Tenting and Outdoor recreation
Share:Besides the hundreds of kilometres of T-marked hiking trails in Jotunheimen and the neighbouring valley of Utladalen, the park offers countless possibilities for climbing as well. To conquer the highest peaks in Northern Europe, professional gear and sometimes the hell of a guide is a must, both of which can be rented or hired at various locations around Jotunheimen.
During winter, ski tracks are marked with stakes and skiers as well as hikers can make use of a number of unmanned huts and staffed lodges in and around the edges of the park to spend the night. Visitors looking for more comfort have numerous possibilities, ranging from low-key cabins to luxury boutique hotels.
Though in the second half of summer Jotunheimen National Park sees its peak in visitors, you will experience no problem at all when looking for solitude and peace of mind amidst unspoiled nature. The only creatures you might encounter away from the crowds are large birds of prey, wolverines, reindeer, Arctic foxes, lynxes and, as legend goes, Trolls.
Apart from hiking, walking over ridges, exploring glaciers, rafting white headed rivers, skiing on the slopes of the Hurrungane mountains, biking past emerald green and deep blue lakes and climbing the demanding Store Skagastølstind with both ropes and Alpinist equipment, you can choose to go trout fishing or even hunt. For these last two activities, strict rules apply and licenses must be purchased.
In short, Jotunheimen is an outdoor recreation Mekka. One that can be explored by oneself or with tours organized by for example the Norwegian Trekking Association or (rafting, hiking, glacier, bicycle and (cross-country) ski) guides that can be hired at several companies around the park.
In open country in the lowlands, you can pitch a tent and camp overnight for up to 48 hours in one location without prior permission from the landowner. In the mountains the national park Jotunheimen, and in remote, sparsely populated areas, you may camp for longer than 48 hours.
Unless local bylaws provide otherwise, you must never pitch your tent within 150 metres (500 feet) of an inhabited house or cabin. Always take care not to damage young trees. Remember, you must not camp on fenced land without the landowner’s permission. You may light a fire in open country, but not in or near woodland between April 15 and September 15. Don’t damage trees when gathering wood for your fire – use old, dry branches and twigs. If you build a bonfire on the shore, don’t place it directly on rock, as this may cause the rock to split.
We have a lot of campings in and around the park: Campings in Jotunheimen National Park