Jotunheimen

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View from Knutshøi towards central Jotunheimen
View from Knutshøi towards central Jotunheimen

Jotunheimen is a mountain range in southern Norway covering an area of roughly 3,500 km²[citation needed] and is part of the long Scandinavian Mountains range. The 26 highest mountains in Norway are in Jotunheimen, including the very highest - Galdhøpiggen (2469 m). Jotunheimen lies within the counties Oppland and Sogn og Fjordane.

Within Jotunheimen are the areas Jotunheimen National Park, covering 1,151 km² since 1980. The mountain range Hurrungane is inside the national park with the sharpest peaks in Jotunheimen. Adjacent to the national park border is Utladalen Nature Reserve covering the valley Utladalen and Falketind among other mountains.

At Gjendesheim, looking over Lake Gjende towards Memurubu
At Gjendesheim, looking over Lake Gjende towards Memurubu

Jotunheimen is very popular among hikers and climbers, and the Norwegian Mountain Touring Association maintains a number mountain lodges in the area, as well as marked trails between the lodges and to some of the peaks.

The image from Gjende shows a cliff trailing down into the lake. At its base there is a popular guest house called Memurubu. The picture is taken from Gjendesheim, a starting point for hiking into the mountain range. A trail following the edge of the mountainous range to the right is called Karl Johansgate (as in the main street of the capital of Norway because of its popularity).

The name "Jotunheimen" originates in norse mythology, and translates roughly as "The home of the giants".

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Coordinates: 61°38′N, 8°18′E