The Jotunheim, the largest of the few regions of Alpine type on the Norwegian high plateau, extends from the Sognefjord in the west to the Gudbrandsdal in the northeast. The name Jotunheim ("Home of Giants") was coined by Norwegian students in allusion to the frost and ice giants of the Edda. Most of the mountains in the Jotunheim rise to heights of no more than 1,800-2,000m (6,000-6,500ft), but it also includes the two highest peaks in Scandinavia, Galdhøpiggen (2,468m/8,098ft) and Glittertind (2,452m/8,045ft). Since the valleys are mostly above the tree-line, they present a notably barren aspect; but the extensive views over rocky crags and fields of ice add up to a memorable experience of natural beauty. The Jotunheim was designated a National Park in 1980.
Visitors who set out to explore this grand landscape of mountains, glaciers and valleys should be properly equipped; for the weather here can change with surprising suddenness.
In the southern part of the Jotunheim there are several beautiful lakes. From Randen, on the south side of the Vågåvatn, Road 51 runs past the Lemonsjø and below Rindehøvda (155m/509ft; views), and then up the Sjodal to Maurvangen. A little to the west is Lake Gjende.
From Lake Bygdin a road (3.5km/2mi; views) leads to the Tyinholmen hotel on the north side of the Tyinsjø (area 35sq.km/13.5sq.mi; motorboat trips). On the south side of the lake is the Tyin Høyfjellshotell.
The Jotunheim is best reached from E 4 (Lillehammer to Trondheim), taking Road 15, which branches off E 4 at Otta and heads west towards the Nordfjord. It runs up the Ottadal, passing Vågåmo, with the church of Vågå (first mentioned in 1270; font of 1050), and then along the south side of the Vågåvatn by way of Randen to Lom (stave church). From here Road 55 (the road to the Sognedal) ascends the Bøverdal, with the Jotunheim rearing above the road to the left (southeast). It can be explored from numerous points in the valley.
Beyond Galdesand Road 55 continues up the Leirdal, passing the magnificently situated Jotunheimen Fjellstue (mountain inn). The road then climbs up the Breiseterdal, through grand mountain scenery, to the Sognefjell, a passage through the mountains used from time immemorial. To the left is an imposing glacier, the Smørstabbre.
Beyond the Valdresflya plateau, much of which is covered by bog, is Bygdin, with Lake Bygdin to the right and the Vinstervatn to the left. This section of road is regarded by many Norwegians as the finest pass road in the country.
Read More
Hurrungane
Read More
Read Less
Lake Gjende
Lake Gjende
Lake Gjende
