WEMOOCH

Norse mythology tells us that Jotunheimen is the home of the trolls. If that's the case prepare to be spellbound as you set foot into the land of the giants.

This area of central Norway is one of the country's utmost alpine regions. A dramatic landscape of sharp peaks and deep valleys boasting its most stunning vistas and jaw-dropping hikes.

Some of the highest mountains in Northern Europe are to be found here. The highest peak north of the Alps is 'Galdhøpiggen' majestically surveying a further twenty-eight of Norway's highest peaks.

Straddling the border of Oppland and Sogn og Fjordane counties, Jotunheimen envelops a vast area of 3500 square kilometres. If the infamous fjords are the veins of Norway then the mountains of Jotunheimen are surely its pulsating heart.

Four-legged residents including reindeer, elk, deer, mink, wolverines and the lynx call this region home. While most of the regions lakes and rivers are fertile breeding grounds for trout. Up above, sightings of the majestic golden eagle and the gyrfalcon are merely a glance away.

Photographing the Mountains of Jotunheimen

As you would expect from a National Park encircling some of Northern Europe's highest peaks, Jotunheimen is an adventure wonderland. The inspiring Galdhøpiggen, (2,469 metres) Glittertind, (2,464) and Skagastølstind, (2,405), in addition to more than 250 peaks over 2000 metres dot this rugged landscape.

Venturing into its interior guarantees spine-tingling photo opportunities. Crisscrossing the Jotunheimen National Park are countless hikes and trails, ranging in duration from a few hours to a full-on, hut to hut 7-day expedition. The trail from Memurubu to Gjendesheim across the Besseggen Ridge is one of the finest walks in Norway. Hiking doesn't get much better anywhere in the world.

As an aside, those with an interest in Norway’s religious history could take a look at 'Lomskyrkja' (the stave church in the village of Lom). Dating back to the 12th century the structure is one of the most impressive stave churches in the country. Lom was an important stopover for pilgrims at that time. Archaeological excavations in 1973 unearthed more than 2000 coins and a love message with carved runes on a stick. The church is also home to the largest collection of paintings found in any Norwegian church, most of them by Eggert Munch.

Completely Useless Facts about the Mountains of Jotunheimen

• Unearthed in 2006, the Jotunheimen leather shoe is estimated to be at least 3000 years old. This is the oldest article of clothing ever discovered in Scandinavia. It was found alongside several arrows and a wooden spade, leaving archaeologists concluding that they had uncovered an important hunting ground
• Northern Europe’s highest mountain pass and one of Norway's most scenic roads winds through the region. The 'Sognefjellet' rises to 1,434 metres. Back in the day, this pass from Sogndal to Lom was riddled with highwaymen looking to procure goods en route between the coastal and inland communities
• Underneath Galdhøpiggen a unique 50-metre tunnel has been hand carved out of the ice. It is the brainchild of artist and sculptor Peder Istad. The intention is to educate people on climate history, geology and biology. The tunnel can be experienced through Climate Park 2469