This is the first leg of the hike. It is one of the shorter legs and is pretty easy to hike, but watch out for cars! It starts out quite flat, but goes downhill starting from the 4-5 mile mark. It is about 12.5 km (7.8 mi) long, and is easily hiked in one day. As you set out from 71.172525.7844441 Nordkapp, the trail/road is generally flat, grass is sparse and the landscape is barren. On your right is a small bay that leads to the ocean. The ocean will remain on your left for a large part of the hike. At about the 2.5 mile mark, a gradual incline begins and the ocean to your left disappears. It slowly levels out by the 4 mile mark, where the decline starts. When it begins to go down, the ocean will reappear at your right in the form of a small bay. After awhile, you will see a large lake called Kjeftavatnet. From here onwards until you reach the crossing, you will find an abundance of lakes, streams, and green grass.

When you arrive at Skarsvåg Crossing, there is a collection of really nice cabins called 71.09342325.785591 Hytte Camp Nordkapp. You can reserve a camping on a booking website. You can reserve rooms with 2, 3, or 4 twin beds.

This is the second leg of the hike. Continue to follow the road until you arrive at an intersection with a sign pointing to the right saying "BirdSafari", "Gjesvaer", and camping symbols. Take a right turn here, and follow the road until you see a lake off to your left. This is the hard part. At this moment the E1 trail takes a left and goes across these hills, but trail markings here seem minimal, or to not exist at all! The map at the right shows the "supposed" route of the E1, and there have been reports of small dirt paths if you do follow the map exactly. Use your compass to do so at this point. You also may be able to find ATV tracks to guide you.

As you continue through the wilderness, you will end up at the coast on another road. Turn right onto this road and continue forward. As you continue, you will approach a sign called Sarnestunnelen. This is a tunnel, and the E1 avoids this by taking a detour to the left. Go left, continue after the road ends, and bear back onto the main road (the trail is not marked here). Continue straight. There will be a bridge, watch out for cars, but otherwise it is safe to pass. At the other side of the bridge will be a small parking lot called 70.95535825.702774 Kobbholneset Parking. There are tables and flat ground for pitching tents there as well - a good place to rest for the night. This leg is about 20 km (12 mi) long.

Finally, the leg that will take us off the island! The hiking will start getting longer from now on. The leg is 26 km (16 mi) long; be prepared to hike for around 10–11 hours today! As you get ready to go, note that today you will go under the tunnel. While it is safe, it is generally advised to wear high visibility vests and bring a flashlight. The crossing will take anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours – the tunnel is 5 km (3.1 mi) long! Once you get off the island, trail markings should become more commonplace.

Once you get through to the mainland, you will hit a series of intense inclines and declines. Firstly, you have to turn right onto a small path marked by ATV tracks. It may be hard to follow, so use the map and a compass. You will start to go up on a steep uphill, which follows a river which is challenging to cross. After the very steep uphill, you will be rewarded with an amazing view of the island you just came from that is not to be missed.

Now for the river crossing. This is the most challenging of them all - the rest are comparatively easier. After you cross the river, you will follow another ATV track which seems to be following a former power line. The trail will then steeply decline down to sea level, which leads to a bay. After following the bay for a few kilometres, you will have to cross a small but deep stream.

After following the ocean for a few more kilometres, you will leave it by turning left and going on an incline yet again. It will continue to rise steadily until it is oriented with a reindeer fence. After awhile you will arrive at your lodging for the night, Várdánčohkka. It has simple cabins that has 2 pads for 2 people, but no beds. There is also no stove and only a very small square table in the cabin.

As you approach Stohpojohka, the terrain gently descends, leading to a serene valley where the Stohpojohka Hut is nestled. This modest shelter, maintained by a local Sámi family, is open to all travelers and provides a welcome respite from the often harsh and windy conditions of the region. Inside, the guestbook chronicles the journeys of hikers from around the world, sharing tales of adventure and reflection.

• 70.60187725.0702321 Stohpojohka hut.  

This stage of the E1 trail covers approximately 20.9 km, traversing the open tundra of Finnmark. The route is remote and exposed, with minimal shelter along the way, so proper clothing and equipment are essential. Weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer. Upon reaching Hattir Øst, hikers will find a parking area near the E6 road. From here, it’s about 5 km to Russenes, where accommodations and supplies are available. A bus service from the E6 parking area to Russenes operates in the afternoon.

• 70.46864125.0684942 Olderfjord Lodge, ☏ +47 7846 3711, [email protected].  

This approximately 34 km stage of the E1 trail leads hikers deeper into the remote Finnmark plateau. The terrain consists of open tundra with minimal elevation changes, but the lack of shelter and exposure to the elements demand thorough preparation. Navigation skills are essential, as trail markings may be sparse. Upon reaching Duolbajárčopma, hikers will find a basic wilderness hut offering a place to rest and protection from the weather.

• 70.25432524.5944433 Duolbajárčopma.  

This stage of the E1 trail spans approximately 23 km, traversing the remote and rugged terrain of the Finnmark plateau. The route follows reindeer fences southward, then southwest over the slopes of Gildossoaivi, crossing a notably dry valley before ascending Holvungielas. Hikers will encounter the Leaktojavri river, which must be forded. To minimize river crossings, it’s advisable to stay alongside the reindeer fence, leading directly to the Bastingammen hut. This approach avoids the need to cross the river twice, as the hut is situated on the east side where the river is wider and more challenging to ford. At the end of the leg, you enter Stabbursdalen National Park. In October, make sure not to disturb passing reindeer herds (there are notes about this in the hut and elsewhere in the migration season).

• 70.13151324.2998274 Bastingammen. Wood-fired stove for warmth and cooking.  

This 22.9 km stage of the E1 trail traverses the remote and rugged terrain of the Finnmark plateau. The route ascends approximately 488 meters and descends around 402 meters. Ruhkkojávri is a 2.5-km² lake on the open plateau. No cabin or hut here.

This remote stage of the E1 trail leads you deep into the wild, open landscapes of northern Norway. From Ruhkkojávri, the trail follows gentle, undulating terrain with sweeping views over lakes and endless tundra. The path can be faint and boggy in places, requiring good navigation skills and sturdy footwear. Wildlife such as reindeer and ptarmigan are commonly seen along the way. Bojobeaskihytta, a small self-service hut, offers a welcome shelter at the end of the day. Expect solitude, raw nature, and a true Arctic wilderness experience.

• 69.79789724.1835595 DNT Bojobæskihytta. Alta og Omegn Turlag obetjent hytte, locked with the DNT lock. A new hut will be built in 2025, and the main hut will be closed during the project.  

Leaving the solitude of Bojobeaskihytta, the trail continues across rolling tundra and wide-open plateaus. The path is often unmarked and crosses several small streams, so waterproof boots are essential. As you approach Mollesjohka, the landscape becomes slightly more rugged with low hills and more defined valleys. Mollesjohka Fjellstue, a traditional mountain lodge, offers meals, warm beds, and a chance to recharge after the long stretch of wilderness. This stage offers a transition from remote hut-to-hut hiking toward slightly more serviced areas.

• 69.52775724.3850386 Mollisjok lodge (Mollesjohka Duottarstophu), ☏ +47 40 292 115, [email protected].  

Departing from the comfort of Mollesjohka Fjellstue, the trail ventures deeper into the expansive wilderness of Finnmarksvidda. This stage traverses vast, open plateaus interspersed with numerous lakes and gentle hills. The path is often unmarked and can be boggy.

• 69.47670724.1908897 Rágesluobbalat.  

This challenging 30.2 km stage of the E1 trail leads hikers from the remote Ragesluoppal hut to the Sámi village of Masi (Maze) in Norway’s Finnmark region. The route traverses open tundra and gentle hills, with an elevation gain of 472 meters and a descent of 535 meters . Upon reaching Masi, hikers can find accommodation at the Masi Turistsenter, which offers meals and lodging .

• 69.42576823.6301848 Badje Máze.  

This 16.2 km stage of the E1 trail leads hikers from the Sámi village of Masi into the remote wilderness of Finnmarksvidda. The route traverses open tundra and gentle hills, with an elevation gain of 214 meters and a descent of 117 meters . There are no accommodation or resupply options along this stretch, so hikers should be self-sufficient.

This 25 km stage of the E1 trail guides hikers deeper into the secluded landscapes of Finnmarksvidda to the small settlement of Mierojávri.

• 69.11659723.2451979 Mierojávri.  

Kautokeino is one of the larger settlements for quite a while. Be sure to restock supplies while in town.

• 69.01222223.04083310 Kautokeino.