Where on earth
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- Region
- Norway
- Country
- Europe
- Biome
- Norwegian alpine (400–2,405 m)
- Best season
- July – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Norwegian alpine (400–2,405 m)
- Best season: July – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Jotunheimen — Hurrungane Traverse
Topic summary
A 3-5 day traverse across Norway's most alpine sub-range in the western Jotunheimen.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Norwegian alpine (400–2,405 m)
Verification notes
Last verified January 1, 1970.
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Jotunheimen — Hurrungane Traverse trip tools
How to get there
Jotunheimen — Hurrungane Traverse is in Norway, Europe. Its center point is 61.4667, 7.9833. Use these links for live turn-by-turn directions from where you are, then confirm road, trailhead and access conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
- Turtagrø
Historic hotel closely associated with Storen and late-19th-century Norwegian mountaineering. Treat it as an orientation landmark, not as a confirmed trailhead or a description of the approach.
- Luster–Årdal boundary
Storen stands on the boundary between these municipalities in Vestland. This locates the climbing area geographically; it does not identify a roadhead or establish an approach from either municipality.
Popular pursuits at Jotunheimen — Hurrungane Traverse
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
Animals around Jotunheimen — Hurrungane Traverse
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Jotunheimen — Hurrungane TraverseAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Jotunheimen — Hurrungane Traverse
Planning to fish Jotunheimen — Hurrungane Traverse, Norway? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Norway are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Jotunheimen — Hurrungane Traverse?
- A Norway fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Norway fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Jotunheimen — Hurrungane Traverse
Thinking about hunting Jotunheimen — Hurrungane Traverse, Norway? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Norway are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Jotunheimen — Hurrungane Traverse?
- Confirm the land around Jotunheimen — Hurrungane Traverse is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Norway?
- A Norway hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
Hurrungane and the Skagastøl Traverse
Hurrungane is an alpine mountain range within the wider Jotunheimen area of Norway. Its best-defined traverse objective here is the Skagastøl Traverse, described as one of Norway’s most challenging climbing routes. Storen, also called Store Skagastølstinden, forms part of that traverse. At 2,405 metres, it is Norway’s third-highest mountain, standing on the boundary between Luster and Årdal municipalities in Vestland. Vetle Skagastølstindane and Midtre Skagastølstindane lie immediately north of Storen; Sentraltind and Gjertvasstind lie immediately east. These neighbouring peaks help place the objective geographically, but their proximity should not be treated as a ready-made route itinerary. Plan around a specific climbing line rather than assuming that a general Hurrungane traverse is a single, straightforward walking route.
Climbing Choices and Required Experience
Storen is a popular mountaineering destination, but popularity does not make it an easy summit. It is fairly difficult to climb, and its place on the Skagastøl Traverse puts it in a different category from Jotunheimen’s more accessible hiking terrain. Heftyes renne, or Heftye’s couloir, is the most popular ascent route; Andrews renne, or Andrew’s couloir, is another established choice. Neither should be selected on name recognition alone. Match the intended line to the party’s climbing experience, equipment and current mountain conditions, and seek qualified guidance where those do not align. In the wider Jotunheimen area, glacier travel requires a guide and proper equipment. That requirement should inform any plan involving a glacier, without assuming that every Storen ascent crosses one.
Regional Planning and Mountaineering Context
Jotunheimen contains Norway’s highest summits and extensive alpine terrain, with much of the mountain area protected as a national park. Many regional outings are suitable for fit walkers with proper boots, while some summits are accessible only to skilled climbers. Keep that distinction central when planning a Hurrungane trip: regional hiking accessibility does not establish the difficulty of a traverse. Jotunheimen is also an important back-country skiing area in late winter, spring and early summer, but that does not establish a climbing season for the Skagastøl Traverse. Turtagrø, the historic hotel associated with Storen and Norwegian mountaineering, provides a useful cultural anchor. William Cecil Slingsby first climbed Storen in 1876; the Skagastøl Traverse was first climbed in 1902.
Route options
- Skagastøl TraverseOne of Norway’s most challenging climbing routes.
A challenging climbing traverse that includes Storen. Plan it as a mountaineering objective rather than a general Jotunheimen hike.
- Heftyes renne
Heftye’s couloir is the most popular ascent route on Storen. It is a summit-route option, not a description of the complete Skagastøl Traverse.
- Andrews renne
Andrew’s couloir is another popular ascent route on Storen, used by A. W. Andrews and party in 1899.
Sample itineraries
- Storen mountaineering plan · 2 days
Allow one day for preparation and assessment, then a potential Storen climb if conditions and skills allow. Heftyes renne and Andrews renne are established ascent routes, not casual hiking options. This is a planning outline, not a verified route schedule.
- Skagastøl Traverse planning block · 3 days
Reserve time for preparation, a possible traverse attempt and flexibility. The Skagastøl Traverse includes Storen and ranks among Norway's most challenging climbing routes. These three days are a suggested planning block, not an established traverse duration; obtain route-specific guidance before committing.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Jotunheimen supports back-country skiing in spring. Treat Hurrungane as an alpine objective rather than assuming hiking conditions. Skiing suitability across the wider region does not establish that the Skagastøl Traverse is suitable for a particular party.
Summer
Summer; regional skiing extends into early summer
Early summer can still support back-country skiing in Jotunheimen. Do not assume snow-free climbing. Storen remains a difficult mountaineering objective; glacier travel requires a guide and proper equipment.
Fall
Fall
Base plans on current mountain weather and route conditions rather than a calendar-based climbing window. The difficulty of Storen and the Skagastøl Traverse calls for conservative decisions and flexibility.
Winter
Winter; late winter for regional back-country skiing
Jotunheimen is a back-country skiing area in late winter. That regional opportunity should not be taken as confirmation of winter access or suitability for the Hurrungane traverse. Plan for cold alpine conditions and seek current route advice.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Jotunheimen supports back-country skiing in spring. Treat Hurrungane as an alpine objective rather than assuming hiking conditions. Skiing suitability across the wider region does not establish that the Skagastøl Traverse is suitable for a particular party. |
| Summer | Summer; regional skiing extends into early summer | Early summer can still support back-country skiing in Jotunheimen. Do not assume snow-free climbing. Storen remains a difficult mountaineering objective; glacier travel requires a guide and proper equipment. |
| Fall | Fall | Base plans on current mountain weather and route conditions rather than a calendar-based climbing window. The difficulty of Storen and the Skagastøl Traverse calls for conservative decisions and flexibility. |
| Winter | Winter; late winter for regional back-country skiing | Jotunheimen is a back-country skiing area in late winter. That regional opportunity should not be taken as confirmation of winter access or suitability for the Hurrungane traverse. Plan for cold alpine conditions and seek current route advice. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current access rules and any permit requirements with the managing agency before travel.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Technical climbing: Storen is difficult to climb, and the Skagastøl Traverse is among Norway's most challenging climbing routes.
- Glaciers: crossings require a guide and proper equipment; do not treat them as ordinary hiking terrain.
- Seasonal snow: regional skiing continues into early summer, so summer dates alone do not establish snow-free conditions.
- Alpine weather and cold: carry protective layers and leave room to change plans when conditions exceed the party's abilities.
What to pack for Jotunheimen — Hurrungane Traverse
- Route-appropriate climbing equipment selected with qualified guidance
- Helmet and harness
- Glacier equipment if a guided glacier crossing is planned
- Footwear appropriate to technical mountain terrain
- Insulating layers
- Waterproof outer layers
- Warm gloves and hat
- Map and navigation tools
- Food and drinking water
- First-aid kit
- Emergency shelter
- Headlamp
Jotunheimen — Hurrungane Traverse FAQ
- Is the Hurrungane traverse a hiking trip?
- The Skagastøl Traverse is a challenging climbing route, not a general hiking itinerary. Although much of Jotunheimen is accessible to fit hikers with proper boots, that description does not apply to every summit or to this traverse.
- What is Storen?
- Storen, also called Store Skagastølstinden, is Norway's third-highest peak at 2,405 metres. It belongs to the Hurrungane range and stands on the boundary between Luster and Årdal municipalities in Vestland.
- Which climbing routes are associated with Storen?
- Heftyes renne is its most popular ascent route; Andrews renne is another popular option. Storen also forms part of the Skagastøl Traverse. These names identify climbing objectives, not interchangeable routes of equal difficulty.
- Is a guide needed for glacier travel?
- Glaciers in Jotunheimen should only be traversed with a guide and proper equipment. Confirm whether the intended route involves a glacier before selecting equipment or committing to an itinerary.
- What is Turtagrø's connection to the area?
- The historical hotel Turtagrø is closely associated with Storen and Norway's late-19th-century mountaineering history. Confirm present-day services directly rather than assuming accommodation or climbing support is available.