Jotunheimen

Jotunheimen, Norge - Complete Travel Guide

Jotunheimen National Park, known as the 'Home of the Giants,' is Norway's premier mountain wilderness and the country's most popular national park. Located in south-central Norway, this dramatic landscape encompasses the highest peaks in Northern Europe, including Galdhøpiggen (2,469m) and Glittertind (2,465m), along with pristine glaciers, deep valleys, and crystal-clear mountain lakes. The park offers some of the most spectacular hiking and mountaineering opportunities in Scandinavia, with well-marked trails connecting a network of mountain huts operated by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). The region is steeped in Norwegian folklore and outdoor culture, attracting adventurers from around the world who come to experience the midnight sun in summer and the northern lights in winter. From gentle valley walks to challenging glacier crossings, Jotunheimen caters to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. The park's two main gateway towns, Lom and Bøverdal, provide essential services and cultural attractions, while the iconic Besseggen Ridge and Hurrungane peaks offer world-class alpine experiences in a landscape that has inspired Norwegian art and literature for centuries.

Top Jotunheimen

Hiking Besseggen Ridge

Trek the famous 17-kilometer Besseggen Ridge, one of Norway's most popular hikes, offering impressive views over the contrasting blue and green waters of lakes Bessvatnet and Gjende. This challenging day hike takes 6-8 hours and features dramatic cliff-edge walking with panoramic mountain vistas. The trail is well-marked but requires good fitness and proper mountain gear.

Booking Tip: Book the boat transport across Lake Gjende in advance (200-300 NOK) as it fills up quickly in summer. Best hiked June-September when snow has cleared. Start early (7-8 AM) to avoid crowds and secure parking at Gjendesheim.

Climbing Galdhøpiggen Peak

Conquer Norway's highest peak at 2,469 meters above sea level, offering an unforgettable summit experience with 360-degree views across the Norwegian mountains. The standard route from Spiterstulen takes 4-6 hours round trip and is accessible to hikers with good fitness levels. The final approach involves some scrambling over rocky terrain and potentially crossing small snowfields even in summer.

Booking Tip: Guided climbs available through local operators for 800-1200 NOK including equipment. Best conditions July-September. Check weather forecasts carefully and bring warm layers as temperatures can drop significantly at the summit.

Glacier Walking on Styggebreen

Experience the thrill of walking on an active glacier with guided tours across Styggebreen, one of Jotunheimen's accessible glaciers. Learn about glacial formation, climate change impacts, and safety techniques while exploring crevasses and ice formations. This adventure combines education with adrenaline as you rope up and navigate the ever-changing ice landscape.

Booking Tip: Guided tours essential for safety, costing 1200-1800 NOK including all equipment (crampons, harness, helmet). Book with certified mountain guides through Lom or Bøverdal operators. Season runs June-September depending on ice conditions.

Multi-day Hut-to-Hut Trekking

start classic Norwegian mountain trekking by hiking between DNT mountain huts, experiencing the traditional way of exploring Jotunheimen. Popular routes include the Glittertind circuit or the traverse from Gjendesheim to Memurubu. These treks offer comfortable accommodation, hearty meals, and the chance to meet fellow hikers from around the world.

Booking Tip: DNT hut beds cost 400-600 NOK per night for non-members (join DNT for significant discounts). Book popular huts well in advance for July-August. Carry cash as some remote huts don't accept cards. Meals available but bring backup food.

Northern Lights Photography in Winter

Capture the magical aurora borealis dancing across Jotunheimen's dark winter skies, with the dramatic mountain silhouettes providing perfect foreground elements. The park's minimal light pollution and high altitude create ideal conditions for northern lights viewing and photography. Winter activities can be combined with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures.

Booking Tip: Photography tours available October-March for 800-1500 NOK including equipment instruction. Clear nights with new moon phases offer best conditions. Book accommodations with northern lights wake-up calls. Bring extra batteries as cold drains power quickly.

Getting There

Jotunheimen is accessible by car or bus from major Norwegian cities, with Oslo being the primary gateway about 4-5 hours away by road. The main access points are through the towns of Lom (via E15/Route 55) and Bøverdal (via Route 51), both offering parking, accommodations, and services. Public buses run from Oslo to Lom and connect to various trailheads during summer months, though having a car provides much greater flexibility for accessing different parts of the park. The nearest airports are in Fagernes (1.5 hours) and Oslo (4 hours), with car rental being the most practical option for reaching the mountains.

Getting Around

Within Jotunheimen, transportation relies heavily on hiking, with an extensive network of marked trails connecting mountain huts and key destinations. Boat services operate on several lakes including Gjende and Bygdin, providing essential transport links for popular hiking routes (operating June-September). Private cars can access various trailheads and parking areas, though some roads are toll roads charging 50-100 NOK. Local shuttle buses connect some accommodations to trailheads during peak season, and many lodges offer pickup services for guests.

Where to Stay

Lom town center

Bøverdal valley

Gjendesheim lakeside

Spiterstulen mountain area

Glitterheim mountain huts

Memurubu wilderness lodge

Food & Dining

Dining in Jotunheimen ranges from hearty mountain hut meals featuring traditional Norwegian fare like reindeer, elk, and fresh fish, to more refined restaurants in gateway towns like Lom. Mountain huts typically serve filling breakfast and dinner buffets (300-400 NOK) with local ingredients and homemade bread, while packed lunches are available for day hikes. In Lom and Bøverdal, restaurants offer everything from pizza and burgers to gourmet Nordic cuisine featuring local game and foraged ingredients. Many accommodations include meals in their packages, and grocery stores in the main towns allow for self-catering, though prices are higher than in cities due to the remote location.

When to Visit

Summer (June-September) is peak season for hiking and mountaineering, with July and August offering the warmest weather, longest days, and most reliable trail conditions, though also the largest crowds. Late spring (May-June) brings fewer people and beautiful wildflowers, but some high-altitude trails may still have snow. Winter (December-March) transforms Jotunheimen into a cross-country skiing and northern lights great destination, though most mountain huts close and weather conditions can be extreme. September offers excellent hiking with autumn colors and cooler temperatures, plus significantly fewer crowds than midsummer.

Insider Tips

Purchase a DNT membership before arriving to save 40-50% on mountain hut accommodations and get access to member-only facilities and discounts on equipment

Pack layers and waterproof gear even in summer as mountain weather changes rapidly - temperatures can drop from 20°C to near freezing within hours

Download offline maps and carry a GPS device or smartphone with offline capabilities, as cell coverage is spotty throughout much of the park and weather can obscure trail markers