According to Norse mythology, Jotunheimen was once the place where the jotner – the trolls – lived.
Prepare to become spellbound, as you set foot in this massive mountain area in Eastern Norway, packed with waterfalls, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and valleys – and some of Northern Europe’s highest mountains.
Jotunheimen is a massive mountain area in Eastern Norway, covering an area of roughly 3,500 square kilometres.
Here you'll find some of the country's most iconic hikes, including Besseggen, Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind – the latter two are Norway's two highest mountains.
This area is also fantastic for cross-country and alpine skiers, cyclists and anyone who wants to explore traditional, Norwegian mountain food.
You can travel to Jotunheimen by following the E6 road from Oslo or Lillehammer, or the E16 road via Lærdal from Bergen. There are also express buses from Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim.
Three of Norway’s National Scenic Routes also pass through the area: Sognefjellet, Gamle Stynefjellsvegen, and Valdresflye.
Where do you start exploring an area covering roughly 3,500 square kilometres?
The most scenic way to enter Jotunheimen is undoubtedly via one of the Norwegian Scenic Routes Sognefjellet and Valdresflye (pictured here).
Valdresflye passes the emerald green Gjende lake.
If you want to try out one of Norway’s most popular hikes over the Besseggen ridge, this is where you should start.
Most people take the Gjende ferry from Gjendesheim to Memurubu, a scenic twenty-minute ride, and start their hike from there.
The hike takes up to eight hours and is recommended for experienced hikers only.
The ridge itself is both narrow and steep, so it's not suited for those who have a fear of heights.
Besseggen (1,743 m a.s.l.), Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m a.s.l.)m and Glittertind (2,464 m a.s.l.) are Jotunheimen’s top three most iconic hikes – the latter two being Norway’s highest mountains.
However, Jotunheimen is more than just these giants.
With more than 50 marked trails within the national park and about 70 more in the surrounding areas, you can choose between everything from short hikes to multi-day adventures.
Norwegians love their cabin-to-cabin hikes in the mountains! The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) manages several cabins in Jotunheimen where you can get a bed for the night.
Here you will find everything from the country's highest peaks to cosy hikes along mountain lakes and in lush valleys.
There are some really charming hotels here too, which elegantly belnd in with the surroundings, like Billingen Seterpensjonat (pictured here) and the Gammel-Kleppe Heritage Hotel …
… as well as cosy farms where you can spend the night, including Strind Farm and Valbjør Gard (pictured here).
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
But you don’t want to sleep the day away when you are in Jotunheimen.
Go rafting on the Sjoa, considered Norway’s best rafting river …
… go climbing, cycling, or horseback riding …
... or enjoy superb opportunities for cross-country and alpine skiing in the winter.
Snow-capped mountains. Powder descents. And hundreds of kilometres of groomed ski trails.
Few things can beat the sight of Jotunheimen in winter.
The Haute Route – Høgruta in Norwegian – is a real treat for hardcore ski touring enthusiasts. Five days, eight glaciers, and seven 2,000-metre high summits!
Don't miss these highlights.
Winter, spring, summer, autumn. Nothing tastes better than a homemade meal after an active day in the wild.
Jotunheimen has long culinary traditions, and you can find local delicacies like reindeer meat, sausages, cured meats, cheeses, and jams.
Many of the mountain cabins and hotels in the area serve delicious meals based on seasonal ingredients.
When your stomach is full, your hunger for culture can be satisfied in Lom National Park Village.
Here, you can experience famous attractions like the Lom Stave Church from the 1100s, the Lom Open-air Museum, and the Norwegian Mountain Center.
Lom and its surrounding areas are a natural hub for active families.
Enjoy a feeling of complete freedom by ziplining down the Bøvre river, reach new heights at the Galdhøpiggen climbing park, join a guided glacier walk, or go caving in the marble caves of the Dumma valley (Dumdalen).
Or enjoy the magic of winter – in the summer – at the Galdhøpiggen Summer Ski Center!
Just make sure you don’t leave Lom before you have visited the one and only …
... Lom Bakery. There isn’t a single person in Norway who heard heard about its delightful cinnamon buns. Taste them yourself and find out what all the fuss is about.
New tastes also await in Brimiland between Vågå and Lom.
The area received its nickname from one of Norway’s most famous chefs, Arne Brimi, and consists of several providers offering unique experiences – from tasty food and activities to comfortable accommodation.
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
So, what exactly is it about this wild, wild place?
Why have some of the most famous Norwegian artists, including Henrik Ibsen, Edvard Grieg, and Edvard Munch, been inspired by Jotunheimen?
Those who have been here know!
Come explore and get ready for an inspiring adventure.
Jotunheimen has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is completely sustainable, it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.
Plan your trip to Jotunheimen with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.
You can reach the Jotunheimen area with express buses from Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim several times per day.
If you want to go to Jotunheimen by car, follow the E6 from Oslo or Lillehammer, or the E16 via Lærdal from Bergen.
Three of Norway’s National Tourist Routes pass through Jotunheimen: Sognefjellet, Gamle Stynefjellsvegen, and Valdresflye.
The nearest airports to Jotunheimen are Oslo Airport and Trondheim Airport. You can travel by train from both airports to several destinations in the region.
If you prefer your own car, there are several rental car services at both Oslo Airport and Trondheim Airport.
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Otta is the nearest train station. From there, you can take local buses to several places in the Jotunheimen area.
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