Location and surroundings
Geographically, Ringstindane,store belongs to the nested mountain ranges of the Fennoscandian Shield, the Scandinavian Mountains, the Southern Scandes, the Central Mountains, Jotunheimen, and more specifically Vest-Jotunheimen. Located in Norway, within the municipality of Luster in the Vestland district, it stands as the 17th highest peak out of 210 named peaks in Vest-Jotunheimen. The surrounding terrain is characterized by high alpine relief, permanent ice, steep ridges, and valleys typical of the region.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Ringstindane,store includes several important summits and passes:
- Sore Soleibotntind (peak), 2,049 m, 0.5 km NW
- Ramnaskard (mountain pass), 1,720 m, 0.6 km SW
- Soleibotntindane (peak), 2,083 m, 1.0 km NW
- Nordre Soleibotntind (peak), 2,030 m, 1.0 km NW
- Store Austanbottstind (peak), 2,203 m, 1.1 km S
- Midtre Austanbottstind (peak), 2,100 m, 1.2 km SW
- Ringstindane (peak), 2,124 m, 1.4 km E
- Ringstindane,midtre (peak), 2,025 m, 1.4 km E
The nearest higher peak is Store Austanbottstind at 2,203 metres, located 1.1 kilometres to the south.
The view from the summit
From the high vantage point of Ringstindane,store, numerous giants of the region are visible within a 25-kilometre radius. The highest peaks within this range include Hurrungane at 2,405 metres situated 2.8 kilometres to the east, Styggedalstindane at 2,387 metres located 6.0 kilometres to the northeast, and Storebjørn at 2,222 metres lying 21.4 kilometres to the northeast. Additionally, observers can see Store Smørstabbtinden at 2,208 metres at a distance of 22.2 kilometres to the northeast, Store Rauddalstinden at 2,157 metres positioned 21.3 kilometres to the east, and Mjølkedalstinden at 2,138 metres located 24.0 kilometres to the east.
The range
The mountain range of Vest-Jotunheimen contains 210 named peaks, with Ringstindane,store holding the 17th rank among them by elevation. The highest peak of the Vest-Jotunheimen range is Hurrungane, reaching 2,405 metres in elevation and located just 3 kilometres east of Ringstindane,store. The broader hierarchy traces through Jotunheimen, the Central Mountains, the Southern Scandes, the Scandinavian Mountains, and finally the Fennoscandian Shield.
Climbing routes
The normal route for ascending the peak begins from Turtagrø, traversing via Berdalskardet and the glacier. Accommodation for climbers in the area is available nearby at the Turtagrø Hotel and Fannaråkhytta. The ascent time generally ranges between 4 and 6 hours from Turtagrø.
Access and starting points
The usual starting town for journeys toward the mountain is Øvre Årdal. From there, travellers access the trailheads, with Turtagrø serving as the primary base for reaching the normal route via Berdalskardet and the local glacier.
Climate and weather
Climate data for the summit and surrounding areas are estimates derived from NASA POWER climate statistics covering the period from 2001 to 2020. Temperatures at the summit are adjusted to elevation, showing the warmest month as July with a mean of about 3 °C, and the coldest month as January with a mean of about -12 °C. Precipitation in the surrounding area averages about 1,750 millimetres annually, with December being the wettest month at about 185 millimetres and April the driest at about 105 millimetres. Typical high-mountain weather hazards include sudden weather shifts, strong winds, low visibility, and glacier crevasses along the routes.
Best time to visit
The months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit are limited to July and August, which generally offer the most stable conditions for climbing and traversing the upper elevations. April represents the driest month in the surrounding lowlands, while the summer months align with the snowmelt period and better access via the normal routes from Turtagrø.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Ringstindane,store is defined by high alpine terrain, exposed rock, snowfields, and glaciers. Vegetation is sparse due to the high elevation and harsh climate, consisting primarily of hardy mosses, lichens, and low-growing mountain plants. Wildlife is limited, though hardy birds and small mammals adapted to cold rocky environments may occasionally be encountered in the valleys and lower slopes.
Guides and organised ascents
For high-altitude and glacier terrain, hiring a certified mountain guide is advisable for safety. In Norway, the national mountain guide association is the Norwegian Mountain Guides Association (Norske Tindevegledere (NORTIND)), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member organization. The national alpine club is the Norwegian Climbing Federation (Norsk Klatreforbund). Established guiding companies operating within the mountains of the country include Jostedalen Breførarlag based in Jostedal and Lofoten Mountain Guides based in Kabelvåg (Lofoten). Guided ascents typically factor in the duration of the trip, group size, hut overnight stays, and technical equipment required for glacier travel.
Safety and preparation
The terrain demands thorough preparation, proper physical fitness, and appropriate gear for glacier travel and variable alpine weather. In the event of an emergency in Norway, the police emergency number is 112, through which the police task mountain rescue services such as the Red Cross and other volunteer rescue corps. For medical emergencies, call 113. Mountain rescue operations are provided free of charge.
History and name
Store Ringstind is recognized as one of the classic peaks within the Hurrungane range. The first recorded ascent of the mountain was successfully completed by Carl Hall and Mathias Soggemoen in the year 1883.
Interesting facts
Ringstindane,store ranks as the 17th highest of 210 named peaks located within the Vest-Jotunheimen region. Its nearest higher neighbor is Store Austanbottstind, standing at 2,203 metres just 1.1 kilometres to the south. The highest peak of the Vest-Jotunheimen range, Hurrungane (2,405 m), lies a mere 3 kilometres to the east.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Ringstindane,store? The summit stands at an elevation of 2,124 metres.
Where is Ringstindane,store located? It is located in Norway, within the Vestland district and the municipality of Luster, forming part of the Vest-Jotunheimen and Jotunheimen mountain regions.
Which peaks are closest to Ringstindane,store? The nearest peaks and passes include Sore Soleibotntind (0.5 km NW), Ramnaskard (0.6 km SW), and Store Austanbottstind (1.1 km S).
How does Ringstindane,store compare to its neighbours? It is slightly lower than Store Austanbottstind (2,203 m), which is the nearest higher peak, but higher than nearby summits such as Sore Soleibotntind (2,049 m) and Nordre Soleibotntind (2,030 m).
Is there water on the way to Ringstindane,store? Water can generally be sourced from glacial streams and snowmelt along the routes, but it must always be properly treated or filtered before drinking; hikers should carry 1.5 to 3 litres depending on the weather and length of the day.
How long does it take to climb Ringstindane,store? The ascent takes approximately 4 to 6 hours from Turtagrø via the normal route.
What are the mobile phone coverage and emergency contact options? Mobile coverage in remote alpine valleys and behind ridges can be patchy, but emergency services can be reached via 112 over any available network; digital maps should always be downloaded before setting out.