Jotunheimen National Park
Where trolls once roamed, now hikers climb 8,000 feetDeep in Norway's wilderness, 250 glaciers and peaks rise above 2,000m, including Galdhøpiggen mountain. Hikers trek past alpine lakes while deer and elk roam the untamed terrain.
Jotunheimen National Park covers 1,151 square kilometers in north-central Norway. The park includes Northern Europe's highest peaks, with over 250 summits above 1,900 meters. You can walk along the narrow Besseggen ridge with its 400-meter drop to Gjende lake below, stay in traditional wooden mountain cabins, or climb Galdhøpiggen, which rises 2,469 meters above sea level.
Reaching Jotunheimen National Park
You can drive to the park in 4-5 hours from Oslo, Bergen, or Trondheim. In summer, take the Valdresekspressen bus from Oslo to Gjendesheim or Leirvassbu. From Sogndal Airport, take a shuttle to Sogndal city center and connect to buses crossing the Sognefjellet mountains.
Essential Mountain Trails
The Besseggen ridge trail runs 13 kilometers between Memurubu and Gjendesheim, typically taking 8 hours to complete. Start at Memurubu after a 20-minute ferry ride across Gjende lake. The trail includes a narrow ridge with 400-meter drops on both sides, making it suitable only for experienced hikers comfortable with heights.
Climbing Norway's Highest Peaks
You can climb Galdhøpiggen (2,469m) and Glittertind (2,452m) from several starting points. The standard route to Galdhøpiggen begins at Juvasshytta mountain lodge, involving a 640-meter ascent and a guided glacier crossing. While the technical difficulty is moderate, the altitude and weather make these mountains challenging.
Wildlife and Natural Environment
Look for lynx in the valleys and reindeer on high plateaus. Moose and red deer live in the lower regions, while wolverines move throughout the park. The cold, clear lakes and rivers contain brown trout, and you can fish with a valid license.
Mountain Accommodation
The Norwegian Trekking Association manages mountain cabins across Jotunheimen. These range from simple shelters to staffed lodges with meals. You can camp anywhere in the park if you follow Norway's leave-no-trace guidelines.
Winter Activities
From November to April, ski touring becomes the main activity. The Haute Route (Høgruta) takes five days, crossing eight glaciers and seven peaks above 2,000 meters. The Galdhøpiggen Summer Ski Centre opens during summer months on permanent snowfields.
Local Food Culture
Mountain cabins and restaurants in the region serve traditional Norwegian dishes with reindeer meat, local sausages, and regional cheeses. The bakery in Lom has gained recognition across Norway for its cinnamon buns, and in the Brimiland area between Vågå and Lom, you can taste dishes prepared using traditional Norwegian methods.
