Galdhøpiggen
  • Galdhøpiggen
  • 2469 m.
  • Jotunheimen, Norway
  • Highest in Norway
  • Saddle: Highest point on the lowest Baltic to White Sea connection, 97 meter.
  • This is not along the canal which has a high point of 102 meter.
  • Primary factor 2372 m
  • Climbed in August 1961, August 1989 and August 1998

Information:

How to get there: There are two common starting points. One can drive up to Juvasshytta on a toll road or start from Spiterstulen in the valley Visdalen below. The Juvasshytta start involves the smallest vertical, about 600 m, but includes a crossing of the glacier Styggebreen. From Spiterstulen the vertical is more than 1000 m, but this trail is completely straightforward. In the summer season there will be guides leading inexperienced tourists across the glacier Styggebreen.
Route description: The route from Juvasshytta proceeds along a well marked trail (the red letter capital T painted on rocks and small cairns) to the glacier Styggebreen. The crossing is quite easy, but proper equipment should be carried or one should team up with one of the guides across. On the other side, the trail gets a bit steeper climbing onto the ridge and eventually merging with the route from Spiterstulen. The trail continues to the summit where there is a small (tourist) hut selling snacks and souvenirs.
Comments: There is always something special about the highest point in any country, Galdhøpiggen being no exception.
I first climbed this peak with my Dad when I was 10 years old. Dad had told me for several years that when I was 10, I was old enough to go to Jotunheimen with him.

The next visit was planned to be in 1992 with my son Tor and Dad, Tor would then be 10 years old. However, I decided to do this earlier, mainly due to the health of my Dad. Thus, three generations completed the same week long trip in 1989.

The third visit was a trip with both my sons. Obviously, Pål Jørgen should also ascend Norway's highest peak before he was 10 years old.

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