Mountain range in Norway
Photo: Tobias Barkskog, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Jotunheimen is one of Norway's most popular mountain areas, most of which is protected as a national park. This mountain range includes the highest summits in Norway (and Northern Europe) and some of the wildest alpine areas in Norway. While a few summits are only accessible for skilled climbers, most of the area can easily be hiked by most visitors with proper boots and fitness. Glaciers can only be traversed with a guide and proper equipment. Jotunheimen is a prime area for back-country skiing in late winter, spring and early summer.
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Late June to mid-September. The passenger boat from 1912 operates on the lake Bygdin (1058 meters above sea level) nearby Jotunheimen. Voyage between Eidsbugarden-Torfinnsbu-Bygdin.
Summer ski resort at Galdhøpiggen summit (Norway's highest), in Jotunheimen, open May until Autumn. Season depends on snow conditions.
Galdhøpiggen is the highest mountain peak in the Nordic countries at 2469 m above sea level. Galdhøpiggen is the highest mountain in Europe north of the Alps. Galdhøpiggen is in the northern part of Jotunheimen just south of route 55. Galdhøpiggen and nearby summits are surrounded by glaciers. The standard route is a moderate day hike (about 7 hours) from Juvasshytta lodge across a glacier; it must be done with a guide. Guiding begins in early June depending on snow conditions. There is also a summer ski resort at Juvasshytta lodge. Road to Juvasshytta departs from route 55 at Galde hamlet near Bøverdalen church. The Galdhøpiggen road is steep and low gear downhill is needed not to overheat breaks. This is the highest road in Norway and snowfall may occur also in summer. The more demanding route is from the Spiterstulen lodge.
Fannaråki is the 2068 m above sea level and the DNT lodge right on the summit is the highest accommodation in Norway. There was a manned meterological observatory from 1926 until 1978 and a small staff stayed on the summit all winter (the building was adopted by DNT when the observatory was abandoned). In 1943 they measured wind speed at 250 km/h. The lowest temperature ever measured in July was –8.3 °C. The panorama from Fannaråki is one of the best in Jotunheimen. Fannaråki sits on the south edge of Sognefjellet plateau is seen from the road as a distinct almost straight ridge. The shortest hike is from Sognefjellshytta, but part of this hike is across the glacier where guides are needed (available July and August). Total about 6 km and 5 hours hike. The hike from Turtagrø is steeper and more demanding but glacier crossing not needed.
By car
There are no roads within the boundaries of the national park.
By train
Train from Oslo and Gardermoen Airport to Otta 300 km north of Oslo and take bus 80km west to Lom.
By bus
The only way to travel within Jotunheimen national park is by foot or by cross-country skis. The DNT (the Norwegian Trekking Association) has a network of hiking routes with accommodation in Jotunheimen.
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