Family Adventure in Jotunheimen: Exploring Norway's Natural Wonders

A Day of Discoveries
Today was all about immersing ourselves in the raw beauty of Jotunheimen National Park. It's amazing how quickly a change of scenery can refresh the soul, and today's adventures certainly delivered that in spades. From cascading waterfalls to breathtaking viewpoints, every moment was a feast for the senses. We were reminded of the simple joys of exploring the natural world together as a family.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Elveseter Hotell. The hotel itself is like stepping back in time, filled with antique paintings and cozy fireplaces. It felt like a museum, as one reviewer mentioned, but with the added bonus of a delicious buffet. Katarzyna was particularly impressed with the variety of Norwegian and American breakfast options. Zofia, of course, made a beeline for the fresh pastries. Fuelled up, we were ready to tackle our first major attraction: Vettisfossen, Norway's highest protected waterfall.


Discover the breathtaking Vettisfossen, one of Norway's tallest and most beautiful waterfalls, surrounded by stunning landscapes and hiking trails.

The drive to the trailhead at Hjelle was scenic in itself, winding through lush valleys with glimpses of the surrounding mountains. The weather was on our side, sunny with a temperature hovering around 11°C – perfect for hiking. I had checked the forecast, and while the coming days might bring some rain and even snow, today was all clear skies. It was a bit of a relief, to be honest, considering I had forgotten the sunscreen back in Potsdam. Lesson learned: always double-check the essentials, even when you think you've got it covered. Luckily, the sun wasn't too intense, and the cool mountain air was a welcome change from the warmer temperatures we'd left behind.

The hike to Vettisfossen was described as rather exhausting, and I'd say that's a fair assessment. The trail was about 6.4 kilometers, and it took us around four hours to complete, with a significant elevation gain. However, every step was worth it. The path wound through Utladalen Valley, a hidden gem where the mountains meet the fjords. The landscape was enchanting, a perfect mix of vegetation, rivers, and smaller waterfalls. Zofia was captivated by the smaller cascades, and we stopped frequently to take photos and admire the scenery. I must say, my little engineer was fascinated by the sheer force of the water.

As we approached Vettisfossen, the roar of the water grew louder and louder. Finally, we reached the viewpoint, and the sight was simply breathtaking. The waterfall plunges 275 meters (902 feet) into the valley below, making it one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in Norway. The mist from the falls created a rainbow, adding to the magical atmosphere. We spent a good amount of time simply taking in the view, feeling the spray on our faces and marveling at the power of nature. I am glad we chose the hike to the bottom of the waterfall, rather than the top, as the views are simply stunning.


Experience the stunning vistas of Jotunheimen, where majestic mountains meet serene landscapes in Norway's breathtaking national park.

Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are the ones that require a little effort, a little sweat, and a whole lot of appreciation for the natural world.

After our hike, we were definitely ready for a break. We stopped for lunch at Ruten Fjellstue, a mountain lodge with a rich history. The lodge is known for its traditional Norwegian cuisine, using local ingredients from the Gudbrandsdalen region. Unfortunately, we were too early for Berit's lunch buffet, which is served in the winter season. Instead, we opted for some sandwiches and coffee, enjoying the stunning views from the lodge's terrace. Ruten Fjellstue is also home to Espedalen Fjellbryggeri, one of Norway's highest-altitude breweries. While I was tempted to try their local mountain beer, I decided to save that for later, as we still had more exploring to do.


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

Our next stop was the viewpoint overlooking the surrounding mountains. The drive up was steep and winding, but the panoramic views from the top were incredible. We could see for miles in every direction, with snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys stretching as far as the eye could see. I tried to identify some of the peaks, but I quickly realized that I needed a better map. Zofia, however, was more interested in spotting wildlife. She claimed to have seen a reindeer, but I suspect it was just a very large rock. Still, it was fun to imagine what creatures might be lurking in the forests below.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Lom, a charming village known as the National Park Village. We decided to have dinner at BrimiBue, a restaurant that serves modern traditional food. The restaurant has a unique concept: the menu changes every week, giving the chefs plenty of room for creativity. We didn't know what to expect, but we were pleasantly surprised by the innovative dishes and the use of local ingredients. Katarzyna particularly enjoyed the fish, while Zofia devoured the reindeer meatballs. I opted for the chef's tasting menu, which was a culinary adventure in itself.


Discover exquisite Norwegian cuisine at BrimiBue, where local flavors meet breathtaking mountain views in Fossbergom.

After dinner, we stopped by Bryggjehuset Kafe & Pub for a nightcap. The pub has a lovely terrace with stunning views, but it was a bit chilly outside, so we opted to sit inside. I ordered a local beer, while Katarzyna had a glass of wine. Zofia, of course, had a soda. The pub was cozy and inviting, a perfect place to relax after a long day of hiking. According to some reviews, the food at Bryggjehuset can be hit or miss, but the beer was definitely a hit. It was a bit pricey, but that's to be expected in Norway. The view and the atmosphere made it worth it.


Experience the essence of Norwegian hospitality at Bryggjehuset Kafe & Pub in scenic Skjolden, a perfect spot for relaxation and local flavors.

As we sipped our drinks, we talked about our plans for tomorrow. We're planning to hike Besseggen, a classic ridge walk in Jotunheimen. It's supposed to be one of the most scenic hikes in Norway, but also one of the most crowded. We're also hoping to explore Hulderstigen, a nature and culture trail in Sjodal. For breakfast, we'll be heading to Bakeriet i Lom, a famous bakery that's known for its delicious pastries. For dinner, we'll be trying Hindsæter, a restaurant that's known for its traditional Norwegian cuisine. And, if we have time, we might stop by Sport 1 Lom to pick up some sunscreen, just in case. We have to be prepared for the next days.

Back at our accommodation, we are already feeling tired but fulfilled. Jotunheimen has a way of capturing your heart with its raw beauty and its sense of peace. I am glad we decided to embark on this adventure. As I lay in bed, I thought about the day's adventures and the beauty we had witnessed. It was a day that reminded me of the importance of connecting with nature and spending quality time with family. And, as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to explore this incredible corner of the world.

Tomorrow, Besseggen awaits. Wish us luck!

P.S. I almost forgot to mention! I saw that the Jotunheimen Trail Run is happening in August. Maybe I'll sign up for the 10k. That would be a great way to experience the mountains in a different way. I would have to train though!