Jotunheimen and Rondane National Parks

Really, what a way to start off the year!

This winter I started learning how to ski off-piste, after only a few trips on, and let me tell you; it has been a steep, but fun learning curve. I’ve been to Jotunheimen a few times and Hardangervidda skiing everything from fresh powder to hard packed, icy snow (not as fun the last one!).

Eidsbugarden, Jotunheimen National Park, March 2018

Haukeliseter, Hardangervidda National Park, April 2018

Rasletind, Jotunheimen National Park, April/May 2018

The whole gang!

It didn’t take long before summer came and my randonee skiis were replaced by my trusty old trail runners. Due to the record high temperatures this spring/early summer, the hiking season started 3-4 weeks earlier than usual. The first trip went to Rondane National Park:

Storronden, Rondane National Park, June 2018

We started out right after breakfast friday morning, driving the 4-5h to Rondane. After hiking to Rondvassbu and setting up our tent we hiked up to Storronden. Storronden is one of the easiest 2k meter peaks in the area, and is well suited for an evening hike.

The next day we hiked up to Veslesmeden and over to Storsmeden before returning to Rondvassbu:

View of Veslesmeden (right) and Storsmeden (left)

On the summit of Veslesmeden

Storsmeden seen from Veslesmeden, and the route to Storsmeden.

The hike, or rather scramble, to the summit of Storsmeden was a fun challenge. The degree of difficulty of the scrambling was a bit higher than what I’ve previously done, but not too difficult. The hike down on the other side of Storsmeden was not as fun, as most, if not all, of the rocks/scree was loose and you would slide quickly if you didn’t pay attention.

View of Trolltinden from Storsmeden

Jøtulhogget near Rondvassbu

This weekend we were in Jotunheimen, at Gjendebu to be exact, and went on some shorter hikes and a longer one to a peak called Nørdre Svartdalspiggen.

Finally arrived at Gjendesheim!

The next morning was just as beautiful, and it would be spent traveling to Gjendbu at the end of the lake by boat and some hiking near the hut.

Hiking along the valley Storådalen before turning east towards Bukkelægret

Finally getting some views after hiking some time on a rocky platou. It’s cool to be able to point on the mountain in the middle and say “I’ve been there!”

The lake Gjende is so beautiful!

The weather is shifting quickly and it will soon be raining (only for a few hours though)

Saturday! This time we hiked to the summit of Nørdre Svartdalspiggen, a relatively easy hike (or would be if I had actually slept better).

View of Knutsholstinden seen from Nørdre Svartdalspiggen. I’ve been to Knutsholstinden before, in 2016, but it was foggy that day so I’ve never actually seen the views from the summit. I kinda want to do that hike again, but it is so steep and parts of it is loose rocks.

Last day! Before heading home we hiked a couple of hours along the valley Veslådalen where we found a small hillside to have lunch and do absolutely nothing.

Pretty nice half of 2018, can’t wait for what comes next!

You are absolutely off to a great start! Thanks for sharing some great photos.

Beautiful trips.  That lake! Wow!

What a beautiful place to explore. Thanks for sharing.