Galdhøpiggen

Overview

North Side of Galdhøpiggen

Galdhøpiggen is located in the beautiful Jutunheimen National Park in the Southern half of Norway. It is the highest peak in Norway, Scandinavia, and the Nordic Countries although it is only five metres higher than nearby Glittertind. The mountain is probably the most popular peak to climb in Norway due to its elevation and the fact that it is technically straightforward with no real mountaineering skills required.

The mountain is surrounded on three sides by expansive glacier with the exception being to the East. The Styggebrean Glacier lies to the North, the Svellnosbrean Glacier to the south, and the Storejuvbrean Glacier to the West. The Eastern approach from Spiterstulen is the easiest due to the minimal contact with glacier, with the Styggebrean Glacier being the most popular glacial approach from the North.

For many years, Norwegians did not know that Galdhøpiggen was their highest summit and hence no attempts were made on the summit. This honor was granted to Snøhetta, the highest peak outside the Jutenheimen range, in the Dovrefjell range. In 1844 the geologist and mountaineer, Baltazar Mathias Keilhau, made two unsuccessful attempts to reach the summit of Galdopiggen. On one of these he reached a subsidiary summit to the West of the main summit which he named Keilhaus topp (2,355 m), but the terrible weather forced his company to descend. In 1850 three men from Lom reached the summit, the guide Steinar Sulheim, the local teacher Arnesen and the church warden Flotten.

Galdhøpiggen as viewed from Store Tverråtinden to the South

Overview of Routes

East Ridge from Spiterstulen

The route from Spiterstulen is a straight forward and non-technical 1400m climb. It takes around four hours to climb Galdhøpiggen with two hours required for descent. The majority of the route is across rock or snow depending on the season. There are some small sections of the glacier to cross close to the summit and crampons may be required, particularly if the ice is exposed. Knowledge of weather and sure-footedness on scree and boulder terrain are the main requirements.

Climb to second peak Keihaus topp on route to Galdhøpiggen

Short distance below the summit of Galdhøpiggen

Summit of Galdhøpiggen with the Styggebrean glacier leading off to the right

Northern Approach via the Styggebrean Glacier

Another popular route begins at the Juvashytta lodge (altitude 1840m) to the North-East. This is the shortest route to the summit with an ascent of justy 600m, crossing the Styggebrean Glacier. As with nearly any glacier, there may be crevasses and rope is required if there is snow coverage that may conceal these. Having traversed the Styggebrean Glacier the route climbs an easy rocky ridge to the summit. Guides are available at Juvashytta.

Start of the Styggebrean Glacier

Sign at the edge of the Styggebrean Glacier

View across the Styggebrean Glacier to Glittertind (2464m)

 

Galdhøpiggen as seen from Veslepiggen

Western Approach from Geitsætre

A longer route that avoids weekend crowds and adds interest in the process. Starting from Geitsætre in Leirdalen, the route follows the Nørdre Illåe up to the Nørdre Illåbrean Glacier. Ascend North up to the Illåbandet band that separates Storjuvbrean Glacier from Nørdre Illåbrean Glacier. Cross the Storjuvbrean Glacier to the East and climb up "Porten", a couloir between Galdhøpiggen and Vetlepiggen. Continue East towards the Styggebrean Glacier to join the route from Juvasshytta.

Ymmelstinden-Storjuvtinden-Galdhøpiggen Ridge Traverse

From the Styggebrean Glacier, climb Ymmelstinden (2304m), traverse to Storjuvtinden (2344m), and then continue along the ridge to Galdhøpiggen's summit. This is a classic ridge mountaineering traverse where ropes are required for security. Rated UIAA III.

Views from Summit

View South

View West

View North-East

Getting There

The mountain lies in the heart of Norway equidistant from Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. Lom is the gateway town for Jotunheimen. Nor-Way has about five buses a day from Oslo which go via Oslo Gardermoen airport. NSB have trains from Oslo to Otto from where there are connecting buses to make the short ride to Lom. Bus times coordinate with train arrival times. From Oslo take the E6 to Otta (308km) then Road 15 to Lom (64km). From Lom take Highway 55 (Sognefjell Mountain Road) and then turn off for either Spiterstulen, Juvashytta, or Leirvassbu (for Geitsætre). All are sign-posted. In the summer there are buses that travel along Highway 55 between Lom and Sogndal. Out of season you will need your own transport otherwise prepared to hitch (or walk!).

Map of Norway showing location of Jutenheimen

Map of Jutenheimen showing Galdhøpiggen and other peaks

Red Tape

View from East

There are is no red tape for climbing in Norway.

The peak falls within the Jotunheimen National Park and you must observe park rules.

There is a 50 Kr fee for cars using either the roads to Spiterstulen or Geitsætre.

Remember not to camp too near buildings (see Camping and Accommodation section below)

Norway is an easy country to visit. Visas are not required for most nationalities but check your embassy if in doubt.

Mountain Conditions

Moon over Galdhøpiggen's summit

Weather Forcasts for Spiterstulen and Galdhøpiggen

Skiinfo.com has a five day weather forecast and webcam from the ski centre

When To Climb

All 12 months are possible, but few people go in November-February because it´s so dark and cold. Cross-country skiing in the Easter is popular. The summer months are most popular due the temperate weather and longer hours of light.

The mountain is extremely popular and it is not recommended to climb during summer weekends or public holidays if you want to avoid large crowds.

Camping & Accommodation

Spiterstulen (1100m)

Spiterstulen Hut

Wild camping is legal in Norway meaning those on a budget can minimise the expensive costs by taking a tent. You are not allowed to camp within 150m of roads or buildings however. In the Spiterstulen area the rule is slightly different. You must either camp on the campsite on the east side of the footbridge (50 Kr per night) or camp over 1km away. Camping within 1km may prompt a visit from Spiterstulen staff to collect a camping fee.

Lodges

Spiterstulen Lodge
Staffed private lodge with 120 beds.
Season: About 1st May to mid-October
Email: post@spiterstulen.no
Tel: +47 61 21 14 80
Fax: +47 61 21 19 72

Juvasshytta lodge
Email: post@juvasshytta.no
Tel: +47 61 21 15 50

There is no accommodation at Geitsætre.

Maps

Suitable maps are easy to purchase in Norway. Most book shops and DNT offices sell maps. The tourist office in Lom can also sell you maps. These are the maps I used but there are others.

Turkarta Nr.2655 Galdhøpiggen 1:25 000
Turkarta Nr.2502 Jotunheimen Vest 1:50 000

The Galdhøpiggen Summer Ski Centre

The Galdhøpiggen Summer Ski Centre a single ski slope that descends the Juvbreen glacier located near to the Juvasshytta lodge. The ski run is also in close proximity to the summit of Galdhøpiggen. The ski season here lasts between May/June to mid-November. The slope is well suited for Alpine, Telemark and Snowboard. There is a single T-bar lift which climbs from 1850m to 2200m in altitude and 1400m horizontally.

External Links

Westcoastpeaks.com has some excellent info and a trip report.

Tilltops has lots of information on Jutenheimen including hiking routes and weather reports

Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction

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kermorvan - Mar 16, 2005 10:39 am - Hasn't voted

Untitled Comment

Look at the topographic map for illustration. Hiking and climbing routes are marked according type (glacier, rock, walls...)

The Jambo - Dec 9, 2007 8:36 am - Hasn't voted

Guidebooks

There are two English language guidebooks that cover Galdhopiggen: A. Dyer et al's guidebook "Walks and Scrambles in Norway" ISBN 978-1904466253. Bernhard Pollmann's "Norway South" also covers it, but is out-of-print and is more difficult to find (ISBN 978-3763348077).

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