Location and surroundings
Piggvola belongs to the range hierarchy of the Fennoscandian Shield, Scandinavian Mountains, Southern Scandes, Eastern Highlands, Hedmarksvidda, and finally Hirkjølen. Situated in Norway within the municipality of Ringebu in Innlandet county, it holds the rank of being the highest of 96 named peaks in the Hirkjølen range. The surrounding landscape features open rolling terrain typical of the high plateaus in this part of Europe.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate surroundings of Piggvola include several hills and peaks at various distances and directions:
- Skådalsbrote (hill), 1,080 m, 1.1 km S
- Brattlihøgda (hill), 1,140 m, 1.5 km W
- Langvola (hill), 1,000 m, 2.0 km S
- Brattlia (hill), 1,000 m, 2.3 km W
- Storvola (hill), 1,050 m, 2.3 km NE
- Famphøgdene (peak), 1,240 m, 2.5 km SE
- Kveinnbekkbrote (hill), 1,047 m, 3.2 km NW
- Rundvola (hill), 1,005 m, 3.4 km SE
Standing at 1,240 metres, Piggvola matches the elevation of Famphøgdene to the southeast and rises above all other immediate neighbouring hills within a three-kilometre radius.
The view from the summit
On clear days, hikers standing on the summit of Piggvola can spot several higher peaks in the wider region within a 25-kilometre radius. The highest visible mountains include Storfjellet at 1,415 m situated 14.0 km NW, Hirisjøhøgda,store at 1,393 m located 15.3 km NW, and Grøtøthøgda at 1,384 m lying 23.0 km NW. Other notable summits in sight are Store Kvia at 1,350 m at 8.3 km SW, Gluggen at 1,340 m at 13.1 km NW, and Prestbuhøgda at 1,336 m at 19.0 km NW.
The range
Piggvola is part of the Hirkjølen range, which is also the high point of the range itself. The mountain range sits nested within the Hedmarksvidda and Eastern Highlands of the Southern Scandes, which form part of the great Scandinavian Mountains system crossing Norway and Sweden on the Fennoscandian Shield. Within its home range of Hirkjølen, Piggvola stands as the highest of 96 named peaks.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates derived from NASA POWER data covering the period from 2001 to 2000, adjusted for the summit elevation, indicate that July is the warmest month with a mean temperature of about 10 °C, while January is the coldest at about -11 °C. Mean temperatures remain above freezing at the summit during May, June, July, August, and September. Total annual precipitation in the surrounding area is about 1,200 mm, with August being the wettest month at about 160 mm and March the driest at about 55 mm. Typical weather hazards in this elevated region include sudden wind shifts, rapid cloud lowering, and cold rain or snow even during the summer months.
Best time to visit
The most suitable period for visiting Piggvola aligns with the months that experience mean temperatures above freezing at the summit, namely May, June, July, August, and September. During these months, trails are generally clear of deep winter snow, and the drier late-winter and spring transition months can also offer stable conditions for ski touring or snowshoeing before the thaw.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Piggvola features rolling upland plateaus, alpine tundra vegetation including low shrubs, lichens, and mosses, and exposed rocky terrain near the summit. Wildlife in this part of the Scandinavian Mountains typically includes herds of reindeer, small mammals like lemmings and mountain hares, and various migratory bird species that nest in the high terrain during the short summer season.
Guides and organised ascents
While day hikes on well-marked paths or open terrain do not always require a guide, hiring a certified professional is advisable for winter ascents or when adverse weather is forecast. In Norway, visitors can look to the Norwegian Mountain Guides Association (Norske Tindevegledere (NORTIND)), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member organisation, as well as the Norwegian Climbing Federation (Norsk Klatreforbund). Established guiding companies operating in Norway include Jostedalen Breførarlag based in Jostedal and Lofoten Mountain Guides based in Kabelvåg (Lofoten). Guided ascents generally include safety equipment, route planning, and instruction, with prices depending on the duration, group size, and specific technical requirements.
Safety and preparation
The upland terrain and variable climate of Piggvola demand proper waterproof clothing, sturdy footwear, navigation tools, and emergency supplies. In the event of an emergency, the national emergency number for mountain rescue is 112, which reaches the police who task volunteer rescue corps such as the Red Cross. For medical emergencies, dial 113. Mountain rescue services in Norway are provided free of charge.
Interesting facts
As the highest of 96 named peaks in the Hirkjølen range, Piggvola serves as the undisputed high point of its immediate mountain group. The nearest higher peaks are located several kilometres away, with the wider region featuring numerous summits exceeding 1,300 and 1,400 metres.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Piggvola? Piggvola stands at 1,240 metres above sea level.
Where is Piggvola located? It is located in Norway, within the municipality of Ringebu in the county of Innlandet.
Which mountain range does Piggvola belong to? It belongs to the Hirkjølen range, part of the Hedmarksvidda, Eastern Highlands, Southern Scandes, and Scandinavian Mountains.
What are the nearest peaks to Piggvola? The closest neighbouring elevations include Skådalsbrote at 1.1 km south and Brattlihøgda at 1.5 km west.
How does Piggvola compare to surrounding peaks? It is the highest of 96 named peaks within the Hirkjølen range, while several taller summits like Storfjellet rise further away within a 25-kilometre radius.
Is there water on the way to Piggvola? Natural streams and water sources exist on the lower slopes from snowmelt and runoff, but hikers should carry 1.5 to 3 litres of water for the day as supplies on open ridges are scarce.
Are there huts on Piggvola? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
Is there mobile phone coverage on Piggvola? Mobile phone and communication masts are mapped within 10 km, with the nearest one located 9.5 km NW; coverage can be patchy in depressions but is often available on the open summit, and 112 reaches emergency services over any network.