Kvitskardtinden

With its 2,193 meters above sea level, Kvitskardtinden is Norway’s 59th highest mountain. Great views over Svartdalen bellow and Jotunheimen in the background!

Rising above the Svartdalen Valley, Kvitskarstinden is one of the well known peaks in the Jotunheimen mountain range and on the bucket list of Norwegian mountaineers that come to Jotunheimen. Accessible from both Langedalen and Svartdalen, the hike up and the views are truly spectacular. This hike requires some light crawling towards the top.

 

Interactive map of Kvitskardtinden

 

Difficulty: Challenging
Time: 5-7 hour(s)
Distance: 8 kilometers
Elevation at peak: 2193 meters
Ascent height: 1160 meters

Hike Description

Kvitskarstinden can be accessed via a couple of different routes, but the most popular one is via Langedalen Valley from Torfinnsbu. You can access the area by catching the M/B Bitihorn ferry from Bygdin (the place), and hopping off at Torfinnsbu. You'll walk through the valley of Langedal towards the Langedals Lake. From here turn right and walk toward the peak, following the the Northwest ridge. There will be some remains of a glacier here but, you'll keep to the left of it.

History

Back in the day, Kvitskarstinden was considered to be the fourth and the northernmost of the Torfinnstindane. When it was first ascended in 1911 by Rolv Ødegaard, he gave it the name it is known for today. They say it got the name beacause the gorge between Mesmogtinden and Kvitskartinden was filled with snow and ice (In Norwegian “kvit” means white, “skar” means gorge or cut, and “tinden” refers to the mountain).

Nature and the Surroundings

Kvitskardtinden is part of Gjendealpene in the southeastern part of Jotunheimen, and is located in the two municipalities of Vågå and Vang. The peak marks the border between the municipalities, and also the border to the Jotunheimen National Park. Back in 1911 when Kvitskarstind was first ascended, there was a glacier between it and the Mesmotinden. Today the glacier has retreated, leaving the gorge dry.

Who is this Hike Suitable for

This hike is challenging and only suitable for those in good physical shape with previous experience for similar activities.

Season

The main season is summer/late summer. This is when the area is most suitable for trekking. To access Torfinnsbu, one needs to travel by M/B Bitihorn that runs from late June to the beginning of September.

Accommodation

Stay at Bygdin Mountain Lodge or Fondsbu DNT which are located on the opposite sides of Bygdin Lake. Or spend a night at Torfinnsbu, a self-service DNT cabin right at the foot of Torfinstindane.

How to Get There

You can access the area by catching the M/B Bitihorn ferry from Bygdin (the place), and hopping off at Torfinnsbu.