Glittertind
The second-highest mountain in Norway, Glittertind, is an impressive peak in the Jotunheimen mountain range, rising to 2,452 meters (8,045 feet) above sea level. Only slightly shorter than Galdhøpiggen, Norway's highest peak at 2,469 meters (8,100 feet), Glittertind has a fascinating history tied to mountaineering, geology, and Norwegian national identity.
Glittertind's height fluctuated slightly over the years due to a glacier cap covering its summit, which once made it taller than Galdhøpiggen under specific measurements. However, as the glacier has receded, Galdhøpiggen reclaimed the title. Still, Glittertind’s prominence and striking silhouette make it an essential destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Situated within the Jotunheimen National Park, Glittertind offers incredible views of Norway’s dramatic, glacier-carved landscapes and valleys. The ascent is relatively accessible for experienced hikers, particularly in the summer, though snow conditions and the glacier cap demand careful preparation and, in some sections, crampons. Reaching Glittertind's summit rewards hikers with sweeping panoramas of the Jotunheimen mountain range, stretching into the horizon with snow-covered peaks and verdant valleys below.
Aside from its hiking appeal, Glittertind embodies Norway’s rugged natural beauty and has become a symbol of the wild, untamed landscapes that characterize this region. Its iconic presence alongside other Jotunheimen peaks continues to draw mountaineers, making it one of Scandinavia's most treasured highlands.