The mountain sits about 27 kilometres (17 mi) south of the village of Fossbergom and about 45 kilometres (28 mi) southwest of the village of Vågåmo.

The mountain is surrounded by several other notable mountains including Spiterhøi and Skauthøi to the northwest; Steinbukampen and Veopallan to the northeast; Veotinden, Veobretinden, Austre Memurutinden to the southeast; Store Memurutinden to the south; and Leirhøi to the southwest.

Its late ascent is due to this remote location, and the rather challenging approach.

The last element is the finite form of hest which means 'horse' (several mountains in Norway are named after animals).

The river name (Old Norse: Viða) is derived from the word viðr which means 'wood' or 'forest'.