Located in the Scandinavian Mountains in Southern Norway in Europe, Jotunheimen is a mountainous area that covers around 3500 square kilometres. It includes the highest peak called Galdhøpiggen which is at 2469 meters. Jotunheimen connects the counties of Oppland and Sogn Fjordane in Norway; the only counties in the country. Norway is located in the extreme north of Europe, adjoining Sweden and Finland. The place is popularly known as the “Home of the Giants” because of the legend associated with its history.
Norwegian geologist and mountaineer, Baltazar Mathias Keilhau initially proposed to name the range “Jotunfjeldene”. Later a poet named Aasmund Olavsson Vinje changed it to Jotunheimen. The name suggests, ‘mountain of the giants’, in German and is inspired by Norse mythology.
Different mountain ranges
Norway is a mountainous country; some of the well-known ranges are the Valdres, Hallingdal, Caledonian Orogeny, Trollheimen, apart from the Scandinavian ranges. The ranges stretch across north-south of the country, due to its topography. Gjendesheim is the beginning point for hiking in the mountains. There is a very popular trail along Besseggen that follows the edge of the mountain. The lyngen Alps are located 300 kms above the Arctic Circle.
During most of the year, the climate varies from very cold to freezing temperatures ranging from around -8°C to -18°C in January-February; whereas the summers in July-August are mild and you can even witness the midnight sun or the northern lights. It would be a good time to visit between mid-July to mid-August. If you are an adventurer and would like to participate in winter sports you should visit in the month of January-February.
Lodging and accommodation
There are plenty of hotels, cabins and hostels in Jotunheimen, and camping is allowed almost everywhere. Most places that offer accommodation also serve food. The lodges have basic facilities for tourists, like private rooms, hot showers, restaurant meals, flexible route options, and side trips.
Jotunheimen also has a youth hostel, Bøverdalen Vandreheim. If you decide to stay at a farm you can expect a quiet, peaceful atmosphere and an opportunity to be a part of their everyday life.
Jotunheimen is well known for hiking, trekking, mountain-climbing, glacier-walking, and water sports like canoeing, water rafting, fishing, etc. because the country is surrounded by water and mountains. One can also indulge in Alpine Skiing at the Galdhoeppigen. Tourists can also visit plush gardens, galleries and plunging waterfalls.
Hike to the top of Norway in Jotunheimen National Park.
Jotunheimen National Park
Jotunheimen is Norway’s most popular national park, well known for hiking and fishing activities. If you enjoy undisturbed nature and fresh air, head to this park for an experience of a lifetime. The park covers an area of 1151 sq. km., including two of the highest peaks of Northern Europe, Galdhopiggen at 2469 metres and Glittertind at 2465 metres. Other than these two, there are more than 250 mountain peaks that rise above 1900 meters.
The National Park covers most of the mountainous region of Jotunheimen, including Hurrungane and Utladalen. However, Utladalen and its surroundings are within the Utladalen Landscape Protection Area. Geographically, the park lies in both the counties of Oppland and Sogn og Fjordane. Geologically the Jotunheimen is a Precambrian province. Frequent glacier activity has carved the hard gabbro rock massifs within Jotunheimen Mountains, leaving numerous valleys and many peaks.
Wildlife that can be found in the park includes reindeer, elk, deer, wolverines and lynx. Most lakes and rivers hold aquatic fauna. You can either take a long walk, enjoying the natural elements in the park, bike or ski, but do remember engines and other sounds are not allowed. You might want to set up a tent. Berries and mushrooms are most common here.
Essentials to carry
Weather ranges to extremes in Norway and so a traveller needs to pack accordingly. Your pack essentials should include mostly warm clothes and accessories for hiking, trekking and other adventure sports. One must pack a few woollens, warmers, rain accessories and footwear for sports.
Include at least one warm jumper, comfortable sports-shoes or warm boots with a good grip. If the shoes are not water-proof or insulated to keep the cold out, you can carry thermal or woollen socks to protect the feet from the cold bite. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is a must, as it can rain anytime.
Enjoy the spectacular view of the northern lights with Kosha.
A parka will be essential for a trip to Norway in winter. You will also need a woollen pullover and a thermal vest. It is good to wear layers when you are in Oslo since you will get warm easily once you get into a restaurant or hotel. Other essential clothing items include hats, gloves, a classic wool scarf and 2 to 3 pairs of heavy jeans, preferably black.
This gorgeous place has a lot to offer to its visitors. So if you are wondering where your next holiday should be, pack your woollens and head to Norway to create splendid memories that last a lifetime.
Still not sure about what layers to get for your cold-weather needs? Let us help you with the right layers! Call us / WhatsApp us at+91 9820999006 between 11am & 6pm IST Mondays to Saturdays.
Stay tuned for more stories! Share your adventure and experience with us by tagging us @koshatravelwear on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and use #mykoshastory