Hiking route to every single country's highest point from sea level




# About **Møllehoj**
Møllehoj, Denmark's highest point on mainland, is situated on the east coast of Jutland region. Denmark is considered a pretty flat country and this area holds Denmarks most hilly terrains.  
The Danes have been debating their highest point for decades and mountains like Yding Skovhøj and Ejer Bavnehøj are measured higher due to human activities. Møllehoj is the highest natural point and therefore considered as the highest point of mainland Denmark.
(Gunnbjørn Fjeld, 3,694 m, is the tallest mountain in the Kingdom of Denmark, situated in Greenland.)

The hike is easy and can be done even when the weather is not perfect.

# Getting there
The starting point for the trail is situated on a beach in the city of Horsens. Horsens is easily accessible by private and public transport. Horsens has daily train connections between Copenhagen and Århus. Famous Legoland in Billund is about 50 km away from Horsens.

➡️ [Point Zero in Google maps](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Langelinie,+8700+Horsens,+Tanska/@55.8603076,9.8753276,17z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x464c63b05f8ae16d:0xefea0fd66ab8b7b0!2m2!1d9.8770846!2d55.8613485!3e2)

# Trail description


The trail starts from Langelinieanlægget beach dock. It continues towards Horsens city center and passes the heart of the city. Continue towards Horsens train station and go under the tracks in the tunnel to reach Bygholm park. From here the trail will follow quiet forest paths towards the destination. The path is mostly paved and easy to walk. You will pass quiet suburbs in picturesque countryside surroundings. On 12 km mark you will find a small camping site with shelters, fireplace, toilet and access to drinking water.

After 20 km you will walk the last stretch on common roads to Møllehoj

Alternative path(s)

There are several (bit shorter) paths you could take from the starting point to Møllehoj. This path is arguably the most calmest and scenic path and it was curated by the outdoor officials at Horsens community.

# Facts and tips
-   Best season is in summer and autumn, but the route is doable year round
-   The trail surface is easy to walk or run. On dry weather conditions basic running sneakers is a good choice.
-   Bring water and proper snacks, as after the trail leaves the city, there are no stores around.    
-   The trail ends to the nearby Ejer Bavnehøj watch tower, which is Denmarks highest man made point. There is a kiosk, toilet and parking lot.




# About Halti
Halti, Finland’s highest point, is situated on the borderline between Finland and Norway. 
The trail up to Halti from the Norwegian sea is an absolute beauty. Although the trail could be accomplished by running as fast as in 4 hours, it can be recommended to take it easy and enjoy the views and heavenly bliss for a night or two.

Halti is considered as a sacred mountain by the indeginous Sami people and should be visited respectfully.

# Getting there
Birtavarre, the starting point village, is situated conveniently beside motorway E6. It has daily bus connections to Alta or Tromssa.
 
➡️ [Point Zero in Google maps](https://goo.gl/maps/crh4rgWsKkpP5jQv9)

# Trail description
The trail starts at the eastern end of Lyngen fjord, Kåfjorden. The starting point on the beach of the Arctic ocean is situated only a few hundred meters from the center of the village Birtavarre.

The first 5 km of the path follows common paved and gravel roads. When the gravel road ends, the path continues clearly towards the ruins of an old mining village, Ankerlia. From Ankerlia the path continues towards spectacular Gorsabrua, a bridge lying over the deepest canyon in northern Europe. From Gorsabrua the trail connects to the gravel road, which leads to the eastern end of the lake Guollasjarvi which is reachable also with car (at least a 4x4) .
From Guollasjarvi is a 6 km hike on top of Halti. This is the most demanding part of the trail. The trail has no clear path to follow and the surface is mostly a rough field of jagged rocks. This final stage has an ascent of 600 m, so it should be regarded as a fairly tough leg, although no climbing equipment is needed. Extra caution is needed if the weather is wet, the rocks get slippery.


**Alternative path**

As mentioned, there is a mountain road all the way up to lake Guollasjarvi. Taking this alternative is actually a longer path, because of the numerous turns the road takes. Also by taking this route, you will have to take a 4 km sidetrack, if you want to experience the Gorsabrua bridge views.

# Facts and tips
-   The actual peak of Halti mountain is situated on the Norwegian side of the border, leaving Finland's highest point on the shoulder of the mountain, just a few hundred meters below.
-   Lake Guollasjarvi is reachable by a car. It is a rough mountain road, expect for some heavy bumps. 4x4 is recommended.
-   Best season is in July/August, but also June, October and September should be doable
-   Mosquitos are present mostly in June and July - carrying some repellents is a good idea.
-   [Halti huts](https://www.retkikartta.fi/?id=1000022821). There is an open and a reservable wilderness hut 4 km below Halti on the Finnish side in beautiful surroundings.
-   Mobile connections get poor or non-existing after reaching Gorsabrua. On the top of Halti there usually is a fair mobile connection.

# Guided trailrunning trip
The first ever guided Zero to Zenith trailrunning adventure will take place on this route at August 29. – 31. 2024. (In Finnish) [Read more](https://www.wildadventuresnorth.fi/juoksuvaellushaltille/)
    






# About Galdhøppiggen

Galdhøpiggen is the highest mountain in Norway, Scandinavia, and Northern Europe. The 2,469-meter-tall (8,100 ft) mountain is located in Lom Municipality in Innlandet county, Norway. It is in the Jotunheimen mountains within Jotunheimen National Park

# Getting there
Point Zero is located in the small town of Skjolden at the end of a long fjord called Lustrafjorden. Getting to Skjolden by public transport is possible, but it should be planned carefully as there is usually only one daily connection to the town.  
The roads leading to Skjolden are mountainous, narrow, and zigzaggy. Reserve plenty of time if arriving by car.
 
➡️ [Point Zero in Google maps](https://goo.gl/maps/W6o1bDcLdSEL89bX9)

# Trail description

The route starts from the fjord end headland just nearby the Jonsok sculpture. A spectacular point Zero surrounded by the fjord mountains.

  
The first 5 km of the path follows a common paved road to the next small town, Fortun. From here the path follows the road towards Turtagro. This beautiful stretch is picturesque but tough. It's a zig-zaggy climb with a 900 m vertical ascent.  
Soon after passing Turtagro the route turns onto a gravel road and heads to Helgedalen mountain valley. When reaching the end of the valley the way follows a marked trail via Keisarpasset.  
After Keisarpasset, the route descends to another valley, Utladalen. From here you are headed towards Leirvassbu mountain lodge.  
From Leirvassbu is a 13 km rocky stretch through the valley to reach Spiterstulen mountain lodge, which is just 6 km from the grande finale.  
The final 6 km stretch from Spiterstulen to the Zenith is a certainly strenuous one. Spiterstulen is considered the base camp of Galdehøppigen, so be prepared that you are now forwarding with companions. The ascent follows a well-marked trail, though the trail is mostly rocky.  
On the top, there is a tiny mountain hut, but opening hours are uncertain.

# Facts and tips
- The hiking season starts at around mid-June and for example, mountain lodges like Leirvasbu might be closed the first weeks in June.
- The best season is in July/August, but also late June, October and September should be doable.
- The route is adequately marked (painted "T" on rocks) and can even be followed up to Galdehøppigen Zenith. The trail is mostly a visible path but can vanish for a while in rocky parts.
- The earlier in the summer you come, the more snow there will be.
- Proper hiking boots are recommended

- Gaiters can be useful when crossing wet snowfields.

- Sunglasses and sunscreen is a must.

- Mosquitos are present mostly in June - August. Carrying repellents is a good bet.  
- Mobile connections get poor or non-existing after reaching Turtagro. Proper connections exist at Leivarsbu and Spiterstulen. On the top of Galdehøppigen there usually is a good mobile connection.

- The route can be accomplished in about 12 hours by a dedicated trail runner, but taking it easy and reserving a few nights at the mountains is a truly magical experience.  
- Keep in mind that the GPX-route file is a compressed file, with straight lines. Actual walking distance might be 10 % more with all the tiny moves you make when following the trail. :)  
- If you want to make your hike a bit more comfortable, you have several nice options to get a roof on top on your way: [Turtagro Hotel](https://turtagro.no/) (15 km), [Skogadalsbøen](https://skogadalsboen.dnt.no/eng/) (30 km), [Leirvassbu](https://leirvassbu.dnt.no/) (48 km) and [Spiterstulen mountain lodge](https://www.spiterstulen.no/) (65 km)

Spiterstulen mountain lodge on the root of Galdhøppiggen has it all for celebrating your Zenith. In addition, there is a campsite and a parking lot for motor homes close to the parking lot with the possibility of electricity.



# About Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis, the highest mainland mountain in Scotland and UK, stands at the western end of the Grampian mountains in the Highland region of Lochaber, close to the town of Fort William

# Getting there
**Train:** Fort William is easily reachable by daily train connections from Glasgow (4 hours), which is a well-connected hub to the whole UK. The train is the highly recommended means of transport - the scenery on the track is beautiful.

**Car:** Fort William is well connected for people traveling by car.

# Trail description

The official Zero to Zenith trail starts in front of the Fort William old fort ruins. The starting point is situated only a few hundred meters from the center of the town.

The first 3 km of the trail passes the town's old church and soon connects to outdoor paths, which head to the Ben Nevis visitor center, where most of the people start their journey towards Ben Nevis. From this point, our trail follows the most common trail up - the mountain path. Most of the trail is covered by nicely assembled stepping stones, easy to walk, but steep. The latter part is more of a rocky road. The path is clearly visible the whole way. At the top, you see the ruins of an old observatory, which contains a tiny emergency hut. During winter and spring, the trail receives snow; taking the path requires winter equipment and navigation skills. The top and the surroundings are slender. Fatal cliff drops are in close proximity.

The trail can be completed probably in 2 hours by a dedicated trail runner, but 5 hours from zero to zenith should be the average walk up. Getting down should take an hour and a half less.

All and all, consider the path a tough and strenuous walk.

# Facts and tips

-   Fort William is considered the outdoor capital of the UK. The town holds several excellent outdoor equipment stores, so don’t worry if you forgot some gear at home.
    
-   The best season is from June to October
    
-   Proper hiking boots are a good bet for the trail, but sneakers are worn as well.
    
-   The weather can be nice and warm at the start of the trail but can turn nasty and freezing at the top. Bring along warm clothes and rain gear.
    
-   Ben Nevis hike is hugely popular and during summer time it can get crowded. 
    
-   Mobile connections are pretty good and cover the whole trail.