About this activity
Walk into the hills above Aursfjordbotn and discover one of Malangen’s most distinctive local hikes — a short but steep route with fjord views, forest terrain and a dramatic piece of local history.
Birtehula is located in the mountainside above Aursfjordbotn, a short drive from Malangen Arctic Experience / Staff Camping at Aursfjordveien. The hike starts near the road in Aursfjordbotn, where there is roadside parking and a marked trail leading up through the terrain.
The route is approximately 4.6 km as a round trip, with around 400 metres of elevation gain. It is classified as a moderate hike, but the climb is fairly steep in places, and the terrain can be wet or uneven. The full trip normally takes around 2–2.5 hours, depending on pace and stops. Wikiloc lists the route as a circular hike with a maximum elevation of about 399 metres. Along the way, the trail follows sections of forest, open hillside and small streams before reaching the area around Birtehula. There are several good viewpoints on the route, with views over Aursfjorden, Aursfjordbotn and Malangen.
Birtehula is also connected to the story of Birte Olsdatter and Benjamin Olsen, often known locally through the Kjervik murder case from the 1700s. According to local history, Jens Olsen was reported missing on 9 June 1733, and Birte and Benjamin later became central figures in the case. The case dragged on for years before their punishment was carried out, and the story remains one of the darker historical tales from Malangen.
Suggested route:
MAE / Staff Camping → Aursfjordbotn → roadside parking → marked trail → Birtehula → return / circular route
Approximate distance:
Drive from MAE / Staff Camping to Aursfjordbotn: short local drive
Hike: approx. 4.6 km round trip
Duration: around 2–2.5 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 400 m
Difficulty: moderate, with some steep and uneven sections
Practical note: Wear proper hiking shoes and bring water. The route is relatively short, but the elevation gain makes it more demanding than it first appears. Take care near the cave and in the steeper parts of the trail, especially in wet conditions.
Photo: Wikiloc
Birtehula is located in the mountainside above Aursfjordbotn, a short drive from Malangen Arctic Experience / Staff Camping at Aursfjordveien. The hike starts near the road in Aursfjordbotn, where there is roadside parking and a marked trail leading up through the terrain.
The route is approximately 4.6 km as a round trip, with around 400 metres of elevation gain. It is classified as a moderate hike, but the climb is fairly steep in places, and the terrain can be wet or uneven. The full trip normally takes around 2–2.5 hours, depending on pace and stops. Wikiloc lists the route as a circular hike with a maximum elevation of about 399 metres. Along the way, the trail follows sections of forest, open hillside and small streams before reaching the area around Birtehula. There are several good viewpoints on the route, with views over Aursfjorden, Aursfjordbotn and Malangen.
Birtehula is also connected to the story of Birte Olsdatter and Benjamin Olsen, often known locally through the Kjervik murder case from the 1700s. According to local history, Jens Olsen was reported missing on 9 June 1733, and Birte and Benjamin later became central figures in the case. The case dragged on for years before their punishment was carried out, and the story remains one of the darker historical tales from Malangen.
Suggested route:
MAE / Staff Camping → Aursfjordbotn → roadside parking → marked trail → Birtehula → return / circular route
Approximate distance:
Drive from MAE / Staff Camping to Aursfjordbotn: short local drive
Hike: approx. 4.6 km round trip
Duration: around 2–2.5 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 400 m
Difficulty: moderate, with some steep and uneven sections
Practical note: Wear proper hiking shoes and bring water. The route is relatively short, but the elevation gain makes it more demanding than it first appears. Take care near the cave and in the steeper parts of the trail, especially in wet conditions.
Photo: Wikiloc
Practical information
TypeCulture / Nature
LocationMalangen
SeasonSummer
Duration2-2.5 hours
BookingSelf-guided
