Above the fjord in Gratangen is a quite spectacular cabin located. On the edge of a little peak called Snolke (502 m. above the sea) are the cabin with panorama view to the fjord and the mountains in all directions. Snolke is a strange name, I don't have a clue what it means, maybe a local nickname or something on sami language. I forget to ask about it.
Since last autumn we have wanted to visit the cabin. The plan was to do the hike earlier when we still had polar night. The light in January is beautiful when the sun only colours the sky and the highest peaks.
Unfortunately the weather then was very unstable with few days of cold and clear weather. Some clouds is ok though to break up the sky and add life and contrast. Today we had waited long enough, the weather was great, blue sky and minus 14 degrees celsius. So around 9 o'clock we was on our way for todays adventure. We started by the house to the left in the picture. We met one of the persons who had built the cabin and got tips for the best route up the hills.
After heavy snow he had his doubts if we would manage to get up to the cabin, but we wanted to give it a try. He was also kind to let us park by his house. After the snowfall the parking places wasn't cleared for snow.
The result after the last days snowfall had added around 50 cm snow above the harder layer. Even with snowshoes we sank around 40 cm in the snow. Thats means excersixe, a lot of exercise after 30 minutes I was sweaty and hot. I comforted myself that this is better than walking on a treadmill in a gym.
The birchwood make patterns of shadows in the low sun.
Higer up in the hills we followed these ski trails. They make the walk a little bit easier. The trail up to the peak is around 1,5 km and 300 climb. Normally we would use around 30 minutes up. Today with all the snow I sweat for 1 hour 20 minutes, piece by piece in the snow. Afterward I feel myself quite healthy :-)
The first sight of the reward after the hard work in the deep snow.
Almost up, that give new energy ....
...to see more and more....
...until we reached the crest of the hill and we see the goal as the terrain flatten in front of us.
From here we had and easy walk to the cabin. Up here most of the deep snow was gone with the wind.
The first on top, and of course a little pose. When i can't take a selfie, other can do it for me :-)
Since around 1940 there have been a cabin up here. When the old cabin was very damaged some volunteers decided to build a new one. An architect designed the new one with big windows, wich give an excellent view toward the fjord and mountains.
Here I stand in the front of the cabin watching the fjord and the village Gratangen. The picture is a panorama made of 5 shots.
Here and below is some pictures from different angels of the cabin.
There are still some works to be done before they are finished. They plan to have finished the decor for Easter. on the floor they shall lay slate. They have also spared some of the materials from the old cabin for use on furniture and benches.
It was nice to enjoy the coffee in front of the fire togheter with the fabulous view.
The architect have made this 3D-printet model of the cabin.
Where I go....
Nero...
... follows, and "photobomb"... and I can't resist :-)
A little closer look at the mountains we can see from the peak.
A photographer alway fells behind, so I have to run....
I just have to take a couple of pictures before we heading down again.
The way down was a lot easier, 25 minutes and we was by the car.
The cabin is located on the peak in the middle. I you visiting northern Norway I would strongly recommend a trip to the Snolke cabin and peak. You find it on the 
Have a great day.
Harald
