Norway’s Highest Mountains: The 12 Highest Peaks and Which You Can Hike

SummitClimbs Field Note: All of Norway’s highest mountains stand in Jotunheimen, and all of the top three are over 2,400 m: Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m), Glittertind (2,452 m) and Store Skagastølstind (2,405 m). Their character could not be more different. Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind are long, non-technical hikes on marked paths (Galdhøpiggen also has a guided glacier route), while Storen needs real climbing even by its easiest route. This guide lists the 12 highest summits with more than 50 m prominence and explains which ones a fit hiker can reach.

Norway’s 12 Highest Mountains

Heights from the list of Norwegian 2,000-metre peaks (prominence above 50 m):

1. Galdhøpiggen: 2,469 m, Lom
2. Glittertind: 2,452 m, Lom (the summit glacier that once made it higher has melted away)
3. Store Skagastølstind (Storen): 2,405 m, Luster/Årdal
4. Store Styggedalstind (east top): 2,387 m, Luster
5. Skardstind: 2,377 m, Lom
6. Vesle Galdhøpiggen (Veslepiggen): 2,369 m, Lom
7. Surtningssue: 2,368 m, Lom/Vågå
8. Store Memurutind (east top): 2,366 m, Lom
9. Gjertvasstind (Jervvasstind): 2,351 m, Luster
10. Sentraltind: 2,348 m, Luster
11. Store Hellstugutind: 2,346 m, Lom
12. Storjuvtinden: 2,344 m, Lom

Lom alone has seven of the twelve. The Luster peaks (Storen, Styggedalstind, Gjertvasstind and Sentraltind) all belong to the alpine Hurrungane range, where many summits can only be reached by climbing or glacier travel.

The Big Three, Compared

1. Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m): the roof of Northern Europe

Two classic routes. From Juvasshytta (1,841 m), the shortest way crosses the Styggebreen glacier roped up with a guide, about 3 hours up and 2 down. From Spiterstulen (1,104 m), there is no glacier and no guide needed, but about 1,400 m of ascent, about 5 hours up and 3 down, over Svellnose and Keilhaus topp. Read the full Galdhøpiggen guide.

2. Glittertind (2,452 m): the view to the east

A non-technical but long hike from Glitterheim (about 1,000 m of ascent, reachable only on foot) or Spiterstulen (about 1,300 m). Its summit ice, which once made it a rival for the title of Norway’s highest, melted away completely by 2023. Read the Glittertind guide.

3. Store Skagastølstind (2,405 m): the climber’s summit

The only one of the top three that requires climbing on its easiest route, the Heftye route (Heftyes renne). First climbed alone by William Cecil Slingsby in 1876. Read the Store Skagastølstind guide.

Which Ones Can You Hike?

• Hikeable on marked paths in summer: Galdhøpiggen (from Spiterstulen), Glittertind and Surtningssue (from Memurubu), all long, demanding days.
• Glacier or guide needed: Galdhøpiggen from Juvasshytta; the east top of Store Memurutind.
• Climbing or serious scrambling: Store Skagastølstind, Store Styggedalstind and the other Hurrungane peaks; Skardstind is a steep, loose ascent that only goes without equipment in dry, snow-free conditions.

Before You Go

• Season: the high summits are generally walkable in mid-summer; snow lingers well into July.
• Weather: Jotunheimen weather changes fast; check yr.no for the mountain, not the valley.
• Glaciers: never cross a glacier unroped without the skills, or a certified guide.

The SummitClimbs Take

Start with Galdhøpiggen from Spiterstulen, add Glittertind across the valley, and save Storen for when you have climbing skills or a guide. All twelve of Norway’s highest peaks are in Jotunheimen, so one well-planned summer trip can take in several of them.

Heights from Wikipedia’s list of mountains in Norway by height (based on nfo2000m.no); route facts from our individual guides and their sources. Always check current conditions before you go.