Text: Frederik Amundsen
A fifteen minute drive from Skjolden by the Sognefjord and we are at Turtagrø mountain hotel in the Sognefjellet Mountains in the Jotunheimen National Park.
24 peaks above 2000 metres
We are close to some of Norway’s tallest mountains in the Hurrungane mountain formations, with 24 peaks over 2000 metres above sea level. We are ready to join our new Swedish friends for a real mountain hike.
Anders Löwgren (44) and his son Daniel Löwgren (14) drove from Sweden a couple of days ago to spend a week in the Norwegian fjords and mountains:
- Tomorrow we are doing a really hard hike, and today we are looking forward to hike with you towards the Styggebreen Glacier and the dramatic mountain formations of Hurrungane just behind it, says Löwgren.
Our guide Sigurd from Norgesguidene hand out the equipment and talks about the area and soon we are on our way. The first part is easy, following a mountain dirt road. After a couple of kilometres we start the hard part, walking steep up hill.
Easily accessible mountains
Not everyone is in the best of shape and just some 50 metres from the top of this ascent, we need a break. Our Swedish friends seem almost chocked.
- Are you not excited to see what is over the top, just right in front of us, asks Löwgren.
The journalist is definitely excited, but the need for oxygen is greater at this point. A ten minute break is enough, and when we reach the top, with the sight of the Styggebreen Glacier and the Hurrungane mountain peaks ahead of us, we are amazed to the point we start laughing.
- This is as close as we get to the Alps in Norway, says Sigurd the guide.
We have hiked for less than two hours, and then we are in the middle of dramatic mountain peaks, heading for a glacier.
30 minutes later we put on our glacier gear, and walk on the Styggebreen Glacier. The glacier moves and changes structure all the time, so it is strongly recommended to this only with a local guide.
Soon we are heading back the same way, exciting to go kayaking on the Sognefjord in just a couple of hours.
When to travel
Hiking starts in the end of June when the skiing season ends, and lasts till early October, when the skiing season is about to start again. You can walk from cabin to cabin, or use Turtagrø as your base to explore the 24 peaks over 2000 metres above sea level.
Who can join
This hike is recommended for those who usually do some training, but you don’t need to be an athlete. There are both harder and easier trips to choose from in the area. See Turtagrø's tour suggestions.
Getting here and around
Travelling to the Sognefjord area by bus or car is a two to three-hour drive from Bergen, four to five hours from Oslo and five to six hours from Trondheim. There are several boats and ferries on the Sognefjord and there is an airport in Sogndal. Turtagrø mountain hotel is located a 15-20 minute drive from. Skjolden, in the inner part of the Sognefjord. Find detailed travel information.
Where to stay
There are different alternatives in Skjolden by the Sognefjord, and the Turtagrø Mountian Hotel is right in the middle of it all, and a perfect base for exploring the mountains.