Jøatrappa (The Jøa Stairs)

From the top of Jøatrappa, up on Ramnfjellet, there is a stunning view over the western side of Jøa and the vast sea of Folla, with islands and skerries. To the southwest lies the neighbouring island of Otterøya. To the north, you can see Nærøy and Viknalandet. This magnificent nature of the Namdal coast is also the backdrop in the works of the poet Olav Duun. The viewpoint at the top is therefore named the Olav Duun Plateau. Jøatrappa is built and maintained by volunteers from Jøa IL.

Hike description:

The hike begins at the large car park down by Brakstadvågen, which also has an open sanitary facility from April to mid-October. From there, we walk 350 metres along the road up Brakstadbrekka. After that, we continue on a 160-metre boardwalk (double planks) path leading to the stairs. Jøatrappa, made of wood, winds its way up the Ramnfjell slope with several resting spots and viewpoints along the way. Once at the top of Ramnfjellet, after 932 steps, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Namdal coast. By this point, you will have covered approximately 1,000 metres and gained about 200 metres in elevation. The hike takes around 30 minutes to complete. The company Tresteg has built the staircase, which is 1 metre wide and has handrails on both sides. Anyone who enjoys hiking in forests and countryside can manage the stairs. If you’re not as steady on your feet, you might want to go with someone else. The oldest person to climb the stairs was 91 years old.

400 metres further into the mountain, there is another nice resting spot with a view over the cultural landscape at Brakstad, Skokkjerringas’ wild peaks, Follahavet, and the neighbouring municipality of Nærøysund. The path we started on is the 5 km-long Eventyrstien (Fairy Tale Path) which continues across all of Ramnfjellet, Grønnlihøgda, and Dunafjellet, ending at the car park at Svarvan/Dun. The path is probably at its most beautiful when walked from east to west – towards the open sea.

Access / How to find the starting point for the hike:

If you’re arriving by ferry to Seierstad, follow the signs to Jøatrappa. From the ferry terminal to the car park at Brakstadvågen is 10 km. The parking fee, NOK 60, goes towards Jøa IL’s maintenance and operation of the stairs, paths, car parks, and sanitary facilities. It is recommended to use the stairs and paths from April to mid-October. Spiked shoes can damage the wood. Welcome to Jøatrappa, where each step offers a health and nature experience!