Traverse of the Jotunheimen

Traverse of the Jotunheimen Overview

A walking holiday in the Jotunheimen national park, Norway's Land of the Giants

This is an exciting and challenging walking holiday, trekking in the Jotunheimen region of Norway. Known in Norse mythology as the Land of the Giants, the Jotunheimen is the biggest and most impressive mountain region in Norway. After transferring from Oslo, our first walking day is an acknowledged classic; trekking along the world famous Besseggen Ridge, which divides two lakes, one blue, the other green. This is probably the best mountain walking route in Norway. After a short boat ride we then walk through the Urdadalen Valley to reach Spiterstulen, our base for the next 3 nights. We thenhead for the summit of Galdhopiggen (2469m),  the highest mountain in Norway, before spending a day roped up, practising our glacier skills on the splendid Svellnosbrean Glacier. We will also have the option to climb the striking peak of Kyrkja (the Church) (2032m), which rises up above our hut at Leirvassbu. Trekking out towards the west we'll through some of the wildest Jotunheimen landscapes. Large boulders, long ago deposited by melting glaciers, lay dotted across the valley floor. Nordic folklore tells that these boulders are trolls, turned to stone in the sunlight. Finally we walk out towards the roadhead via the magnificent valley of Utladalen with its 200m waterfall. Following a network of good paths throughout and utilising the Norwegian's excellent mountain huts, this is the perfect holiday for those looking to trek amongst dramatic peaks, glaciers and enjoy the finest mountain walking in Norway.