Jotunheimen National Park | (Official GANP Page)

About

Jotunheimen National Park is located in the mountainous region of Jotunheimenin the north-central part of Norway. The national park encompasses an area of 444 square miles (1,151 sq km) although the entire Jotunheimen area is much larger.

There are over 250 summits that reach a height of 6,000 feet (1,900 m) or higher. Galdhopiggen reaches a height of 8,100.4 feet (2,469 m) and Glittertind peaks out at 8,087.3 feet (2,465 m) accounting for the two highest mountains in Northern Europe.

The region is comprised of hard gabbro rock which has been cutaway by glaciers creating a stunningly picturesque landscape with panoramic views of mountains, glaciers, valleys, and various waterways that seem endless.

Gjendevatnet lake is a glacier-fed lake that sits at 3,228 feet (983.9 m) above sea level and offers emerald-colored water that reflects the mountain neighbors that overlook the water’s surface. Bessvatnet lake sits at 4,504 (1,372.8 m) feet above sea level with additional stunning views.

Wildlife is typical of the arctic regions with elk, deer, lynx, reindeer, and wolverines being the more popular species. Fishing is welcomed and most of the lakes and rivers provide opportunities to catch trout.

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The Jotunheimen region accounts for the densest collection of mountain peaks higher than 6,000 feet (1,900 m) with the two highest mountains in Northern Europe as the pinnacle attractions. The name actually means, “home of the giants.”

The region is largely undisturbed wilderness with waterfalls, rivers, lakes, glaciers, mountains, valleys, and northern lights. It is the adventures dream with challenging hikes and stunning panoramic views and endless mountain and valley terrain.

Galdhopiggen

Galdhopiggen is the tallest mountain in Norway, all of Scandinavia, and northern Europe standing in at 8,100 feet (2,469 m). Although it is not technically challenging, it is a difficult ascent of approximately 4,000 feet (1,300 m).

During the summer months, it delivers snow-skiing delights through the Galdhoppigen Ski Center. There is snow year-round but the weather is more tolerable during the summer months.

Jotunheimen National Park Trails

There are over 50 marked trails that traverse the park providing travelers with an endless opportunity to hike and explore the endless wilderness.

Besseggen Hike

This 8-mile (13 km) trail is the most challenging trail in the park. It features an elevation gain of more than 3,500 feet (1,066.8 m) and requires the entire day to complete.

Galdhopiggen Trail

Although this is the highest point in the park, it is not as demanding of a hike as Besseggen. The trail starts at 6,000 feet from the Juvasshytta mountain lodge which is accessible by car. You then trek up 2,100 feet (640 m) to the summit. It is still an adventure because you must use an experienced guide who will use a rope-assisted trek across a glacier.

Kyrkaja fra Leivreassbu Trail

This is a 5.7-mile (9.17 km) trail that leads to astounding panoramic views of the mountains while overlooking a lake. It is rated difficult and hikers should be in good physical condition. For those that embark on the journey, they will not be disappointed with the views. This takes between 3.5 to 4 hours.

Langeskavien Trail

This trail is rated difficult. It is 9.8 miles (15.77 km) out and back. The strenuous trail provides views of the remarkable mountainous landscapes. There is a good bit of elevation change. You should be in good physical condition. It takes about 6 hours to complete.

Besseggen Ridge

Rating: Challenging

Distance and Elevation Gain: 8.7 miles one way, with an elevation gain of about 3,600 feet (1,100 meters)

Description: Besseggen Ridge is one of Norway’s most famous hikes, offering breathtaking views of Gjende and Bessvatnet lakes.

The trail involves a steep climb and requires good physical condition.

Hikers are rewarded with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and the unique phenomenon where two lakes appear different colors due to their varying mineral compositions.

Galdhøpiggen Summit

Rating: Challenging

Distance and Elevation Gain: 3.1 miles one way, with an elevation gain of about 2,300 feet (700 meters)

Description: Ascending to Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s highest peak at 8,100 feet (2,469 meters), this trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hike.

From the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the Jotunheimen range. The final ascent is on snowfields, and it’s advised to join a guided tour for safety.

Glittertind Peak

Rating: Moderate to Challenging

Distance and Elevation Gain: 4.3 miles one way, with an elevation gain of about 2,400 feet (730 meters)

Description: The trail to Glittertind, Norway’s second-highest peak, offers a mix of rocky paths and snowfields.

It’s less crowded than Galdhøpiggen but equally rewarding, with expansive views over the national park and its rugged terrain.

This hike is best undertaken in good weather to navigate the snow-covered areas safely.

The Fairy Tale Ice

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 6 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 1,600 feet (488 meters)

Description: This enchanting trail leads hikers through mystical landscapes towards a glacier.

The path goes through verdant valleys and past rushing streams before reaching the icy expanses of a glacier.

It’s a magical experience, offering a mix of Norway’s best natural beauty.

The Hurrungane Circuit

Rating: Challenging

Distance and Elevation Gain: Varies, up to 12 miles round trip, with significant elevation gain depending on the route chosen

Description: For experienced hikers and mountaineers, the Hurrungane area presents a rugged terrain of sharp peaks and glaciers.

This circuit offers multiple routes, each showcasing the raw beauty of Jotunheimen’s high mountains.

It’s a true adventure, crossing exposed ridges and requiring advanced navigation skills.

Besseggen Ridge

Rating: Challenging

Distance and Elevation Gain: 8.7 miles one way, with an elevation gain of about 3,600 feet (1,100 meters)

Description: Besseggen Ridge is one of Norway’s most famous hikes, offering breathtaking views of Gjende and Bessvatnet lakes.

The trail involves a steep climb and requires good physical condition.

Hikers are rewarded with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and the unique phenomenon where two lakes appear different colors due to their varying mineral compositions.

Galdhøpiggen Summit

Rating: Challenging

Distance and Elevation Gain: 3.1 miles one way, with an elevation gain of about 2,300 feet (700 meters)

Description: Ascending to Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s highest peak at 8,100 feet (2,469 meters), this trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hike.

From the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the Jotunheimen range. The final ascent is on snowfields, and it’s advised to join a guided tour for safety.

Glittertind Peak

Rating: Moderate to Challenging

Distance and Elevation Gain: 4.3 miles one way, with an elevation gain of about 2,400 feet (730 meters)

Description: The trail to Glittertind, Norway’s second-highest peak, offers a mix of rocky paths and snowfields.

It’s less crowded than Galdhøpiggen but equally rewarding, with expansive views over the national park and its rugged terrain.

This hike is best undertaken in good weather to navigate the snow-covered areas safely.

The Fairy Tale Ice

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 6 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 1,600 feet (488 meters)

Description: This enchanting trail leads hikers through mystical landscapes towards a glacier.

The path goes through verdant valleys and past rushing streams before reaching the icy expanses of a glacier.

It’s a magical experience, offering a mix of Norway’s best natural beauty.

The Hurrungane Circuit

Rating: Challenging

Distance and Elevation Gain: Varies, up to 12 miles round trip, with significant elevation gain depending on the route chosen

Description: For experienced hikers and mountaineers, the Hurrungane area presents a rugged terrain of sharp peaks and glaciers.

This circuit offers multiple routes, each showcasing the raw beauty of Jotunheimen’s high mountains.

It’s a true adventure, crossing exposed ridges and requiring advanced navigation skills.

Sources

All Trails, Best Trails in Jotunheimen National Park, https://www.alltrails.com/parks/norway/oppland/jotunheimen-national-park, retrieved June 2020.
Forbes, Jotunheimen National Park Hiking in Norway’s Home of the Giants, https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidnikel/2019/04/08/jotunheimen-national-park-hiking-in-norways-home-of-the-giants/#155bf5d25afe, retrieved October 2019.
Jotunheimen, Jotunheimen National Park, https://jotunheimen.com/en/, retrieved October 2019.
Life in Norway, Jotunheimen National Park, https://www.lifeinnorway.net/jotunheimen-national-park/, retrieved October 2019.
Lonely Planet, Jotunheimen National Park, https://www.lonelyplanet.com/norway/central-norway/jotunheimen-national-park, retrieved October 2019.
Visit Norway, Jotunheimen, https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/eastern-norway/the-jotunheimen-mountains/, retrieved October 2019.