Location and surroundings
Eikelunden lies in the Gullfjellet part of the Fjords Range, inside the wider chain of the Southern Scandes in Vestland, Norway. Administratively it is in Samnanger municipality. At 163 m, it is a low hill by Norwegian standards and sits far below the main summits of the district.
The terrain around it belongs to western Norway’s broken uplands, with a mix of rounded hills, steeper slopes and wet ground. In the local ranking it is well down the list, which fits a landscape where many nearby tops rise much higher and the relief changes quickly over short distances.
Neighbouring peaks
Eikelunden is surrounded by much higher summits in the wider Gullfjellet area and beyond. The nearest named high points listed for the area are all several kilometres away and rise far above it.
- Geitaloftet — 1,094 m, 12.8 km E
- Kvitingsnibba — 1,114 m, 15.2 km E
- Gavlen — 1,250 m, 15.5 km E
- Tveitakvitingen — 1,299 m, 17.0 km E
- Hoganova — 1,101 m, 18.3 km E
- Såta Iendafjellet — 1,260 m, 23.9 km NE
Compared with these peaks, Eikelunden is a small rise rather than a major summit, and the higher ground lies mainly to the east and northeast.
The view from the summit
From Eikelunden, the main high points within 25 km are the larger mountains of the eastern side of the area. These include Tveitakvitingen to the east at 1,299 m, Såta Iendafjellet to the northeast at 1,260 m, and Gavlen and Kvitingsnibba to the east at 1,250 m and 1,114 m.
Also within that radius are Hoganova to the east at 1,101 m and Geitaloftet to the east at 1,094 m. These are the dominant heights in the local skyline, so the summit view is shaped more by nearby mountain country than by distant lowland scenery.
The range
Eikelunden belongs to the Gullfjellet range. The highest peak in that range is Gråfjellet, which reaches 951 m and lies about 8 km north of Eikelunden. The range contains 722 named peaks, and Eikelunden ranks 462nd by elevation among them.
The broader chain extends through Norway as part of the Scandinavian Mountains, within the Fennoscandian Shield. Eikelunden is therefore a small summit in a much larger mountain system, with its local importance coming from position rather than height.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is cool and wet. The warmest month is July, at about 15 °C, while the coldest is February, at about -2 °C. Mean temperatures are above freezing from April through November.
Annual precipitation in the surrounding area is about 2,750 mm. The wettest month is December, with about 320 mm, and the driest is May, with about 140 mm. Even in the warmer season, damp ground and changeable weather are normal.
Best time to visit
The most comfortable time for a visit is usually from late spring to early autumn, when summit temperatures are generally above freezing and the ground is less exposed to winter conditions. In this area, that means roughly April to November, with the mildest conditions in July.
Because the climate is very wet, a dry day can be hard to find at any time of year. Even in summer, expect slippery paths, soft ground and fast-changing cloud and wind. A short outing is best planned with extra time for wet footing and reduced visibility.
Nature and wildlife
The hills around Eikelunden are part of western Norway’s damp upland landscape, where heather, grasses, mosses and scattered shrubs are typical on exposed ground. Lower slopes often carry more varied vegetation, while higher and wetter places tend to be open and rough.
Wildlife in this region commonly includes birds adapted to mountain and forest edges, along with small mammals and larger animals that use the wider Scandinavian uplands. In a place like this, the main natural factors are moisture, wind and seasonal change rather than altitude alone.
Practical tips
Eikelunden is a short hill outing, but the wet climate means sensible gear matters. Wear footwear that handles mud and uneven ground, and bring a layer for wind and rain. In the warmer months, check for ticks where vegetation is dense, and stay on established paths if you are walking through sensitive ground.
For mountain emergencies in Norway, call 112 for the police, who coordinate mountain rescue. Use 113 for a medical emergency. Rescue is free of charge. Even on a small hill, weather and slippery terrain can make a simple walk slower than expected.
Interesting facts
Eikelunden is a low summit in a high-relief mountain region: it stands at only 163 m, yet it sits within a range that includes 722 named peaks. Its local rank is 462nd, so it is far from the top of the Gullfjellet list.
The nearest higher major summit named for the range is Gråfjellet, the highest peak of Gullfjellet, about 8 km to the north. That contrast shows how quickly the terrain rises away from Eikelunden into the surrounding mountain country.
FAQ
How high is Eikelunden? It rises to 163 m.
Where is Eikelunden? It is in Samnanger municipality, Vestland, Norway, in the Gullfjellet part of the Southern Scandes.
What is the nearest higher peak? The highest peak of the range is Gråfjellet, 951 m, about 8 km north.
What peaks are around it? Nearby high points include Geitaloftet, Kvitingsnibba, Gavlen, Tveitakvitingen, Hoganova and Såta Iendafjellet, mostly to the east and northeast.
What is the mobile phone coverage like? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. On open ground it is often better, while valleys and ridges can block signal. Emergency calls to 112 reach services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.
When is the best time to go? Usually from April to November, when summit temperatures are generally above freezing.
What is the weather like? It is wet, with about 2,750 mm of precipitation a year, and December is the wettest month.