Jotunheimen National Park

The 'Home of the Giants', the highest mountain national park in Northern Europe, where the Besseggen ridge, Galdhøpiggen and emerald Lake Gjende offer Norway's most classic hikes.

Jotunheimen ('Home of the Giants') National Park lies in south-central Norway on the border of Innlandet and Vestland counties. Covering about 1,150 km², it is the highest mountain area in Northern Europe, with more than 250 peaks above 2,000 m, including Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m), the highest in Northern Europe, and Glittertind, the second highest. Glaciers, snowfields, emerald glacial lakes and jagged ridges combine to make it Norway's most classic hiking destination. The best season is late June to early September, when mountain huts, lake ferries and scenic roads are all open; daytime temperatures in July–August are 10–20°C, though snow can still fall in the mountains. In winter most roads are closed and the area is suitable only for ski touring. The park divides into three areas: in the east, base yourself at Gjendesheim to hike the Besseggen ridge, climb Knutshøe and take the Gjende ferry; in the north, enter the Bøverdalen valley from Lom and climb Galdhøpiggen via Spiterstulen or Juvasshytta and visit the glacier climate park, while Lom's stave church, mountain museum and bakery are worth a stop; in the west, drive the Sognefjellet scenic route over Northern Europe's highest mountain pass, enjoy views of the Hurrungane peaks from Turtagrø, and see the 275 m Vettisfossen waterfall in the Utladalen valley to the south. Getting there: it's about a 4.5–5-hour drive from Oslo to Lom or Gjendesheim, with long-distance buses in summer; there's very little public transport inside the park, so driving is easiest. Allow 3–5 days, and book mountain huts in advance. Mountain weather is changeable: hikers must carry windproof and waterproof clothing, a map and plenty of supplies, and keep an eye on the last ferry times.

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