Hiking Aagottind, Norway

Eikesdalen is characterised by the turquoise colored Eikesdalsvatnet that winds through the valley. Around the lake, several peaks tower at 1,700–1,800 meters and the nature here is wild, beautiful, and enticing. In the area, you can also find Gjuratinden, Goksøyra, Mardalsfossen, and Aurstaupet, which are perhaps better-known mountains and attractions in the area.

• Distance: 2,5 km each direction depending on the route 
• Duration: approx 12 hours
• Difficulty: Expert/challenging 
• Total elevation gain: 1,526 meters
• Start/end: Small parkering area at “Fløtaelva” (30 meters above sea level)

Our love for Eikesdalen and the fantastic nature in this area has resulted in several trips in the region. There are many “must visit'' places in the valley, and you will find hikes and adventures for every skill level. The most famous locations are Mardalsfossen, Aurstaupet, and Aursjøvegen which are also placed in the vicinity of the lake.

Traditionally, Aagottind or "Ogottind" is a paraphrase of the Norwegian word "u-gått-tind," which means "an unclimbed peak." Despite this, the peak has been climbed before. However, compared to other peaks in the area, it is very sparsely visited, due to its challenging terrain.

Good planning is essential for a safe and enjoyable hiking experience, including considerations for weather, necessary equipment, food, drink, hike length, steepness, and potential risks.

The information we found about Aagottind was somewhat limited. Hike descriptions and recommendations were variable. We did not know which exact route the TV show "71° nord" had chosen up the mountain, so we based our plan on a description we found on the web. We also tried to gather more information from locals who knew the area and received a friendly advice to reconsider our choice of peak.

We usually bring a lot of photo/video equipment, which adds extra weight. The plan was to complete the hike on a day with good weather and during daylight hours. We brought ropes, harnesses, and safety equipment because it was unclear what we would encounter in terms of steepness and safe route choices. Based on the information we had gathered, we knew that probable challenges on the hike would be an indistinct path, loose rock, steepness, and added weight due to our photo and safety equipment.

The mountain was described online as a hike that could be safely done without ropes, but studying the map and looking at pictures from others who had been in the area made it an easy decision to bring climbing gear.

Before the hike, we agreed to prioritize safety. Our choice of route had to be feasible without exposing ourselves to unnecessary risks.

When exploring the Eikesdal area, both Sunndalsøra, Åndalsnes or cabins/ tents/camping in Eikesdalen itself can be good starting points for longer stays in the area. After a good night's sleep in Sunndalsøra and with a weather forecast indicating good weather for a couple of days, we set out before dawn.

The starting point for the hike was set at “Fløten”, where the “Fløta” River flows into Eikesdalsvatnet. There was no clearly marked trail, but for the first 200-250m, we could follow a tractor road a bit up into the terrain. Further up, we followed various animal tracks towards the ridge of the mountain and the “Fagerbotnen” valley. Here, we kept to the left of the ridge, at a safe distance from the cliff on the right side.

Thick undergrowth and an unclear path that occasionally pointed in all directions, or simply disappeared altogether, made choosing the right path challenging in the first part of the hike. From time to time, rockfall could be heard from the other side of Fagerbotnen, without us seeing any movement of the stones.