Jotunheimen National Park, Norway (with Map & Photos)

In the Jotunheimen National Park you will find the highest mountains in Europe, as well as a very beautiful natural landscape. It has an area of ​​3,500 km 2.

Jotunheimen National Park
Jotunheimen National Park

It was decreed as a national park in 1980, and is located in the counties of Oppland and Son Og Fjordane in Norway.

It is a well-known park as well as one of the main areas for hiking (here we find the Besseggen Trail ). It is also a great area for fishing, being active since the year 1850.

It is an ideal place for trout fishing because many rivers and lakes are located in this park.
It has more than 250 mountains that rise to more than 1,900 meters, including the 2 highest in Europe; Galdhøpiggen at 2,469 meters high, and Glittertind at 2,465 meters high.

It is a place dominated by mountains, which makes it very attractive, especially for hikers who want to explore them. It is also fascinating for climbers as Skagastølstind peak is one of the most popular.

Jotunheimen National Park
Jotunheimen National Park

But not only hikers and climbers are attracted to this park, skiers and snowboarders are also delighted because during the winter they have several marked slopes to practice their sports.

If you are an animal lover, you can also find incredible fauna. Species such as reindeer, elk, wolverines, deer and lynx live in this park. You also find valleys, waterfalls and glaciers that will take your breath away.

A recommendation before going to Jotunheimen National Park is to take the route from the center of Oslo to Gjende in Jotinheimen called “ The Jotunheim Trail ”.

You will wonder where they were inspired for such a peculiar name? Well, everything falls back on Norse mythology. They built the name from "Jotun" or "Jotner", mythical creatures characterized by being gigantic.

Likewise, "Jotner" refers to the enemies of the "Æsene" creatures, which at the same time refers to their lovers. “Heimen” on the other hand, means “home” in Old Norwegian. Finally, the full word "Jotunheimen" means " The House of the Jotun ". It is also translated as "The House of the Giants". Interesting, right?

Jotunheimen National Park Map