Jotunheim Mountains

mountain range, Norway

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Jotunheim Mountains, mountain range, south-central Norway. Extending for 80 miles (130 km) between Gudbrands Valley (east) and the Jostedals Glacier (west), the chain is surrounded by many lakes. The highest range in Scandinavia, its tallest peaks are Glitter Mountain (8,084 feet [2,464 metres]) and Galdhø Peak (8,100 feet [2,469 metres]). The mountains rise dramatically from a comparatively level plain about 3,000 feet (900 metres) above sea level. They are geologically related to ancient Caledonian volcanic rocks of Scotland.

The Jotunheim Mountains are mentioned in early Norse sagas, but they were not fully explored until the early 19th century. In 1822 they were named Jotunfjell (“Giant’s Mountains”), but since the 1860s they have been known as the Jotunheimen (“Giant’s Home”). They have been a popular tourist attraction for more than 100 years, offering excellent hiking and mountain-climbing opportunities. Besseggen Ridge and Lake Gjende were the opening setting of Henrik Ibsen’s versified drama Peer Gynt. The lower slopes of the mountains and the level plateau are used as summer pastures for cattle and goats.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Chelsey Parrott-Sheffer.