Snowshoeing in Jotunheimen Park: Walking Among Stone Giants

The Land of Europe's Giants

Jotunheimen literally means "home of the giants" in Norse mythology — and when you are among its mountains you understand why. The national park is home to 60 of the 61 Norwegian peaks over 2,000 meters, including the highest in all of Scandinavia: Galdhøpiggen (2,469m) and Glittertind (2,465m). In winter, the entire park becomes a plateau of snow and ice of incredible beauty. Snowshoeing is the most accessible way to explore it without technical mountaineering equipment.

How to Get There and Where to Stay

The park can be reached by car from Oslo in 4-5 hours (E6 highway then turn towards Lom or Gjendesheim). In winter some access roads are closed — always check Road.is (or the Norwegian equivalent statens vegvesen) before leaving. The main winter access centers are:

• Lom: village with full services, an ideal base for the southern part of the park
• Bøverdalen: access to Sognefjell, the highest mountain road in Norway (closed in winter)
• Gjendesheim: access point to Lake Gjende, partially frozen in winter

The Elvesæter Hotel in Bøverdalen is historical accommodation with authentic Norwegian alpine tradition. The DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) cabin network offers accommodation along the main trails, open also in winter with a key self-check-in system.

Snowshoe Itineraries by Level

Beginners: Lake Gjende (4h, +300m)

Lake Gjende — famous for its emerald green waters in summer — in winter becomes a plain of blue ice surrounded by mountains. The coastal trail is relatively flat with some climbs. The views of the Svellnosbreen glacier are the ultimate reward.

Intermediates: Spiterstulen towards Galdhøpiggen base (6h, +600m)

From the Spiterstulen lodge (1,100m), the trail ascends towards the glacial plateau at the foot of Galdhøpiggen. In winter you do not climb to the summit without a guide and mountaineering equipment, but the plateau at 1,800m already offers incomparable views of the glacial system.

Experts: Besseggen in Winter

The Besseggen ridge in summer is the most popular hike in Norway. In winter, with snow and ice, it requires crampons, an ice ax, and snow experience. But the solitude and the views — with the contrast between the green Gjende lake and the blue Bessvatnet lake — are unforgettable.

Essential Equipment

• Snowshoes (rental in Lom: 25-35€/day)
• Telescopic poles
• High waterproof gaiters (deep snow gets into your boots without them)
• Compass and paper map (smartphones lose signal and battery in the cold)
• Emergency bivouac sack
• Always notify someone of your itinerary before leaving