Keiservarden

The undisputed favorite of the people of Bodø, offering a 360-degree view of the city and mountains.

Parking/start

Parking lot at Turisthytta (Wood Hotel)

Highest point

366 masl

Difficulty

Moderate, clearly marked trail

Distance

5.5 km round trip

Terrain

Gravel road, stone stairs, and trail

Estimated time

2 hours 30 min round trip

Tour Description

Ever since Her Majesty Queen Sonja of Norway inaugurated this sherpa-built trail in 2016, well over 100,000 locals and visitors have made the journey to the top each year. On clear days, you can see the entire Lofoten Wall to the north and west. To the south, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Helgeland Coast, and to the east, the border mountains towards Sweden. The trail is just wide enough for two people. Invite your significant other or a friend on a peaceful June evening, let the sun frame the surroundings, and savor the moment. Perhaps you can impress them with your knowledge of the archipelago off the coast of Bodø? You’ll find a cheat sheet in the form of a directional sign at the top of Keiservarden.

This hike is one of Salten Friluftsråd’s selected 55 attracting hikes in the region.

How to Get to Keiservarden

Drive, bike, or walk up Fjellveien to Rønvikfjellet and the large parking lot located approximately 3.5 km from the city center. There is a well-marked trailhead at the end of the parking lot.

If using public transportation, you can take a bus from Bodø city center to Vollen Sykehjem bus stop. There are multiple daily departures, and the journey takes about 10 minutes. Buses heading towards Bodø have transfers available at City Nord.

You can turn the hike into a loop by taking the gravel road down and crossing over to return to Keiserstien via a marked trail near Kretjønna. On a windy day, you can seek shelter in the “Kværmannsbu” shelter at the top of the mountain. This is a nice resting spot with several seating areas under cover and a fantastic view of the ocean.