The Jotunheimen National Park, also known as the "home of the giants", is a breathtaking area with glacier peaks, Scandinavia's highest mountain, cobalt blue lakes and deep rugged #valleys. Founded in 1980, Jotunheimen National Park covers more than 1,000 square kilometres in the provinces of Sogn og Fjordane and Oppland.

The park, the oldest of three in this rugged region of #Norway, is home to the two highest peaks in Northern Europe - #Galdhopiggen and #Glittertin - and a number of other #mountains. Mount Galdhøpiggen (2,469 metres above sea level) is the bucket list destination of many visitors to the region, and with good reason. Despite its status as Norway's highest mountain, it is by far not as difficult to climb as one might expect.

In addition to its spectacular natural scenery, the park is also home to a diverse animal kingdom. #Reindeer, #moose, mink and wolverines are among the species that call the park home.

Due to climate change, numerous objects left behind by #Viking hunters and travellers over a thousand years ago have been found on the mountain peaks covered with ghostly blue #glaciers. 

Incredible #views, challenging hikes, free wild camping: Jotunheimen National Park is one of the best places to experience what Norway has to offer.

The drive through the park from Jotunheimen's gateway town of Lom is more than spectacular, a picturesque #alpine scene around every bend, but cross-country skiing (in the colder months) and hiking (in the warmer months) are the best way to experience the enormity of this vast landscape.

Skiing in Jotunheimen

The hiking season is short because of the snowfall, which makes #skiing one of the most popular activities in the park. Late winter and spring are the best times due to the return of daylight and improved road access.

Hiking in Jotunheimen

More than 50 marked hiking trails criss-cross the park and many more in the surrounding area. The main season for #hiking in Jotunheimen is from the beginning of July to mid August. The low season in June and September can also be good, but this is more dependent on weather conditions.

Experienced guides lead daily walks to the top of Galdhøpiggen, which includes a 45-minute rope-assisted crossing of a glacier. The starting point is the mountain cabin Juvasshytta, which is marked out from Route 55.

All safety equipment is provided for the day hike. However, you will need your own hiking boots, warm clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen and water.

An alternative route without a glacier hike starts from the Spiterstulen mountain hut, which is also marked out from Route 55 near Lom. With four hours, this hike is not the shortest way to the summit, but since it is glacier-free, it can be done on your own.

In the south-eastern part of the park you will find one of Norway's most famous hiking routes. The narrow Besseggen ridge runs between the lakes Gjende and Bessvatnet. One of the lakes is emerald green, the other blue. The demanding 13 km long hike has a total elevation difference of 1,100 metres and is a full day trip. But the experience you get in return is unique!