Jotunheimen is Lemonsjøen's closest neighbor and big brother - with endless opportunities for fantastic skiing during the spring.
From Easter to May 17, few places can compare to Jotunheimen with ski touring or mountain skis on your feet. With Lemonsjøen as your base, you can choose from the very top of the mountain, with snow conditions and terrain to suit all tastes. We have collected 7 summit hikes within about an hour's radius of Lemonsjøen, which we would recommend experiencing!
Head to the top of Loftet, a hike that starts at the beautiful Sognefjellsvegen road or the winter barrier at Vegaskjelet. With an altitude difference of about 1170 meters and an estimated time of about 5 hours, this hike is guaranteed to give you a good dose of adrenaline and fantastic views.
To get the most out of your hike, we recommend that you have regular mountaineering equipment and crampons. It's important to be careful on the way up and make sure you follow the right route and navigation, especially when the fog rolls in or when you're in avalanche-prone areas. But with the right equipment and proper planning, you can safely enjoy a fantastic day in the mountains.
At the top of the Loftet, a magical view awaits that will take your breath away. Here you can admire the majestic surroundings and enjoy a wonderful ski run down the large snow flanks. The descent primarily follows the same route as the ascent, but you can also choose to spread out the descent across the large flank.
Nautgardstinden (2258 m.a.s.l.) is a safe summit hike that is easily accessible from Valdresflye and part of a ridge traverse with several 2000-meter peaks. The best starting point is from Glitterheim, Bessheim/Gjendesheim or Hindsæter, and in mid-winter Russlie is the best starting point. The difference in altitude is 1260 meters and the estimated time needed is 7-10 hours round trip. It may be a good idea to put your skis down on the last steep section towards the top.
Nautgardstinden is located in Jotunheimen between Veodalen and Sjodalen and is a prominent peak with uncomplicated ski terrain. The hike is well suited for mountain skiing, and the peak can be climbed from almost all sides, except for the vertical northwest wall. From Valdresflye, Hindsæter or Russlie are good starting points.
If you have the time and energy, you can pick up several 2000-meter peaks around Nautgardstinden.
Heimdalshøe is a safe and accessible summit hike throughout the winter season, with an altitude of 1843 meters above sea level at Valdresflye. The hike takes about 4.5 hours (round trip) and has an altitude difference of about 900 meters. The best starting point is Maurvangen mountain park or the winter boom on FV. 51 (closed between November and April). You need mountain skis or normal hiking equipment, and the recommended ski equipment is mountain telemark, randonnée and mountain skis.
Heimdalshøe offers a great view into East-Jotunheimen to Besseggen and the Gjende alps. The hike starts at 1000 meters above sea level, goes up through the mountain birch forest and up towards Mollflyhalsen. The summit itself is on a large flat area and there are many "lurking peaks" along the way. The descent goes the same way as the ascent, and the terrain is gentle and clear all the way.
Experience the beautiful and exciting Sokse peak with its twin summits at 2189 meters in the middle of Leirbreen. The best starting points are Leirdalen, Krossbu or Sognefjellshytta, with an altitude difference of about 922 meters and an estimated time of 5 to 7 hours round trip. Be aware of the risk of avalanches and slides, and have normal hiking equipment + ice axe and crampons. Mountain telemark and randonnée are recommended as skiing equipment. The hike is challenging both up and down, with assessment and navigation requirements. Start from Sognefjellet and follow the twig trail towards Smørstabbreen and Leirvassbu, being careful as you walk up the snow towards the top. The views from the top are stunning, but the descent should be taken with caution. Consult with experienced mountain people before embarking on the hike.
The summit hike to Storebjørn (2222 meters above sea level) in Jotunheimen is a great experience. There are two common routes to choose from, and the hike takes about 5-6 hours round trip. Mountaineering equipment is necessary, and glacier equipment should also be considered. One of the routes starts from Krossbu on Sognefjellet and follows the twig trail towards Leirvassbu. Access is via a chute that goes from the glacier all the way to the ridge. The second route choice takes you off the twig trail just after it enters Leirbreen. Whichever route you choose, you will have a great mountain ski tour with fantastic views and the opportunity to walk on the glacier.
Rasletind is one of the easiest 2000 meter peaks to climb in Norway and a popular destination for spring skiing. It is located in the eastern part of Jotunheimen and is part of the Kalvehøgde plateau between Leirungsdalen and Bygdin. The best starting point is to follow Fv.51 to the top of Valdresflye and park at Flye 1389, 1390 meters above sea level. The difference in altitude is approx. 800 meters and the estimated time is 4-6 hours (round trip) with a total of 15 km. Be aware of steep terrain down from the summit ridge. Normal hiking equipment is recommended, and mountain telemark, ski touring, mountain skis or cross-country skis are recommended skiing equipment. Rasletind is well suited for family hikes and provides fantastic views of the peaks in Leirungsdalen.
Experience Norway's highest serviced accommodation on a summit hike to Fannaråken! The hike starts from Storfonni by Preststeinsvatnet, with an altitude difference of about 700 meters and takes 4-6 hours. Be aware of landslides and glacier equipment is recommended. Mountain telemark and ski touring are recommended as skiing equipment, as the hike is not suitable for snowboarding. Fanaråken offers fantastic views of Jotunheimen, Breheimen and Skagastølstindane. Start the hike from Sognefjellet, or from Preststeinsvatnet when the Sognefjellsvegen road is open after winter. The return trip is the same as the ascent.
Source: Visit Jotunheimen
We live in Øyer, right by Hafjell, and can't fully praise how wonderful it is to come up here and just enjoy nature and silence. There are alpine and cross-country skiing trails in the immediate vicinity, but for us, the opportunities in summer and fall are just as important. Mountain hikes on foot, fishing opportunities in all directions, and just a short trip by car, then you are at Gjendesheim, in the heart of Jotunheimen. It is also possible to rent electric bikes and boats.
- Ann-Kristin and Jonny, cabin owners at Lemonsjøen