Hiking Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s highest mountain, Backpacking & Camping Jotunheimen Pt1

Hiking Galdhøpiggen from Spiterstulen. Grand Scandinavian Hiking & Backpacking Tour Ep9. Hiking ridges and peaks high above glaciers and Jotunheimen national park, I climb Galdhøpiggen, the highest Mountain in Norway on the first day of 9 backpacking Jotunheimen National Park from Spiterstulen. , through Norway and Sweden.
This is part 1 of a 9 day backpacking trip in Jotunheimen National Park that I start with climbing the highest peak in Norway, Galdhøpiggen, with its incredible scenic views of the glaciers and mountain ranges. I continue from Spiterstulen up Visdalen Valley towards Leirvassbu in this first part of the trip.
This is the 25+ episode Grand Scandinavian Hiking & Backpacking Tour through Norway & Sweden from the summer of 2021, Sarek, Lofoten, Jotunheimen, Rondane, Breheimen/Glacier Home National Parks, Lierne, Femundsmarka, Galdhøpiggen, Kungsleden, Vildmarksvegen, Flatruet, Sognefjell, Tindevegen Roads, Geiranger, Saltstraumen, Helgelandskysten coastal road, glaciers, glaciers, glaciers & more....
The Grand Scandinavian Hiking and Backpacking tour playlist:
• Grand Scandinavian Cam...
More videos from this series:
• Introducing the Grand ...
• 10 days Solo Backpacki...
• Backpacking Norway/Swe...
• 10 days Backpacking No...
• Video
• Backpacking Norway, Ro...
• Camping in Heavy Rain ...
About me: I am a Norwegian adventurer and wilderness explorer. My youtube channel focus on outdoor wilderness adventures and exploration, backpacking, hiking, canyoneering, skiing, climbing and mountaineering. Nights spent in a tent, alone or with friends. From the snow covered mountains and misty fjords of Norway and Scandinavia to the remote plateaus of Yellowstone and the debts of the red canyons of Utah to the summit of Mt Whitney and the heart of Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park. I love the Wilderness! Email is under "For business inquiries", for general questions please comment on a video, I try to answer everyone.
Music by Melantopia
open.spotify.com/artist/536Z5...
/ melantopia
Gear Used on my trips:
Scarpa Ski Boots / scarpaspa
K2 Skis / iskik2
ATK bindings / @atkbindings
Black Diamond ski poles / blackdiamondvideo
Marmot tent / marmotpro
Hilleberg Soulo 1p tent / hillebergtentmaker
Marmot ball cap / marmotpro
Osprey Aether 70 and Soelden Backpacks / ospreypacks
Paria Outdoor Products Thermodown 15 sleeping bag
Western Mountaineering Puma GWS sleeping bag
/ @pariaoutdoorproducts
Thermarest NeoAir Xtherm and Z-lite sleeping pads / thermarestgear
Ursac / @dutch3323
LaSportiva TX4 approach shoes / lasportivana
Norrøna Falketind pants / norronasport
Fjallraven pants / fjallravense
Arcteryx Cerium LT puffy, synthetic shirt and Hard Shell Jacket
/ arcteryxequipmentinc
LaSportiva fleece / lasportivatube
Helly Hansen / hellyhansen
Ulvang wool garnments
Black Diamond headlamp / blackdiamondvideo
Primus cooking system / primuschannel
Apple Iphone 11promax for recording video / apple
GoPro Hero 9 / goprocamera
26000Mah power bank
Petzl Ice Axe / petzlcrew
Patagonia puffy / patagoniavideo
Outdoor Research Gaiters / outdoorresearch
Black Diamond Crampons / blackdiamondvideo
#backpacking #hiking #travel
00:00 Intro
01:30 Trailhead Spiterstulen lodge
01:51 Brief and map
04:15 Talking of false summits
05:40 Elevations
08:15 First glacier
12:50 First view of the summit
13:42 Ridge walking above huge glaciers
18:18 Climbing above the glaciers
20:16 Into the clouds
22:37 Final approach
24:15 Summit
25:18 Sky is clearing, incredible views
27:26 The guided group
30:32 A look at Rondane
31:02 Jotunheimen
31:51 Breheimen/Glacier Home National Park
34:55 A second summit close to Galdhøpiggen
36:30 Even better!
40:04 Ridge walks
44:59 Into Jotunheimen
47:28 View of Galdhøpiggen from camp at sunset

[@ricklarry4212]

Incredible hardly describes your summiting of Galdhøpiggen. The clouds parted and you were able to catch 360 degree views of the surrounding area, just stunning. After all that you descended and were able to camp in a lovely valley with a view of the same peak. Thanks for sharing Jarl.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jrman413]

Thanks for the videos, it helps my depression. Must be a great adventure doing the trips you do

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, I am really glad you find them helpful🙂

[@G.Photogirl]

So amazing it must be to hike along the ridgeline of an alpine mountain with an ancient glacier below you! WoW. Thank you for capturing this on video, holding a camera with one hand as you climb on those jagged rocks! Be safe out there!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@reginebilliet6934]

Have you ever thougt of writing a book, Jarl ? In Norsk, and traduced by yourself in English ?? "Backpacking adventures" Part 1 : "The Song of Norway" - Part 2 : "From canyon-depths to sierra-heights"..... Illuminated with a lot of pictures..... A winter-task, by the fire, when coming home from skiing..... Hahaha !

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Interesting, never thought about that

[@wilm2109]

The mountains are truly the domains of the gods, such marvelous beauty brings almost brings me to tears. Much appreciation from a novice climber from the U.S. I love your content.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, the mountains are indeed amazing!

[@TheHikingCatdad]

Awesome video!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you!!

[@samhill3496]

There was a hawk or eagle that flew behind you at 39:00. The highest mountain is a suitable one. It offers some of the most incredible views of the dramatic side of nature. Such beauty to behold. I was glad to see this as I have watched several of the climbs to the north already. It puts everything in a better perspective. Not much of a place for a campsite. The entrance to the park looked as if there was piles of sand on the stream coming from the glaciers. Some running water, very beautiful. Dinner under the peaks and glaciers, heck of a camp spot.Great job catching the sunset. have to wonder about the view westward from the second summit. Much enjoyed. Thanks

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you Sam, this was quite the extraordinary view, you can see me looking back east towards the summit in the episode from Breheimen, the stormy episode

[@susans753]

Looking forward to it

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Me too:-)

[@kevink2398]

Splendid adventure! The glaciers are awesome from the top of the mountain. Those are the Ice Giants they speak of in all the lore and Thor movies!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thanks! Yep, they are the Ice Giants.

[@beedumpling3820]

Looking forward to more adventures Jarl! Until then, take care. :) ♥

[@NorwegianXplorer]

You too:-)

[@kerrykells7052]

Absolutely stunning video! I climbed Glittertinden back in 2018 and now Galdhøpiggen is on the list. Wow! Thank you for this breathtaking film.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you Kerry!

[@bodilvigre]

Veldig kjekt å bli med deg på Galdhøpiggen. Spesielt siden eg aldri har vert der. Nydelig film, Jarl👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@NorwegianXplorer]

☺️

[@norwegianforests9031]

Wow, great pictures and inspiration!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@natkamen1384]

Mäktig upplevelse och scener. Även idag efter tre år känner mig snuvad på det då vi gick upp i snö och dimma i slutet av juli.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Takk, ja, jeg kjenner flere som har gjort det, jeg var heldig🙂

[@natkamen1384]

@@NorwegianXplorer ja. Jäkla fint du haft. 🤢

[@NorwegianXplorer]

@@natkamen1384 Du får komme tilbake og prøve igjen nest sommer🙂

[@agustg234]

Super! Stay safe, keep in good shape. Warm Greeting from Indonesia.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you so much, you too!

[@peaceluvhappiness8630]

marijuana shop in southern Cali enjoying some Norwegian explorer...yeaa✌️❤️😊

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Hahaha! Hope you have a great time!

[@anniehaycock1426]

I really enjoyed accompanying you on this journey. Thank you for sharing it.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you Annie!

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Wow - such incredible views! It looks absolutely stunning there!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

It is indeed a stunning place!

[@reginebilliet2679]

I remain wordless at the sight of this scenery. One should consider this grandeur and this splendor with deep humility.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Yes, its a magical place

[@beedumpling3820]

Awesome adventuring Jarl. I can appreciate the effort in documenting it, as well as the physicality of hiking at the same time. Always look forward to your videos! Thanks again for taking us along. (Yes, Silmarillion is amazing! Tolkien mythopoeia!) Take and be safe! :D ♥

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Glad you enjoyed it! Always great to have you along Deborah!

[@beedumpling3820]

@@NorwegianXplorer Always! Thank you, Jarl! :) ♥

[@marianfrances4959]

Thank you! 👍🇨🇦😎📷

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you too!

[@robinowen3058]

Truly breathtaking! The hard (but enjoyable) work of climbing plus the effort of videography is very much appreciated! I am really enjoying seeing some beautiful parts of Norway through your lens.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you Robin for coming along!

[@jolandavoets-gubbels2667]

Reality awesome trip. I hope to do it myself once! Thank you for sharing!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you!

[@butchlewis2136]

I finally got to watch this and it was amazing. Each episode is truly special. By the end of this one i realized this is one of my favorites, if that is even possible to like one over the other, haha. Great filming. I love the music but then I love the silence. I felt like I was there. Thanks again. Love ya man! You are so special to us all!!!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Wow, thank you Butch! Part 2 of this trip is up right now!

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

Again a very beautiful and interresting video.Thank you so much.Looking forward to see many more of your videos.I had a good look at your Channel and there is a lot I like to see.Have a great day.ATB:Søren.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Awesome, thank you so much, I will have a new video every week now more or less until the spring

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

@@NorwegianXplorer Very cool

[@julieandrews730]

No words. Another trip to the top of the mountain. Thank you, NorX (as I call you in my journal). Look forward to the next step in the journey.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you Julie, NorX lol!

[@reginebilliet6934]

Absolutely magnificent in its roughness ! A scenery of glaciers and black-white mountains. Gorgeous ! I loved watching the clouds "walking" over the snow and "playing" together in the blue sky. Those sharp pointed rocks must be extremely tiring to walk on. Was it not too cold at night ? I hope the next day was calm and recovering ! Thank you for this amazing film, Jarl !

[@NorwegianXplorer]

I didnt spend the night at the summit, but it would have been ok

[@joywalsh6012]

Wow! I loved this video and I think it was very hard work climbing on the rocky terrain. Spectacular views too!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thanks Joy!

[@lonanakken1688]

Beautiful to see the shadows of the clouds passing over the glacier. Thanks for waiting for the clouds to lift...stunning view from the top. Very cool to have a view of the mountain you climbed from your camp. Awesome day!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Glad you enjoyed it:-)

[@vonda3229]

jarl your videos are breathtakingly beautiful! I’ve seen Norway for the first time through your camera lens. I never get tired of the music you use..it sounds so surreal just like the views. Looking forward to more!! Stay safe and God bless you on the trail. 🥰

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you Vonda🙏

[@susans753]

Jarl, looks like you had great weather until you got to the summit. The snow caps are beautiful and the snow between the mountains resemble glaciers. Beautiful scenery, thanks for taking us along!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

It is indeed glaciers, thank you:-)

[@infinitepaths]

Amazing video, you've captured the silence and beautiful solitude up there in the clouds 😁

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Fjall-Anders]

Amazing, beautiful, stunning ❤🥰😉🙂

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you Anders☺️🙏

[@simonemuginski1869]

Obrigada pelo lindo passeio🙏🙏🙏🌻🌻🌻

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank u!

[@soonerorlater9297]

Hi Jarl (smiles & hug) That was the most beautiful place U hiked us to & the most insanely steeeeeeeep "trail" ever. Heck, most of the time you were finding & following a certain rock in the middle of millions of rocks that'd be painted with a "red arrow". Amazing trail? Or not. I kind of wondered, as you were hiking, "who" is the lucky person that decides "which" rock is to be painted RED? (smile) And, I, also, thought of U having darn good eye-sight. (wink) The Hut on the top was fabulous. I wished you could have shown us the "insides" of it. It looked so odd up there. Rocks on the roof to keep the "metal" roof underneath from shaking noisily in the wind & to keep it "rocked-down" probably? I wondered "how" it was heated up inside, too? Did an occasional helicopter drop "firewood" off every now & then? It's always straight up or straight down with you, Jarl. (smile) "Thank You" for letting us tag along with you on your journeys across these super spectacular country sides !!! (hug) GOD BLESSES ALL.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, the trail is prob put where there is less snow, you have to stay away from the glaciers since they can have dangerous crevasses. There isnt really a trail though, it is just a marked route through the rock fields.

[@calilenz3476]

Jarl, when you were navigating the rocks around Crabtree Lake and Mt. Whitney in your incredible 2020 videos I was thinking how amazing that all was. It is great to see the beautiful homeland where you were schooled on rocky edge climbing! Thank you for sharing the sheer beautiful ruggedness & fragility of our advancing glaciers. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your best summer 2021 adventures.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Hey Cali, thank you, rocks are awesome!

[@calilenz3476]

@@NorwegianXplorer We know it & thanks for filming those trolls in your last video and hoping one day you can film lightning striking one of them. :)

[@NorwegianXplorer]

@@calilenz3476 That would be cool lol!

[@peaceluvhappiness8630]

What tha... Them two guys got shorts on in the snow whoa 😳

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Lol, yup they do, it was summer though

[@peaceluvhappiness8630]

Summer looks great there id rather take that there anyday than this So. California triple digit summer it's unbearable....

[@NorwegianXplorer]

@@peaceluvhappiness8630 It is great when the weather is good, the socal heat can be terrifying indeed

[@maryjbelle]

The glaciers wow …love Norway

[@NorwegianXplorer]

The glaciers are incredible indeed

[@edwinizydorczyk1841]

Pent. Bra jobba, som vanlig med filmene dine. :)

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Tusen takk!

[@achareesiri9223]

Unseen Norway when you climbed the top mountain I hope You’re safe, it was many rocky and low oxygen. Thank you so much.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you!

[@achareesiri9223]

I learned about climate and geographic of Norway, special thank for the best view and wishing you happiness.

[@achareesiri9223]

@@NorwegianXplorer I learned about climate and geographic of Norway, special thank for the best view and wishing you happiness.

[@collenyoung2812]

I especially enjoyed this video because I’ve always wanted to hike up Galdhopiggen. I stayed at Spitserstulen several times on DNT hiking tours through Jotenhimen but there was never a free day in the itinerary to be able to do this hike. And I’ve always wondered what it would be like. Maybe next time. I seem to remember there were some decent camping areas around the lodge. Probably a lot more peaceful than staying in the lodge itself.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

There is camping by Spiterstulen, but it is more peaceful to hike and hour into Jotunheimen, the area around the lodge is pretty crowded

[@gaetanomagliuolo]

MERAVIGLIOSO

[@NorwegianXplorer]

I dont know what that means but thank you😂

[@gaetanomagliuolo]

@@NorwegianXplorer AHAHAHAH...GREAT

[@NorwegianXplorer]

@@gaetanomagliuolo Lol!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

@@gaetanomagliuolo Marvelous maybe?

[@gaetanomagliuolo]

@@NorwegianXplorer Yeah, I meant wonderful video.sorry

[@cathrineholm]

Nice video :) The "First glacier" point at 08:16 is often referred to as "halfway to the top" (not in actual distance, but in time and effort)

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Cool, thank you🙂

[@mastercontrol200]

More greatness! 👍🏾

[@NorwegianXplorer]

I hope you will live this one!

[@mastercontrol200]

@@NorwegianXplorer haha, I’m a late riser. I watch and learn. I watch and become inspired! 😎

[@NorwegianXplorer]

@@mastercontrol200 Cool, its awesome to have you along on the journey

[@Craig-jw9ko]

Ok Jarl, 20 mins in and we are in the low clouds and fog, then we can walk in high mountains…the fog, mist, low clouds, pretty surreal, nothing less for the highest mountain in Norway great job Jarl keep up the good work brother be safe see you later 😽

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you Stealthman, so many different sides of the weather, and the clouds made it even more cool, it was a great day and the views where amazing!

[@Craig-jw9ko]

@@NorwegianXplorer Yes Jarl…I believe your hi def 4K camera 📸 work (yer talent 🤩) has really set the Bar up pretty high…other KZbinr’s gotta take off running to keep up with you…appreciate your time in the “The Great Wilderness of Norway 🇳🇴 and Sweden 🇸🇪 “ … you say it was the best summer of your life… Brother it shows!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

@@Craig-jw9ko Thank you, I am glad you say that, really appreciate it!!

[@alexkarry]

Wow wow! Incredible views. Thank you for sharing! Let's be KZbin friends 😊

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, glad you liked it!

[@rdtskjegg1153]

Jeg så videoene dine og måtte abonnere Fantastisk arbeid

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Tusen takk🙏

[@raminjussubov6208]

Hi! Firstly, thank you for this amazing video. Me and My friends are planing to hike in Jotunheimen on week 24. Which is from 13th of June. Can you please state when you were there and whether or not you think it is possible to summit Galdhöpiggen on week 24. With Love from Sweden.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Hei Ramin, it is difficult to say with the snow levels this high up, I was there on July 15th, you might want to call Spiterstulen lodge, they should be open now. DNT Spiterstulen I think the official name is.

[@bobe.3719]

Your music at the summit was so beautifully appropriate to the moment! How long did the ascent take in real time?

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, around two and a half hours If I remember right

[@bobe.3719]

@@NorwegianXplorer You deserve a lot of credit for climbing that challenging terrain while simultaneously recording video!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

@@bobe.3719 Thank you, I enjoy both parts of it🙂

[@NatureBoy711]

man, it's a tough hike traversing those talus fields and boulder hopping . you are rewarded with stunning views, more spectacular due to snow ! is camping allowed at the summit ?

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Yes. I believe it is allowed, you would have a hard time finding a spot to set up a tent though

[@NatureBoy711]

@@NorwegianXplorer hmm,... no bureaucratic red tape when it comes to enjoying nature. unlike here in the states, norwegians offer much more choices and freedom.... ~~~ only if we would be allowed to camp on top of mt. whitney..... ahhh ! ~~

[@emopea]

Very nice video! What is the name of the music track that goes oh so well with the view from the summit? I tried to find it among Melantopias tracks on Spotify, but to no avail!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, it is not yet released. Hoping to donso in the new year

[@samhill3496]

I just watched a friend and his brother rope together with a few hundred more and walk up to the overlook. I would run the other way if I saw that coming. Sven Olson he rides motorcycles has a channel.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Yeah, this way up is much better I think, it got crowded when the groups arrived

[@lisapirkkala9247]

😍❣️

[@NorwegianXplorer]

☺️

[@broseoutdoors]

What camera are you using? Im going to galdhøpigen in May and want to vlog it, but dont know if gopro Can do the job 🧐 love your video btw great job!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thank you, this one was filmed mostly with a gopro 9, gopro is not great, the image on an iphone is much better

[@broseoutdoors]

But it did the job i see. 💪

[@NorwegianXplorer]

@@broseoutdoors Yes, and a newer one, the 11, would be even better

[@AlexGodard]

Hi , if I want gps track of the hike you did in Norway, do you have a link for that :) . I'm probably going there this summer for hiking film too. I'm looking for some inspiration, and my options to do the most of my time there :)

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Hey Alex, I dont record my gps tracks any longer, but you should find some ideas if you go to ut.no

[@AlexGodard]

@@NorwegianXplorer thank you. I gonna take a look

[@BulldogBadger]

1st 🤘😎

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Awesome!! thanks for that!

[@lassehansen5399]

gear stuff! Some day...

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Thanks Lasse!

[@alexandervalaris72]

Do you carry any survival gear?

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Not survival gear for a summer day like this, just an emergency kit, when I switch to my backpacking gear I have a shelter with me of course.

[@bjorneo72]

Hvor lang tid brukte du opp?

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Ca 2 timer og 30 min

[@BandanaTrekking]

Really nice view from the top 👍 Norway is a nice country, I have been there only once a lot of years ago! I published some hiking in Italy if you wanna take a look!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Cool, thank you!

[@WikoWiko-kf5rf]

Bazw Shax Wolf Moun Tain

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Not sure what that means:-)