A Family Adventure in Jotunheimen National Park

Echoes of the Past

Today was a day of contrasts, a journey through time and elements that left us all breathless. From the chilling embrace of a glacier to the gentle whisper of poetry on a mountainside, Jotunheimen revealed more of its secrets. It was a day that reminded me why I love sharing these experiences with my family, each of us finding our own connection to this ancient land.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Bakeriet i Lom uteservering. The aroma of freshly baked bread and the warmth of the coffee were the perfect start to a day promising adventure. Aino was particularly excited about the cinnamon buns, a treat she declared was essential fuel for exploring. I savored the moment, knowing these simple joys are the memories we’ll cherish long after we’ve left Norway. It reminded me of the small bakery in Palmer, Alaska where I grew up. The smell of the wood fired oven, the taste of the sourdough...


Experience authentic Norwegian pizza at Bakeriet i Lom Uteservering - where flavor meets stunning natural beauty.

With our appetites sated, we set off for Klimapark 2469. The drive itself was stunning, the landscape unfolding before us in a tapestry of autumnal hues. As we ascended towards Juvasshytta, the highest mountain road in Northern Europe, the air grew crisper, and the anticipation mounted. Markus, ever the practical one, double-checked our warm layers, a necessary precaution given the park's altitude of 1850 meters. I was grateful for his foresight; I had almost forgotten my gloves!


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

The Klimapark 2469 is an outdoor adventure park focusing on climate history, hunting and trapping. The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the ice tunnel, a journey 70 meters into a glacier estimated to be around 7,000 years old. Stepping inside was like entering another world, the air immediately turning frigid, and the silence broken only by the occasional drip of melting ice. The tunnel, designed and illuminated by artist Peder Istad, was a breathtaking display of natural beauty and human artistry.

Our guide shared fascinating insights into the history of the glacier, explaining how it has preserved artifacts from prehistoric reindeer hunting. It was humbling to stand in the presence of ice that held so much history, a tangible link to the past. Aino was captivated by the stories of ancient hunters and the tools they left behind, her imagination running wild with tales of survival and resilience. I found myself reflecting on the importance of preserving these fragile environments, a stark reminder of the impact of climate change.

The ice tunnel is not just a journey into the past; it's a mirror reflecting our present and a window into our future.

Leaving the Klimapark, we drove to Brimi Sæter for a late lunch. This historic mountain farm offered a warm and inviting atmosphere, the perfect antidote to the chill of the glacier. The restaurant is known for its four-course signature menu, "Skråpå-tå". We savored traditional Norwegian dishes, each bite a celebration of local flavors and culinary heritage. Aino, surprisingly, devoured the rømmegrøt, a sour cream porridge, declaring it her new favorite food. Markus and I enjoyed the hearty stew, a comforting and satisfying meal after our icy adventure.


Experience authentic Norwegian cuisine and rustic charm at Brimi Sæter - your ultimate getaway in Norway's breathtaking countryside.

Our final stop for the day was the Poem Ladder of Jan Magnus Bruheim in Skjåk. This unique installation pays tribute to the esteemed poet, with fragments of his evocative poetry inscribed on each step of the ladder. As we climbed, we paused to read the verses, each one resonating with the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding landscape. The ladder is an artistic piece that ascends gently, with each step featuring a fragment of Bruheim's evocative poetry, encouraging guests to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of words in harmony with nature.


Explore the Poem Ladder of Jan Magnus Bruheim in Skjåk, a unique blend of nature and literature showcasing Norway's poetic heritage with breathtaking views.

I felt a deep connection to Bruheim's words, his ability to capture the essence of the natural world mirroring my own passion for storytelling and folklore. Aino, inspired by the poetry, began composing her own verses, her creativity sparked by the magic of the mountains. It was a moment of pure joy, witnessing her embrace the power of words and find her own voice amidst the grandeur of Jotunheimen.

Before dinner, we stopped by Smak i Lom, a local food shop, to pick up some treats. The shop has a large selection of local products such as cheese, beer and cured meats. We bought some local cheese and flatbread for a small picnic tomorrow. We also enjoyed some ice cream on the terrace, overlooking the Prestfossen waterfall and the Lom Stave Church.


Experience the best of Norwegian local produce and artisanal delights at Smak i Lom, a charming farmers' market and café in Fossbergom.

For dinner, we enjoyed a meal at Ruten Fjellstue. This mountain lodge is known for its traditional Norwegian cuisine and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant uses local ingredients and recipes passed down through generations. The food was delicious and comforting, the perfect way to end a long day of exploring. We sat by the fireplace, sharing stories and laughter, the warmth of the fire mirroring the warmth in our hearts.


Experience authentic Norwegian cuisine at Ruten Fjellstue - your cozy retreat amidst stunning landscapes in Espedalen.

As I write this, nestled in our tent, the sounds of the wilderness lulling me to sleep, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we shared today. Jotunheimen has a way of stripping away the superficial and revealing the essence of what truly matters: connection, appreciation, and the joy of discovery. It was a day of contrasts, from the icy depths of Klimapark 2469 to the poetic heights of Jan Magnus Bruheim's ladder, each experience weaving together to create a rich tapestry of memories. The day reminded me of a quote by Bruheim:

Mangt kan du greie deg utan, berre du veit kva du ikkje kan.

Tomorrow, we plan to hike Besseggen , a challenging but rewarding trek that promises breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. I'm a little nervous about the hike, but I know we'll tackle it together, supporting each other every step of the way. And perhaps, Aino will even find inspiration for another poem along the trail.

Goodnight from Jotunheimen!