Jotunheimen National Park Hiking Guide

Jotunheimen National Park sits in the heart of southern Norway and lives up to its name as the "Home of the Giants." This is Norway's most dramatic mountain region, containing the country's highest concentration of peaks above 2,000 metres, including Norway's two tallest summits: Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m) and Glittertind (2,465 m).

The park became world-famous through the Besseggen Ridge, one of Scandinavia's most iconic hikes, where turquoise and deep-blue lakes create unforgettable views from a knife-edge ridge. Beyond Besseggen, Jotunheimen offers jagged peaks, active glaciers, and pristine alpine valleys that define Norway's mountain character.

Many spectacular viewpoints are reachable on day hikes, and the extensive cabin network makes multi-day routes accessible even for hikers who don't want to camp. From first-time mountain hikers tackling Besseggen to experienced trekkers summiting Norway's highest peaks, Jotunheimen delivers genuine alpine experiences in Europe's premier hiking destination.

About Jotunheimen National Park

Hikers come to Jotunheimen for Norway's most dramatic alpine scenery. The park covers more than 1,150 square kilometres with the country's highest peaks, glaciers, knife-edge ridges, and turquoise alpine lakes. Well-developed trails connect traditional mountain lodges, making serious alpine hiking accessible without camping gear.

Key facts at a glance:

• Location: Innlandet & Vestland counties, Norway

• Established: 1980

• Highest peaks: Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m), Glittertind (2,465 m)

• Landscape: Glaciers, ridgelines, cirques, deep valleys, alpine lakes

• Trails: 300+ km of marked routes and maintained trails

• Wildlife: Reindeer, arctic fox, ptarmigan, golden eagle, alpine flora

The park has dramatic mountain architecture but remains surprisingly accessible with lodges, ferries and marked paths that work well for moderate hikers.

What Defines Jotunheimen as a Hiking Destination

Jotunheimen combines the accessibility of Norway's southern mountains with wild alpine atmosphere at high altitude. Sharp ridges rise above glacier-carved valleys, vast plateaus stretch between peaks, and routes link mountain huts for both short stays and multi-day treks.

You can explore for a weekend or spend a full week trekking across the park. Jotunheimen delivers big mountain scenery, crisp air and expansive views.

Why Hike Jotunheimen National Park

Jotunheimen offers serious alpine terrain without extreme remoteness. The park has Norway's two highest peaks (Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind), famous ridge walks like Besseggen, and over 60 peaks above 2,000 meters. This is more concentrated high-altitude terrain than anywhere else in Scandinavia.

The well-developed hut system means you can tackle challenging routes without carrying camping gear. Ferries across Gjende lake connect trails for point-to-point hikes, and marked paths make navigation straightforward even in challenging terrain.

Weather is more stable than coastal Norway, with better chances of clear summit days. The landscape is genuinely alpine with glaciers, snowfields, and sharp ridges. This gives you a high-mountain experience that's rare in northern Europe yet accessible for strong hikers.

Jotunheimen vs Other Norwegian Hiking Destinations

If you're planning a hiking trip in Norway, Jotunheimen is one of several good options. Each mountain area offers different terrain, challenge levels and accessibility.

1. Jotunheimen National Park

Norway's premier alpine region. The park has high peaks, glaciers, dramatic ridges and long valleys with some of Norway's most spectacular scenery. Trails range from straightforward hut-to-hut routes to serious summit ascents. Best for hikers who want significant elevation, iconic viewpoints and a classic high-mountain experience.

2. Rondane National Park

Rondane is older, quieter and more rounded. The peaks are gentler and less technical, making it good for calmer landscapes and easier routes. It lacks Jotunheimen's dramatic ridges but offers more peaceful highland hiking.

3. Hardangervidda Plateau

Hardangervidda is the largest mountain plateau in northern Europe. Wide, open tundra dominates the landscape, and hiking here feels remote and wild. It doesn't have Jotunheimen's towering peaks, but the vastness is unmatched and works well for long-distance trekkers.

4. Lysefjord & Southwest Norway

Trails like Kjerag and Preikestolen offer dramatic fjord scenery and steep cliffs, but the region is coastal, wetter and much lower in altitude. These routes work well for day hikers but don't offer the alpine experience that defines Jotunheimen.

Quick Comparison

For a short, powerful alpine experience that combines classic peaks with a well-developed hut system, Jotunheimen is the best choice.

When to Visit Jotunheimen National Park

The main hiking season runs from late June to late September, when snow has melted from most trails above 1,500 metres and mountain huts are open. Temperatures typically range between 12°C and 20°C in valleys, with high routes at 5–12°C.

Early July to mid-September is the most stable period for high-altitude routes and summits.

Below is what each season offers so you can choose the best time for your trip.

Spring (April–June)

Spring arrives late in Jotunheimen. Snow persists on high routes well into June, and most classic hikes remain closed until late June or early July. Valley trails and low-elevation approaches open earlier, especially on the eastern side of the park.

Temperatures: Valleys 5–15°C; high routes below 10°C.

Best for: Early-season hikers who want cool temperatures, quieter trails and snowy valley scenery.

Good to know:

• Snow remains above 1,300–1,600 m until late June

• River crossings are swollen with meltwater

• June can be good but is still transitional

Summer (July–August)

Summer is the busiest and most reliable hiking season. Trails are fully open, lodges operate at full capacity, and ferries run daily. Days are long, mornings clear and visibility good. Afternoon showers or storms can occur but less frequently than in spring.

Temperatures: Valleys 12–22°C; high routes 6–16°C.

Best for: Classic ridge routes, summits, multi-day treks and families hiking main trails.

Good to know:

• July and August are peak season in Gjende and Spiterstulen

• Early starts recommended for popular routes like Besseggen

• Snow may linger on Glittertind's summit

Autumn (September–Mid October)

Autumn delivers some of the best hiking conditions of the year. Crisp air, golden light and fewer people make September a favourite among experienced hikers. Trails remain open until the first snowfalls, often in early or mid-October.

Temperatures: Valleys 8–15°C; high routes 4–10°C.

Why go in autumn:

• Stable conditions and superb visibility

• Brilliant autumn colours in valleys

• Fewer hikers and quieter huts

Winter (Mid October–May)

Winter transforms Jotunheimen into a ski-touring and mountaineering region. Snow covers all high routes, temperatures drop well below freezing, and terrain becomes technical.

Temperatures: Valleys –10 to 5°C; peaks extremely cold.

Best for: Experienced winter mountaineers — not suitable for normal hiking.

Good to know:

• Snow and ice persist into late spring

• Glacier travel requires equipment and training

• Many roads and huts close for the season

What to Do in Bad Weather

Norwegian mountains have sudden weather changes. A clear morning can shift to rain, wind or whiteout conditions quickly, especially at higher elevations. If weather deteriorates, descend early or return to a lower, more sheltered valley.

Lodges such as Gjendesheim, Memurubu, Spiterstulen, Glitterheim and Fondsbu offer warm indoor spaces to wait out bad weather. Valley villages like Lom and Øvre Årdal have cafés, bakeries and small shops for rest days.

Where to Check the Weather

Weather can vary dramatically between valleys, ridges and peaks, so always check updated mountain forecasts.

Best sources:

• YR.no — Norway's most reliable mountain forecast

• Storm.no — Alternative model with good wind data

• Varsom.no — Avalanche & snow conditions (important early/late season)

• Windy — Excellent for wind, storm tracking and comparing models

Best Hikes in Jotunheimen National Park

Jotunheimen offers some of Norway's most iconic trails. From knife-edge ridges to glacial valleys and classic summit routes, there's something for every hiker.

1. Besseggen Ridge

This is Jotunheimen's most famous hike and one of Norway's most iconic ridge routes. The trail climbs from Gjende lakeshore up to spectacular views of Gjende and Bessvatnet, with contrasting turquoise and deep-blue waters creating one of the most famous scenes in Scandinavian hiking.

• Distance: 13–14 km

• Time: 5–7 hours

• Elevation: +1,000 m

• Difficulty: Moderate–hard

Most hikers take the ferry to Memurubu and return on foot to Gjendesheim, finishing the steep ridge descent rather than climbing it. Early starts avoid crowds and offer the best lighting.

2. Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m)

Norway's highest peak is accessible to strong hikers via two main routes: the glacier-free trail from Spiterstulen, or the glacier-crossing route from Juvasshytta (guided only). The ascent is long but non-technical from Spiterstulen, following a rocky ridge with impressive views of the Jotunheimen massif.

• Distance: 12 km (from Spiterstulen)

• Time: 6–8 hours

• Elevation: +1,400 m

• Difficulty: Hard

Clear weather reveals dozens of 2,000-m peaks and expansive glacier fields.

3. Glittertind (2,465 m)

Second only to Galdhøpiggen, Glittertind is famous for its elegant snow dome and sweeping summit views. Snow often lingers on the summit ridge, making conditions variable.

• Distance: 16–18 km

• Time: 6–8 hours

• Elevation: +1,100–1,300 m

• Difficulty: Hard

Routes begin from Glitterheim or Spiterstulen, with the Glitterheim approach offering a gentler gradient.

4. Knutshøe Ridge

Sometimes called the "little Besseggen," Knutshøe is quieter but offers dramatic fjord-like scenery, airy ridge walking and panoramic views across the Gjende valley.

• Distance: 12–14 km

• Time: 4–6 hours

• Elevation: +700 m

• Difficulty: Moderate

This is an ideal alternative for hikers wanting ridge views without the crowds of Besseggen.

5. Utladalen & Vettisfossen

Utladalen is Norway's deepest valley, known for lush landscapes and dramatic waterfalls. The hike to Vettisfossen, one of Norway's highest free-fall waterfalls, follows a well-maintained path suitable for most hikers.

• Distance: 12–15 km

• Time: 4–5 hours

• Elevation: +300 m

• Difficulty: Moderate

This valley offers a completely different atmosphere than the high-alpine routes.

6. Gjende Lake Traverse (Memurubu → Gjendebu)

A superb point-to-point hike connecting two of Jotunheimen's iconic cabins. The trail follows rolling high terrain with constant lake views and expansive scenery.

• Distance: 10–14 km

• Time: 4–5 hours

• Elevation: +500 m

• Difficulty: Moderate

Perfect as part of a multi-day hut-to-hut route.

How Much Time Do You Need in Jotunheimen

You can visit Jotunheimen in a day, but two to four nights allows time for multiple classic routes such as Besseggen, Galdhøpiggen and Knutshøe. If you're planning several summits or a multi-day hut-to-hut trek, five to seven days is ideal.

If you want a ready-made itinerary, our guided and self-guided routes showcase the region's best hikes without any planning stress.

Where to Stay in Jotunheimen

Accommodation in Jotunheimen uses traditional Norwegian mountain lodges, DNT huts and a few nearby villages.

Most hikers base themselves at:

• Gjendesheim – ideal for Besseggen and Gjende valley routes

• Spiterstulen – perfect for ascents of Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind

• Memurubu – ferry-accessed lodge midway along Gjende

• Gjendebu – one of Norway's oldest mountain cabins, excellent for multi-day routes

• Fondsbu – great access to western Jotunheimen

These lodges provide meals, bedding (unless noted) and a classic Norwegian mountain atmosphere. They book out quickly during summer.

Nearby villages such as Lom offer hotels, bakeries, supermarkets and shops for gear or supplies.

Mountain Huts in Jotunheimen

Jotunheimen's huts are part of Norway's DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) system. Staffed huts operate during summer with wardens providing hot meals and bedding. Self-service huts remain open year-round but require DNT membership and key for access.

DNT membership provides 40-50% discount on hut stays. If staying 3+ nights, membership pays for itself. Members also get access to self-service huts for flexible route planning.

For detailed information about Norwegian mountain huts and DNT membership, see our complete guide to Norwegian mountain huts.

Camping in Jotunheimen

Thanks to Norway's Right to Roam (Allemannsretten), wild camping is generally allowed as long as you pitch at least 150 m from buildings and respect nature. However, inside the busiest areas of Jotunheimen—particularly near Gjende—camping is restricted to designated areas.

Important to know:

• Wild camping is allowed away from lodges and infrastructure

• Tents must not block trails or protected zones

• Several paid campsites exist near Gjendesheim and in Lom

• Weather can be severe even in summer—prepare accordingly

How to Get to Jotunheimen National Park

Most hikers access the park through Gjendesheim, Lom, or Øvre Årdal.

By Air

Nearest airports:

• Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) – best international access

• Bergen (BGO) – good for western approaches

• Trondheim (TRD) – north-bound entry

From the airports, long-distance buses or rental cars reach Lom or Otta, the main gateways.

By Public Transport

Buses operate seasonally:

• Oslo → Fagernes → Gjendesheim

• Oslo/Trondheim → Otta → Lom

• Bergen → Tyinkrysset → Øvre Årdal

Check timetables as schedules shift each summer.

By Car

Typical drive times:

• From Oslo: 4–5 hours

• From Bergen: 4–5 hours

• From Trondheim: 5 hours

Mountain roads may close in early winter or spring due to snow.

How to Get Around Jotunheimen

Getting around Jotunheimen uses a combination of driving, hiking and ferry transport.

Gjende Ferry System

In summer, ferries link Gjendesheim, Memurubu and Gjendebu. This system makes classic point-to-point hikes like Besseggen or multi-day hut routes easy to plan.

• Ferries run daily from late June to late September

• Online booking strongly recommended

• Perfect for linear hikes avoiding out-and-back routes

Driving Access

Main access points include:

• Gjendesheim – parking and start of Besseggen

• Spiterstulen – access to Galdhøpiggen & Glittertind

• Leirvassbu – remote mountain lodge reached via toll road

• Øvre Årdal – gateway to Utladalen

Parking fills early during peak season.

Public Transport

Public transport to Jotunheimen is seasonal and limited, but summer buses run from Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim to Lom, Otta and other gateway towns. From there, local shuttles connect to Gjendesheim.

Essential Packing List for Jotunheimen

Conditions vary widely depending on elevation, exposure and season. A flexible layering system is essential.

Recommended items:

• Waterproof hiking boots

• Trekking poles

• 25–35 L daypack

• Warm mid-layer and insulated jacket

• Waterproof jacket & trousers

• Hat, gloves, buff

• Sunscreen & sunglasses

• Map/GPS (reception limited in high areas)

• Headlamp

• 2–3 L water capacity

• Snacks & emergency food

• Power bank

• First aid kit

If you hike with us, you'll receive a detailed personalised packing guide tailored to your specific route and dates.

Emergency Numbers and Safety

Norway is safe, but mountain terrain requires preparation.

Key emergency contacts:

• 112 — Emergency services (police, ambulance, rescue)

Safety tips:

• Check weather forecasts before starting your hike

• Avoid ridges and high terrain during storms

• Carry warm layers even in summer

• Share your route with someone

• Turn back immediately if conditions deteriorate

Visitor centres in Gjendesheim, Spiterstulen and Lom offer updated trail conditions and safety advice.

Useful Norwegian Phrases for the Trail

• Hei – Hello

• Takk – Thank you

• Unnskyld – Excuse me / sorry

• Snakker du engelsk? – Do you speak English?

• Vann – Water

• Tursti – Hiking trail

• Hytte – Mountain cabin

• Jeg er sliten – I am tired

• Hvor er…? – Where is…?

• God tur! – Have a good hike!

Plan Your Jotunheimen Hiking Adventure

Planning a hiking trip in Jotunheimen requires managing hut reservations, ferry schedules, changing weather patterns and route variations. If you prefer to skip the logistics and focus on enjoying Norway's most famous mountain scenery, consider one of our supported hiking trips.

We’ll help you find the perfect tour from our curated Jotunheimen itineraries—no planning stress needed.

Tell us your travel dates, and we’ll match you with the ideal Jotunheimen National Park hiking tour.