, literature and photographs. Arrange visits with the Helgeland Museum at Fjellfolkets hus.

Sijti Jarnge is a Sámi language and cultural centre in Hattfjelldal. Visitors can experience and learn about Sámi culture in Helgeland there. Hattfjelldal is also known for its long-standing handicraft and folk music traditions. This cultural side complements the natural experiences with themes that have shaped the town and its history.

Other historic sites reveal different forms of activity and interaction. Gammelbutikken in Kroken is a historic trading post where Norwegians, Swedes and Sámi met over many years; visits can be arranged through Fjellfolkets Hus. The restored Pantdalssetra illustrates the important and widespread traditional use of outlying and mountain areas. The distinctive little Susendal skolekapell also has a dual history: it was used both as a school and as a church building, and has been restored. Interior visits are possible by arrangement.

Alveborg adds contemporary art: the sculpture, just over three metres tall, by Icelandic artist Hreid Fridfinnsson is located in Hattfjelldal and is part of the international Skulpturlandskap Nordland art collection. The surrounding area thus offers mountain scenery, cultural traditions and art, each appealing to different interests.

Practical Information for Your Stay

At centrally located Fjellfolkets hus, there are motorhome parking spaces with access to electricity and water, as well as a disposal station. Check current availability before your trip. There are also 22- and 50-kW charging stations near Fjellfolkets hus; check in advance whether they are currently in service.

When planning, it helps to prioritise the experiences you’re looking for: Hatten and Kjerringtinden are suited to hiking and ski touring, respectively, while Fjellfolkets hus, Lensmannsgården and Sijti Jarnge offer different cultural themes. These priorities can help you decide whether Hattfjelldal is the right destination and find a suitable hotel base for your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ivarrud, Sømna, Rana, Ballangen, Værøy, Lødingen, Bø, Fauske.

For the broader travel overview: Nordland.