Family Adventure in Jotunheimen National Park

Above the Clouds and Below the Ice

Today was a day of contrasts, a true testament to the diverse beauty of Jotunheimen National Park. We started our journey high above the world, soaking in panoramic views, and ended it deep within an ancient ice tunnel, learning about the secrets held within. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel, to explore, and to share these experiences with my family.

Our morning began with a hearty breakfast at Brimi Sæter. The aroma of freshly baked bread and local cheeses filled the air, a perfect start to a day of exploration. Markus was particularly excited about trying the local farm cheese, which apparently has won awards. Aino, of course, went straight for the waffles. Feeling fueled and ready, we set off towards Sognefjellet Viewing Point.

The drive itself was an experience. The road wound its way through the lush cultural landscape of Bøverdalen, offering glimpses of towering mountains in the distance. As we ascended, the views became increasingly dramatic. I couldn't resist stopping every few minutes to capture the scenery with my camera. Even Aino, usually glued to her book of Nordic myths, was captivated by the vistas.

Reaching the Sognefjellet Viewing Point, we were greeted by a breathtaking panorama. The air was crisp and clean, and the views stretched out in every direction. The peaks of Hurrungane, Smørstabbtindane, and Fannaråken stood majestically against the horizon. I tried to capture the vastness of the landscape in a photograph, but it was impossible to truly convey the feeling of standing on top of the world.


Experience breathtaking views at the Sognefjellet Viewing Point, an alpine gem in Norway offering stunning landscapes and unforgettable memories.

We took a short walk around Fantesteinvatnet, crossing the spectacular bridge. The design was impressive, and I appreciated how accessible it was for everyone. As we walked, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with my family. It's moments like these that create lasting memories.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the most unexpected places.

After soaking in the views at Sognefjellet, we descended back into the valley and made our way to Klimapark 2469. The change in scenery was striking. From the open expanse of the mountain pass, we were now heading towards a hidden world beneath a glacier. I had read about the ice tunnel and was intrigued by the idea of exploring a landscape frozen in time.


Explore Klimapark 2469, a captivating museum showcasing glaciers' beauty and significance in the heart of Norway's stunning landscape.

The drive to Juvasshytta, where the tour begins, was an adventure in itself. The road is the highest in Norway, and the views were, once again, stunning. At Juvasshytta we parked the car and got ready for the guided tour. We made sure to put on warm clothing, hats and gloves, as we knew the temperature inside the ice tunnel would be around -3°C. I was glad I had remembered to pack our warmest layers, especially for Aino, who tends to get cold easily.

The guided tour started with a walk across Juvflye, a plateau near Galdhøpiggen. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing insights about the climate, history, geology, and biology of the high mountains. It was fascinating to learn about the permafrost and the unique ecosystem that exists in this environment. Aino was particularly interested in the stories of prehistoric hunting and the animals that survive in these harsh conditions.

Finally, we reached the entrance to the ice tunnel. Stepping inside was like entering another world. The tunnel was hand-carved into the ice, with a network of corridors and rooms. The ice was illuminated by the artwork of Peder Istad, with ice sculptures inspired by Norse mythology. It was surreal to walk through this frozen landscape, surrounded by ancient ice.

One of the highlights of the ice tunnel was a small cinema, where we watched a short film about the history of the glacier. It was incredible to learn that the ice is up to 7,600 years old, the oldest ice recorded on mainland Norway. The experience was both educational and awe-inspiring, a reminder of the power and fragility of nature.

After emerging from the ice tunnel, we were all a bit chilled, but filled with a sense of wonder. We warmed up with hot chocolate at Juvasshytta before starting our drive back to Lom. On the way, we stopped at Sport 1 Lom, a sporting goods store in the center of town. I wanted to pick up a portable phone charger, as I had forgotten ours and my phone battery was running low. Markus and Aino browsed the store, looking at hiking gear and souvenirs.


Discover Sport 1 Lom, your go-to sporting goods store in the heart of Norway's stunning outdoor landscape, offering everything you need for your adventures.

For dinner, we decided to try SmakeMeir in Lom. We were all craving something hearty after our day of adventures. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, and the menu offered a variety of international dishes. I opted for the salmon, while Markus chose the lamb. Aino, predictably, went for the pizza. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration.


Experience authentic Norwegian cuisine at SmakeMeir in Kaupanger – where local flavors meet cozy ambiance.

As I sit here writing this, I'm reflecting on the incredible experiences we had today. From the heights of Sognefjellet to the depths of the Klimapark 2469, we witnessed the diverse beauty of Jotunheimen National Park. It was a day of contrasts, a day of learning, and a day of creating lasting memories with my family.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Jotunheimvegen and the Poem Ladder of Jan Magnus Bruheim. I'm excited to see what new adventures await us.

I am also very much looking forward to breakfast at Bakeriet i Lom uteservering and dinner at Skeid Kro. I've heard great things about both places and am eager to try their local specialties. Plus, Markus is keen to check out Lobby Bar1 in the evening. It sounds like a cozy place to unwind after a day of exploring.

Good night from Jotunheimen!