Snohetta

Snohetta rises to 2,286 metres from the Dovrefjell plateau and was the highest known mountain in Norway until Jotunheimen was properly surveyed in the nineteenth century. The plateau around it holds some of Europe's last wild mountain reindeer herds and a population of musk ox, reintroduced from Greenland in the twentieth century after the native animals died out, which now numbers a couple of hundred and can be seen on organised safaris. The ascent from the Snoheim lodge is a long but non-technical walk of about eight hours return, with a scree summit and, on a clear day, a view claimed to reach a sixth of Norway. Nearby stands Viewpoint Snohetta, an award-winning timber and glass shelter facing the peak.

History

Snøhetta was first visited in 1798 on a scientific trip, and it was then taken to be the highest summit in Norway, since it stands in sight of the old Oslo-Trondheim route across Dovrefjell while the higher Jotunheimen peaks were little known. The name joins snø, "snow", with hette, "hood" (Wikipedia, Snøhetta).

The landscape

• The summit view - a vast plateau panorama from 2,286 metres.
• The musk ox - reintroduced herds grazing the Dovrefjell plateau.
• Viewpoint Snohetta - a timber and glass observation building facing the mountain.
• Snoheim lodge - a mountain hut at the start of the climb.

When to go

July to September for the ascent, when the shuttle runs and the route is clear; the peak holds snow year-round in patches. Musk ox safaris operate through summer. Weather at 2,000 metres turns fast in any month.

Things to know

The walk is long, exposed and largely on scree, with no shelter above the lodge. Musk ox are dangerous and must be kept at least two hundred metres away; people have been injured approaching them. The shuttle sets the day's timing and the last departure is firm.

Nearby

Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park surrounds the peak; Hjerkinn, Dombas and Oppdal are the road bases.

Key facts