National Parks and Nature Reserves

Jotunheimen National Park – high peaks and large lakes

Jotunheimen is a unique mountain area with majestic mountains and glaciers, and is a paradise for hikers of all ages. Here, you can hike for a few hours or several days. The starting points from Valdres are first of all Tyin/Eidsbugarden, Bygdin, and the road across Valdresflye to Gjendesheim.

This is where you will find the two highest peaks in Northern Europe: Galdhøpiggen at 2469 m.a.s.l and Glitter­tinden, with its ice cap, at 2464 m.a.s.l. The National Park has many magnificent lakes, such as Gjende, which is the largest and the deep blue Bessvatnet. Between these two lakes, there is a marked trail across the narrow Besseggen Ridge – one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Norwegian mountains.

Langsua National Park - friendly mountain terrain and marshes

The Langsua National Park is Norway’s «youngest». It is located between Valdres and Gausdal and has a unique low-mountain landscape and extensive marshes in the south and northwest, and heights up to 1500 m.a.s.l in the north. Langsua offers many hiking- and cycling opportunities in a light mountain terrain.

Recommended entrance points to the Langsua National Park from Valdres are the mountain farming area Storeskag (Øystre Slidre) and the DNT tourist cabin Svarthamar (Nord-Aurdal), both accessible by car in the summer. Alternatively, follow the mountain road between Etnedal and Gausdal (Fv. 204) to Lenningen.

The highest point in Langsua is Skaget (1686 m.a.s.l.), which is a family-friendly hike with a great view from Storeskag. At the outskirts of the National Park, there are mountain pastures with grazing animals.