Jotunheimen
Jotunheimen is a practically undisturbed area of majestic mountains, glaciers and lakes. The hard and unyielding rock types were formed by great pressures deep down in the crust of the earth, and later enforced to the surface. Galdhøpiggen at 2469 m altitude is Norway´s highest mountain situated within the national park. Another mountain, the icecapped Glittertind is also situated within the park being only a few metres lower than Galdhøpiggen. The most spectacular and dramatic peaks in Jotunheimen are the Hurrungane to the west.
In the national park there are several large lakes. During the late summer time the largest named Gjende is coloured by the glacial melting waters and turns into opaque emerald, in contrast to the deep-blue waters of Bessvatn 391 m higher up. The path along Besseggen, the knife-sharp ridge between the two lakes, is a well known tourist attraction.
In Henrik Ibsens´s book "Peer Gynt", a great jump from Besseggen down to the lake Gjende is immortalized. Peer Gynt makes, in his fantasy, a daring leap over the Gjendin edge astride a buck reindeer.
The cabins are open during the summer, almost all are staffed. There are also extra busses running in the summer, which takes you to the entrance points of the park. During the winter some cabins have open some weeks, especially for the Easter holiday. Skiing in this area is best in March-April. The streets around Jotunheimen have open only a period in the wintertime.
Starting points
- East: Bygdin, Gjendesheim, Fondsbu
- West: Spiterstulen, Turtagrø, Sognefjellshytta, Krossbu, Leirvassbu.
Attractions
Besseggen
The spectacular route on a narrow edge between one green and blue lake. Between Gjendesheim and Memurubu.
Galdhøpiggen – highest peak of Norway 2469 m.
Reachable from Spiterstulen or Juvashytta
Vettisfossen – waterfall
Vettisfossen has a free fall of 275 m and is Norways highest unregulated waterfall. Is situated southwest in Jotunheimen in Vetti. Recommended hiking route: From Skogadalsbøen down the valley of Utla to Vetti. On the way the track pass an idyllic high-plateau area, called Vettismorki. Possible to stay in the DNT-hut, Ingjerdbu.
Utladalen – the valley of Utla
A beautiful valley with view to one of the most alpine mountains in South-Norway, Hurrungane. The track leads on a mountain-edge with a nice sight. The route pass the spectacular waterfall, Vettisfossen.
Hurrungane
This is the most challenging area for climbers in the southern part of Norway . Here are several options for climbers and skitours.
Fannaråken – cabin of 2065 m
This is the highest DNT-hut in Norway and is situated in the alpine area, Hurrungane. Reachable from Turtagrø or Sognefjellshytta. From the Sognefjellshytta a glacier with guide has to be crossed.
Map
Jotunheimen East + West: Cover the hole Nationalpark, (Turkart, 1:50'000)
DNT - cabins in Jotunheimen
Fannaråkhytta – staffed
Fondsbu – staffed
Gjendebu – staffed/self-service
Gjendesheim – staffed
Glitterheim – staffed/self-service
Ingjerdbu – self-service
Olavsbu – self-service
Skogadalsbøen – staffed
Skagadølsbu – self-service
Stølsdalen – self-service
Stølsmaradalen – unstaffed
Tomashelleren – self-service
Yksendalsbu – self-service
Private cabins in Jotunheimen
Bygdin – staffed
Juvasshytta – staffed
Krossbu – staffed
Leirvassbu – staffed
Memurubu – staffed
Sognefjellshytta – staffed
Spiterstulen – staffed
Turtagrø – staffed
NB! The definition of staffed, unstaffed and self-service cabins can you read about here.
Transport
- From Oslo to Bygdin/Gjendesheim, Lom or Øvre Årdal: www.nbe.no
- From Lom/Otta to Sognefjellshytta/Turtagrø/Krossbu/Juvasshytta/Spiterstulen: www.ottadalen.no or call +47 177
- From Vetti to Øvre Årdal: www.skogadalsboen.com
