Steinstind

Coordinates: UTM 32W 0622297 7222163, 65°6'1.3''N 11°36'13.6''E

Primary interests: Science, Tourism, Education

Together with Lekamøya, Steinstind is the most symbolic mountain on Leka. Rising as a high peak in bright yellow color, it is the best representative of the dunite massif in the ophiolite sequence. The top can be climbed from geosite L50, Støypet, and although the climb is somewhat steep, the view from the top is worth the effort. From here, one can see the layered ophiolite complex and the arid, lunar-like landscape coloured in bright yellow and red, together with the strandflat archipelago extending towards the horizon. On the north side of Steinstind, just by the road, there is a scientific test site where the University of Bergen has collected samples for geobiology studies. There is an on-going project to study microbial communities in ultramafic rocks, and the dunite at Leka provides a good model system.

At the top of Steinstind and the neighbouring peak of Mannatind there are archeological remains of fortresses from pre-historic ages. These are protected as a cultural heritage.

Photo: Kristin Floa