Jotunheimen, Home of the Giants, is the most famous and spectacular hiking region in Norway. Thanks to the hard gabbro rock, the mountains in this part of Norway are less eroded. The area counts twenty mountain peaks higher than 2300 meters, including the highest in the country: Galdhøpiggen (2469) and Glittertind (2452), both equipped with a glacier, both a feasible climb.

Great and well marked trails run between these giants. Perhaps the most famous (and busiest) path of Norway is the Besseggen ridge between the huts Memurubu and Gjendebu. This ridge is steep and exposed, but not dangerous. On the horizon is the sharp Hurrungane climbing range. Far below lie two lakes, seperated by a thin wall only: the green lake Gjende and 400 m higher dark blue lake Bessvatnet. Afraid of heights? Remember that the legendary Per Gynt dashed off the ridge on the back of a reindeer: "right along the Edge we two clove our passage through the air", Henrik Ibsen wrote.

You are surrounded by high mountains, deep valleys and dark lakes everywhere in Jotunheimen. In early summer, you will hear the roar of waterfalls and streams after every turn.

A good route through the area starts in Otta. Take the morning bus to Glitterheim, and then find your way westward to Hjelle. You can make it in one week, but when you have more time, you can climb some mountains as well. A round trip is also possible, in many variants. Again start in Otta, and continue, criss-crossing the area, to the pleasant DNT hut Gjendesheim. During weekends, buses drive directly to Oslo.

Many huts are available: Gjendesheim, Memurubu, Glitterheim and Gjendebu are staffed DNT huts. Then there are several self-service and unstaffed huts, plus several private huts. Carrying a tent is not needed.