Location and surroundings
Glittertinden rises in the Aust-Jotunheimen subrange of the Jotunheimen mountains, within the Southern Scandes, Central Mountains, Scandinavian Mountains and the Fennoscandian Shield. It lies in Lom municipality, Innlandet county, in Norway. At 2,452 m it ranks as the 2nd highest named peak in Norway and the highest point of Aust-Jotunheimen.
The mountain stands near glacier-covered slopes to the north and east, while the southern and western sides are more broken, with blocky ground and scree. The valleys around it are wet and stream-rich, with patches of high moorland grass. This mix of ice, rock and damp valley floor gives the area a distinctly alpine character.
Neighbouring peaks
- Trollsteinseggi (hill), 2,300 m, 1.0 km N
- Austre Glittertindoksle (peak), 2,260 m, 1.1 km NE
- Vestre Glittertindoksle (peak), 2,093 m, 1.6 km NW
- Dronningi (hill), 1,940 m, 1.7 km N
- Glitter-Rundhøi (peak), 2,089 m, 2.1 km SW
- Steinbukampen (hill), 1,710 m, 2.4 km S
- Godhø (peak), 1,860 m, 2.4 km SW
- Trollsteinrundhøe (hill), 2,170 m, 2.6 km N
These nearby tops are all lower than Glittertinden, which dominates the immediate ridge and glacier landscape. The closest high ground clusters to the north and northeast, while the south side drops toward lower hills and approach terrain.
The view from the summit
From the summit, the main high peaks within 25 km are part of the Jotunheimen skyline. To the west lies Galdhøpiggen at 2,469 m, about 13.0 km away. Other major peaks in view include Surtningssui (2,368 m, 13.1 km S), Skardstinden (2,374 m, 15.5 km W), Austtoppen (2,367 m, 10.0 km S), Heillstugutinden,store (2,347 m, 13.7 km SW) and Tjørnholstinden (2,331 m, 23.4 km S).
The summit position gives wide views across the high central mountains, especially toward the west and south where the highest ridges of the region gather.
The range
Glittertinden belongs to Aust-Jotunheimen, where it is the highest point. The subrange contains 224 named peaks, and Glittertinden ranks 1st by elevation within it. In the wider mountain system, it sits inside the Jotunheimen mountains of the Central Mountains and Southern Scandes, part of the Scandinavian Mountains on the Fennoscandian Shield.
The nearest major rival in the broader area is Galdhøpiggen, the highest mountain in Norway, which lies to the west. Glittertinden is therefore one of the key summits of the Jotunheimen high country, even though it is not the national high point.
Climbing routes
The mountain is commonly climbed from two hut areas. Spiterstulen in Visdalen is a traditional base, and Glitterheim in Veodalen is another. From Glitterheim, the route follows a marked path before moving over block terrain to the glacier edge, then across the glacier and up the snow-covered summit dome. From Spiterstulen, a marked trail climbs through valley terrain, crosses streams and then rises steeply onto the ridge and summit area.
These are alpine routes rather than simple hiking paths. Glacier travel, snow conditions and late-season firn can change the difficulty, and the Spiterstulen side may also involve avalanche exposure in suitable conditions.
Access and starting points
Spiterstulen can be reached by road from the Visdalen side, with the last section subject to toll and seasonal opening. Glitterheim is reached on foot or by bicycle from a parking area about 8 km away in Veodalen. The usual starting town is Lom, and the mountain lies not far from the village of Fossbergom in the same municipality.
These access points place the mountain within the core approach network for central Jotunheimen. Visitors usually plan around hut opening periods and the conditions on the approach valleys.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER show summit temperatures of about -15 °C in January and February, rising to about 2 °C in July and 1 °C in August. The wettest surrounding months are about 140 mm in July and August, while the driest is about 50 mm in February. Annual precipitation is about 1,050 mm.
At this height, weather can change quickly, with snow, wind, poor visibility and wet rock or snow bridges near glaciers. Even in summer, cold air and fresh snow are possible on the summit.
Best time to visit
The summit is usually above freezing only in July and August, which are the most suitable months for a non-winter ascent. Those months also coincide with the warmest conditions, although they are still cool at altitude. Earlier in the season, lingering snow and firn are common on the upper mountain.
For easier travel, late summer is often the most practical period, but conditions can still be alpine. In spring and early summer, snow cover may make the route more serious and may increase avalanche or glacier-related hazards.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain sits in a high alpine zone with bare rock, scree, snow patches and glacier margins. Lower down, the valleys carry wetter ground, stream corridors and some moor-like grassland. Vegetation is sparse near the summit, with hardy alpine plants only in sheltered places.
Wildlife in this part of Norway is typically adapted to cold, open terrain. Visitors may see mountain birds, small mammals and grazing animals in the broader valley landscape, but the upper slopes are mostly a place of rock, snow and wind.
Guides and organised ascents
For a glacier mountain like Glittertinden, a certified guide is sensible unless you already have solid alpine and glacier experience. In Norway, the national mountain guide association is Norwegian Mountain Guides Association (Norske Tindevegledere, NORTIND), an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the Norwegian Climbing Federation (Norsk Klatreforbund).
Visitors usually ask at local tourist offices, huts or guide associations for current conditions and guiding options. Established guiding companies in Norway include Jostedalen Breførarlag and Lofoten Mountain Guides. A guided ascent typically covers route choice, glacier safety, pacing and equipment advice; the cost depends on trip length, group size, hut nights and gear needs.
Safety and preparation
Glittertinden demands alpine preparation: sturdy footwear, warm layers, navigation skills and, on glacier sections, the right equipment and experience. Snow bridges, hidden crevasses, wind and sudden weather changes are the main concerns, and the upper mountain can stay wintry long into the season. Carry enough food and water for a full mountain day.
For mountain rescue in Norway, call 112 for the police emergency number; the police coordinate mountain rescue, and rescue is free of charge. Call 113 for a medical emergency.
History and name
Harald Nicolai Storm Wergeland is regarded as the first person to climb Glittertinden, and Edith Slingsby is likely the first woman to do so. The mountain was long thought to be Norway’s highest because of its ice cap, but glacier melt has lowered the summit. Since 1981, Galdhøpiggen has been higher.
The name is linked to the nearby stream Glitra and means something like a glittering or shining mountain, a reference to the mica-rich rock and the bright appearance of the summit snow and ice.
Interesting facts
Glittertinden is the highest point of Aust-Jotunheimen and the highest of 224 named peaks in that subrange. It is also the 2nd highest named peak in Norway. The nearest higher mountain is Galdhøpiggen, about 13.0 km to the west.
The summit has changed height as its ice cap has shrunk, and the top has been seasonally snow- and firn-covered for much of the year. That makes it a mountain where the exact summit point can vary with conditions.
FAQ
How high is Glittertinden? It rises to 2,452 m.
Where is Glittertinden located? It is in Lom municipality, Innlandet county, Norway, in the Jotunheimen mountains.
What is Glittertinden the highest point of? It is the highest point of Aust-Jotunheimen.
What are the nearest peaks to Glittertinden? Close neighbours include Trollsteinseggi to the north, Austre Glittertindoksle to the northeast and Vestre Glittertindoksle to the northwest.
How does Glittertinden compare with Galdhøpiggen? Galdhøpiggen is higher and lies about 13.0 km to the west.
Is there water on the way to Glittertinden? The terrain is glacier- and stream-rich, but water near snow and ice should be treated. Carry about 1.5-3 litres for a day, more in warm weather or on a long route.
When is the best time to climb Glittertinden? July and August are the main months above freezing at the summit, though conditions can still be alpine.