Jotunheimen contains the highest concentration of peaks over 2,000 meters in Norway. By using the serviced DNT cabins as a base, you can spend several days exploring the summits of the country's most visited national park.
Besshøe
Distance: 22.5 km | Difficulty: Demanding
Start: Gjendesheim
Description: Besshøe (2,258 m) towers over Gjendesheim and offers views of the Gjende Alps and Norway's highest peaks. The summit is surrounded by contrasting waters: the turquoise colors of Lake Gjende and Lake Russvatnet, and the deep blue of Lake Bessvatnet.
Kyrkja
Distance: 9 km | Difficulty: Demanding
Start: Leirvassbu
Description: Kyrkja (2,032 m) is a landmark peak in central Jotunheimen. The final ascent to the iconic, spire-shaped summit is steep and airy, rewarding hikers with extensive views of the surrounding alpine landscape.
Gjendetunga
Distance: 12.8 km | Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Gjendebu
Description: A moderate day trip from Gjendebu that ascends to the Gjendetunga plateau (1,516 m), providing excellent views overlooking Lake Gjende and the surrounding peaks.
Rasletinden
Distance: 15.3 km | Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Flye 1389 parking lot (along the Valdresflye scenic route)
Description: Rasletinden (2,105 m) is an easily accessible 2,000-meter peak on the south side of the Leirungsdalen valley. The terrain is relatively straightforward and the summit provides views of the steep ridges often referred to as the Gjende Alps.
Galdeberget
Distance: 19.1 km | Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Fondsbu
Description: Galdeberget (2,075 m) is an accessible peak located east of Eidsbugarden. The trail follows the northern shore of Lake Bygdin before ascending roughly 1,000 vertical meters to the summit.
Glittertind
Distance: 6 km | Difficulty: Demanding
Start: Glitterheim
Description: A classic hike up Norway’s second-highest mountain (2,457 m). The final stage crosses the characteristic snow and ice cap at the summit.
Store Knutsholstind
Distance: 15 km | Difficulty: Demanding
Start: Gjendebu
Description: Store Knutsholstinden (2,342 m) is the prominent, pyramid-shaped peak dominating the Gjende Alps. The mountain sits in the middle of a five-kilometer ridge extending northwest from Svartdalsbandet.
Heimdalshøe
Distance: 5.2 km | Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Gjendesheim / Highway 51
Description: Situated just east of the national park boundary, Heimdalshøe (1,843 m) is a broad massif that sees fewer crowds than the busier trails west of Highway 51. The route includes a few short, steep sections but is otherwise straightforward.
Fannaråken
Distance: 11 km | Duration: 1–2 days | Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Sognefjellshytta
Description: This hike takes you to Fannaråken (2,068 m) and Fannaråkhytta, the highest staffed lodge in Norway. Staying overnight provides an opportunity to see the sunrise and sunset over the western glaciers and peaks. The route can be combined with a guided glacier crossing.
Høgdebrotet via Bukkehåmåren and Kvassryggen
Distance: 19 km | Difficulty: Very Demanding
Start: Gjendesheim (parking along Highway 51)
Description: A demanding horseshoe loop that covers varied terrain and includes two peaks over 2,000 meters. The route passes Bukkehåmåren, which features steep vertical drop-offs and dramatic views directly down into Lake Gjende.
Høgbrotet
Distance: 10.6 km | Difficulty: Demanding
Start: Fondsbu
Description: Despite its modest altitude (1,630 m), Høgbrotet is a rewarding vantage point. It is one of the very few summits in the region from which you can see lakes Tyin, Bygdin, and Gjende simultaneously.
Nordre Svartdalspiggen
Distance: 10.9 km | Difficulty: Demanding
Start: Gjendebu
Description: Svartdalspiggen (2,137 m) is a distinctive peak positioned between the deep valleys of Svartdalen and Langdalen. This is a highly recommended day trip when staying at the Gjendebu lodge.
