Jotunheimen National Park

Jotunheimen, the Home of the Giants, holds the highest mountains in Norway and all of Northern Europe, more than two hundred and fifty peaks above 1,900 metres, including Galdhopiggen. It is the heartland of Norwegian hiking, laced with glaciers, sharp ridges like Besseggen, turquoise lakes and a network of mountain huts.

Background

The park covers 1,151 square kilometres in Innlandet and Vestland and holds the three highest peaks in Northern Europe, Galdhøpiggen at 2,469 metres, Glittertind at 2,452 metres and Store Skagastølstind at 2,405 metres. Geologically it is a Precambrian province, where glaciers carved valleys and peaks from hard gabbro. Lynx, moose, red deer, reindeer, roe deer and wolverine live here, and most lakes and rivers hold trout. The high pastures have served as seters for at least 1000 years. The poet Aasmund Olavsson Vinje coined the name Jotunheimen in 1862, adapting Keilhau's Jotunfjellene, the mountains of the giants. The Norwegian Mountain Touring Association built its first hut on Lake Tyin in 1869, and the national park was created in December 1980.

Source: Wikipedia, "Jotunheimen National Park"

What you'll find

• Galdhopiggen - the highest peak in Northern Europe, climbed with a guide over the glacier.
• Besseggen ridge - the classic knife-edge hike between two lakes.
• Turquoise glacier lakes - the milky blue-green tarns fed by the ice.
• The hut network - the staffed and self-service huts that make long treks possible.

When to go

The short alpine summer from late June to September, when trails and huts are open and the high routes are safe. Even then, snow can linger and weather turns fast, so come prepared.

What to expect

This is serious high-mountain country where hikes are demanding and the weather dangerous, so it rewards fitness, preparation and respect rather than a casual visit. The season is short and huts book up. Lower valleys and viewpoints give a taste for those not tackling the peaks.

Nearby

Lom with its stave church is a northern gateway; the Sognefjellet road, the highest in Northern Europe, crosses the range.

Key facts