to enjoy a variety of outdoors sports and activities along with experiencing the natural wonders that abound in Norway. It is pleasant taking the three-hour bus journey from Oslo through wooded forests, fields and farmland to this region in eastern Norway.

 

Spending time outdoors to enjoy nature is part of the Norwegian culture and way of life. It is a common practice to connect with nature and experience the natural surroundings. This is evident at the Hemsing Festival in Valdres where locals gathered to enjoy cross country skiing prior to attending a musical concert.

 

As light snow fell outside, the locals filled the old timbered Aurdal Church to listen to classical music. The peaceful countenance of this event reflected the tradition and cultural heritage of this rural region.

 

Adventure in Jotunheimen Mountains
Valdres offers tremendous opportunities to combine cultural pursuits with experiences in nature. In my interests to immerse in nature, I look for adventure in Norway’s highest mountains of the Jotunheimen. A ideal place to start my journey is at Fagernes, which is centrally located in the region. At the transportation center across from Scandic Valdres, I turned to Jotunheimen Travel https://jotunheimentravel.com/ for finding a tour to experience the natural beauty in these mountains.
The tour consists of traveling by bus to Tyin, followed by a van transfer to take the snowcoach through the mountains. This includes a self-guided snowshoeing tour followed by lunch.

 

Preparation for Winter Adventure 
In preparation, Jotunheimen Travel offers guidance on what to expect in this winter adventure. Upon booking this tour, they suggest dressing appropriately for cold weather conditions in the high-altitude mountains of Jotunheimen. This includes wearing warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy boots and bringing sunscreen and wearing sunglasses to avoid sun glare.

 

Their recommendations are helpful as the local temperature in the mountains frequently plunge well below freezing.

 

Legendary Jotunheimen
This travel adventure is within striking distance of Norway ‘s highest mountains of the Jotunheimen, also known as the Home of the Giants. The name, Jotunheimen, originates from an old Norse legend that describes this frozen, isolated land as the place inhabited by mountain giants. One can imagine mythological giants emerging and roaming to cause mischief in these high snowy peaks.

 

Mythology aside, Jotunheimen is one of the best-known areas of mountains in Norway. Noted for its scenic beauty, Jotunheimen is full of natural wonders. During the snowcoach trip, so many exciting features come into view as the vehicle moves through the snow. The scenery constantly changes as the snowcoach passes towering peaks and beautiful lakes that appear dormant and frozen in time.

 

As one of the country’s premier hiking and fishing regions, Jotunheimen’s spectacular location is ideal for outdoor sports and activities. This destination is worth visiting and experiencing this majestic landscape with its expanse of mountain peaks that stretch as far as one can see.

 

Snowcoach Travel  
Taking this historical Bombardier snowcoach in Jotunheimen is the only way to travel to this natural park in winter. This is the main form of transportation for residents, serving as the only link between Tyin and Eidsbugarden during wintertime. The vehicle’s interior is cozy, having a capacity for twelve passengers. The snowcoach operates daily on a fixed schedule, offering a forty-five-minute ride through the snowy landscape.

 

This mode of transport is one of 10 operating snowcoaches in the fleet with the oldest one a 1954 model that is still in operation.
Passengers find the snowcoach is a reliable mode of transport, even though its fuel consumption is high, using ten liters per kilometer to operate.
The snowcoach driver, Terje Kristiansen, discusses how the first snowcoach ride in Jotunheimen took place in 1961. He tells the story that the original driver, Mr. Kristofferson, was only twelve years old when he started operating the first snowcoach in the area.

 

Terje claims that In past years the weather conditions in Jotunheimen were vastly different with snow accumulation ranging 50 cm – 100 cm (1.6 ft – 3.3 ft) in comparison to present day conditions with less snow.

 

Touring the Home of the Giants
The vivid mountain scenery is breathtaking as I take this two-hour bus ride and then transfer by van to the snowcoach in Tyin.
At this meeting place, I board the snowcoach with families who are traveling to their cabins for their winter holidays. They bring their young children along with their dog and load their skis on top of the vehicle. One father explains that he is eager for his children to be introduced to riding the snowcoach, especially as they are the new generation who should experience this type of adventure. For all aboard this old 1966 vehicle, this promises to be a thrilling ride.

 

Our excitement grows as Terje fires up the engine to take us on a spectacular journey through the snow. The white capped mountains towers over the land as we steadily travel on the snow ladden path.

 

Halfway into the journey, he lets us step outside to view one of Norway’s highest mountains, Uranostind, majestically rising at 2,157 m (7,076 ft) above sea level. Other sweeping views of mountain peaks appear as we travel onward to our destination at Eidsbugarden, known as the gateway to the Jotunheimen.

 

Snowshoeing in Jotunheimen 
Upon arriving at Eidsbugarden, I am told that to enter the Jotunheimen National Park, the only way is by walking. This heightens the prospects of seeing wildlife, including moose, reindeer, wolverines and red foxes. But in this remote land the wildlife is elusive and I only observe a few lone skiers trekking through the snow in the distance. After spending some time snowshoeing, the harsh, frigid conditions curtails my outdoors activity. At this point, I trek to the DNT Fondsbu Lodge for lunch.

 

DNT Fondsbu Lodge
As part of The Norwegian Trekking Association, the Fondsbu Lodge provides trekkers with lodging in Jotunheimen. Upon entering the lodge, the host warmly invites me to stay overnight even though I am not a member. DNT entitles members to receive a key to any of their cabins across the network.
During my visit, I am offered a hot, hearty meal near the warm fireplace. The casual, relaxed setting creates a pleasant experience to unwind and share experiences with other fellow trekkers.

 

The snowcoach return journey is as impressive as the initial ride, but perhaps more dramatic in watching the sunset over the shadowy mountains. Immersing in the beauty of these stunning mountains, this extraordinary experience presents a magnificent and challenging adventure in the Jotunheimen.

 

The Right to Roam Freely in the Wilderness 
In ensuring the preservation of natural surroundings, individuals have the right to roam and travel freely in nature, according to Norway”s environmental policy. In essence, it assures everyone’s right to have free public access to the Norwegian wilderness.

 

It applies to outdoor sports and activities, including hiking in mountains and forest areas, cycling on roads and trails, and skiing in the winter. This helps to protect and safeguard outdoor recreational activities for the well-being of the people, now and for future generations.

 

For outdoors enthusiasts, Jotunheimen provides mountain experiences that offer a valuable connection to nature. The park provides many different options whether it is climbing the highest peaks or just enjoying the quiet of the mountain surroundings. Jotunheimen is one of the most astounding destinations to discover Norway’s natural beauty.

 

For further details:
Jotunheimen Travel – Phone/ WhatsApp: +47 91 11 11 30; Email: travel@jvb.no
Visit Valdres AS Tourist Office – Phone +47 61 35 94 10; Email: info@visitvaldres.no
Scandic Valdres – Phone +47 61 35 80 00; https://www.scandichotels.com/hotels/norway/fagernes/scandic-valdres