Lost hiker rescued after 17 hours in Trollheimen mountains of Norway

Arve Storvik’s long-anticipated hiking trip took a dramatic turn in the last week of August. He attempted to follow a marked route in Trollheimen but got lost multiple times, delaying his journey until nightfall transformed his hike into a nightmare.

After 17 hours in the high mountains, he was drenched, freezing cold, and feared for his life. “Arve, you are going to die,” he told himself as he lost hope. The route stretched about 20 kilometers between Vindølbu and Trollheimshytta, and despite his experience, he found himself disoriented.

Unbeknownst to him, extensive search efforts by police and volunteer organizations were underway. After a frigid night outdoors, he realized he had to call for help as dawn broke. When the call unexpectedly dropped before he could speak, he feared all was lost. Fortunately, authorities assessed the gravity of the situation and mobilized substantial resources to find the 71-year-old.

Amid his ordeal, rain fell, leaving him wet and cold. With no cellphone coverage in the area and a three-day trip planned, he was aware that his family might not sound the alarm for days.

After 17 grueling hours, the sound of a helicopter pierced the silence. It wasn’t until the crew landed nearby that he grasped he was being rescued. He remained unaware of the fear gripping his family back home in Lillestrøm.

Now recovering after two nights in the hospital, Storvik reflects on his experience, emphasizing the dangers of autumn darkness. He advises future hikers to prepare adequately with tools such as maps, compasses, extra clothing, food, and first aid kits. He has resolved never to repeat this mistake, wishing he had opted for a summer hike instead.