Glittertind | Glittertinden
Glittertind—officially known in Norwegian as Glittertinden—is one of the great mountains of Scandinavia. Rising to 2,452 meters (8,045 feet) in Norway’s Jotunheimen region, it is the country’s second-highest mountain, surpassed only by nearby Galdhøpiggen.
For generations, however, the question of which mountain was really Norway’s highest was surprisingly complicated. Glittertind once carried a substantial cap of permanent snow and ice that raised its surface well above the underlying rock summit. In 1931, the top of that ice was measured at more than 2,481 meters—higher than Galdhøpiggen. As the summit ice diminished, the old rivalry disappeared. By the summer of 2024, the summit was completely snow-free.
Today, Glittertind remains one of Norway’s most spectacular hiking summits: a broad high mountain of gabbro, glaciers, rocky ridges, sweeping views, and an extraordinary mountaineering history.
🏔️ Overview
Glittertind stands in eastern Jotunheimen, between Visdalen and Veodalen in Lom Municipality, Innlandet county. Its rocky summit reaches 2,452 meters, making it the second-highest mountain in Norway and one of the highest mountains anywhere in northern Europe.
The mountain has a different character from some of Jotunheimen’s sharper peaks. Seen from the south, Glittertind appears as a broad, rounded mountain, while its northern side ends dramatically in a cliff dropping roughly 200 meters toward the Grjotbrean glacier.
Glittertind’s fame comes from more than elevation. Its disappearing summit ice provides a striking example of how the measured height and appearance of an ice-capped mountain can change over time.
⚡ Fast Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Continent | Europe |
| Country | Norway |
| State/Province | Innlandet |
| County/Region | Lom Municipality |
| Range | Jotunheimen, part of the Scandinavian Mountains |
| Parent Peak | Galdhøpiggen |
| Elevation | 2,452 m / 8,045 ft |
| Prominence | Approx. 986 m / 3,235 ft |
| Isolation | Approx. 13.1 km / 8.14 mi |
| Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN) | Galdhøpiggen |
| Coordinates | Approx. 61.6512° N, 8.5576° E |
| Protected Area | Jotunheimen National Park |
| Rock Type | Primarily gabbro |
| First Recorded Ascent | 1841 — Harald Nicolai Storm Wergeland and Hans Sletten; whether they reached the absolute highest point is uncertain |
| Highest Confirmed Early Summit Visit | Jo Gjende in 1842 |
| Historical Ice-Cap Elevation | 2,481.4 m in 1931 |
| Norway Height Ranking | #2 |
| Common Name | Glittertind |
| Official Norwegian Form | Glittertinden |
Peakbagger’s current Norway prominence data gives Glittertinden approximately 986 meters of prominence and about 13.1 kilometers of isolation.
đź“Ť Location
Glittertind lies in the heart of the high mountains of southern Norway, within Jotunheimen National Park.
The mountain rises east of Visdalen and north of Veodalen. Galdhøpiggen lies across Visdalen to the west, placing Norway’s two highest mountains remarkably close together.
The wider Glittertind massif also forms an important watershed. Water drains westward toward the Visa, northward toward the Smådøla and east and south toward the Veo and ultimately the Sjoa river system.
Glittertind is surrounded by a classic Jotunheimen landscape of:
- Glaciers
- High alpine valleys
- Boulder fields
- Snowfields
- Rocky ridges
- Mountain lakes
- Tundra
- Neighboring 2,000-meter peaks
Its location inside a national park helps protect both the mountain itself and the wider alpine environment.
đź“Ź Elevation, Prominence & Isolation
Glittertind’s bedrock summit reaches 2,452 meters (8,045 feet).
That makes it:
- The second-highest mountain in Norway
- The second-highest summit in Jotunheimen
- One of the highest mountains in the Scandinavian Mountains
- Only 17 meters lower than Galdhøpiggen’s 2,469-meter summit
Glittertind is also a highly independent mountain rather than simply a minor summit attached to Galdhøpiggen.
Prominence
Peakbagger lists approximately:
986 meters / 3,235 feet of topographic prominence
This is somewhat higher than the roughly 975-meter figure found in some other databases. For consistency with Mountain Field Guide’s mountain profiles, the Peakbagger value is used here.
Isolation
Glittertind has approximately:
13.1 kilometers / 8.14 miles of topographic isolation
The nearest higher terrain is associated with Galdhøpiggen, immediately across the Visdalen area to the west.
🧊 The Changing Height of Glittertind
Glittertind has one of the most fascinating elevation stories of any mountain in Europe.
The solid-rock summit is 2,452 meters high, but the mountain historically had a permanent summit ice and snow cap. Because snow accumulation, melting and wind continually changed its thickness, the actual surface elevation varied from year to year.
Store norske leksikon records:
- 1931: summit ice reached 2,481.4 meters
- 1996: approximately 2,464 meters
- June 2000: approximately 2,465.6 meters
- Summer 2024: summit reported completely snow-free
At its historical maximum, Glittertind’s ice-covered surface stood more than 12 meters above Galdhøpiggen’s 2,469-meter rocky summit.
That created a famous geographical debate: Should a mountain’s height include a permanent glacier or snow cap?
For a time, the answer determined whether Glittertind or Galdhøpiggen could be called Norway’s highest mountain.
Today there is little ambiguity. The shrinking of Glittertind’s summit ice means Galdhøpiggen is clearly Norway’s highest mountain.
The story is reminiscent of Sweden’s Kebnekaise, where shrinking summit ice has also changed the identity of the mountain’s highest point.
🪨 Geology
Glittertind consists primarily of gabbro, a dark, coarse-grained igneous rock that is widespread throughout Jotunheimen.
The mountain belongs to the much larger geological structure of Jotunheimen, where resistant igneous rocks helped preserve some of Norway’s highest terrain through enormous periods of erosion.
Much of the region’s geological foundation is associated with rocks transported and deformed during the ancient Caledonian mountain-building events hundreds of millions of years ago.
The landscape visible today is considerably younger in form.
Repeated Ice Age glaciations profoundly reshaped Jotunheimen. Moving glaciers excavated valleys, steepened mountainsides and removed enormous amounts of rock.
At Glittertind, glacial influence remains immediately visible.
Glitterbrean lies on the mountain’s slopes, while the steep northern face drops toward Grjotbrean. GrĂĄsubrean, east of Glittertind, covers roughly 2.2 square kilometers and is regarded as one of Norway’s highest and most continental glaciers.
🌿 Flora & Fauna
Conditions change dramatically between the valleys and Glittertind’s summit.
Lower valleys support grasses, shrubs, mountain birch and a variety of alpine plants. Vegetation gradually becomes shorter and sparser with increasing elevation until the highest terrain consists largely of bare rock, scree, snow and ice.
The wider Jotunheimen National Park supports both wild and domesticated reindeer, and reindeer have been part of the region’s natural and human history for thousands of years. Alpine birds, including ptarmigan and birds of prey, also inhabit the high mountains.
One particularly interesting botanical record comes from Veodalen near Glittertind. A mountain birch found there at approximately 1,404 meters above sea level has been described by Store norske leksikon as Norway’s highest-growing individual tree.
Above this surprisingly high tree limit, Glittertind becomes an increasingly severe alpine environment where plants must tolerate frost, wind, prolonged snow cover and an extremely short growing season.
🥾 Hiking & Climbing Routes
Glittertind can be reached from either Glitterheim to the east or Spiterstulen to the west.
A marked hiking route crosses the mountain between the two lodges.
Although Glittertind is generally considered a hiking summit rather than a technical rock climb by its normal routes, it is a serious high-mountain journey. Long distances, substantial elevation gain, snow, ice, loose rock and rapidly changing weather all need to be considered.
Glitterheim to Glittertind
Glitterheim is the traditional and generally easier starting point.
The lodge stands at approximately 1,386 meters in Veodalen and is reached through Jotunheimen National Park. Marked summer routes connect it with Glittertind and several other major destinations.
The summit route is approximately 7.5 kilometers one way and gains more than 1,000 meters of elevation.
A typical ascent passes through:
- Alpine vegetation near Glitterheim
- Increasingly rocky mountain terrain
- Boulder fields and high slopes
- Areas where snow or ice may remain
- The broad upper mountain
- The summit at 2,452 meters
Local hiking information estimates approximately 4–6 hours to the summit, although times vary considerably with weather, snow conditions, fitness and route conditions.
Spiterstulen to Glittertind
A second major route begins at Spiterstulen in Visdalen.
This approach involves roughly 1,300 meters of ascent and provides a longer, demanding mountain day. Local route information commonly suggests approximately nine hours for the round trip under favorable conditions.
Spiterstulen is also an important base for Galdhøpiggen and many of Jotunheimen’s other high peaks.
Snow and ice
The loss of Glittertind’s old permanent summit cap does not mean hikers should expect an entirely snow-free mountain.
Seasonal snow and ice can remain well into summer, and conditions vary enormously from one year to another.
Crampons or other traction equipment may sometimes be appropriate, particularly when hard snow or ice is present.
Never assume that conditions reported for a previous season will match current conditions.
🏔️ Field Guide Tip
Glittertind is a hiking summit, but it should still be treated as a major alpine objective.
At more than 2,450 meters in Norway, the summit is exposed to rapidly changing weather, strong winds, fog, freezing temperatures and snow even when valleys below are experiencing pleasant summer conditions.
Before leaving Glitterheim or Spiterstulen, check the current route, snow conditions and mountain forecast.
If hard ice, severe weather or poor visibility makes the upper mountain unsafe, turning around is the correct decision. Glittertind will still be there another day.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
For most hikers, the best period for climbing Glittertind is late June through September, with July and August normally providing the most reliable summer hiking conditions.
July and August
These are generally the prime hiking months.
Advantages include:
- Long daylight hours
- Mountain lodges operating
- Lower average snow coverage
- Generally milder temperatures
- Better access to hiking routes
However, snowstorms, fog and freezing temperatures remain possible.
September
Early September can be excellent, especially for hikers seeking fewer visitors.
Days become noticeably shorter, however, and autumn storms and fresh snowfall become increasingly likely.
Winter and spring
Glittertind can also be visited on skis, but winter and spring transform the mountain into a much more serious undertaking.
Avalanche conditions, whiteouts, ice, extreme cold and rapidly changing snow conditions require appropriate experience and equipment.
đź“ś History of Climbing Glittertind
The recorded mountaineering history of Glittertind stretches back to the early exploration and surveying of Jotunheimen.
On July 14, 1841, Norwegian surveyor and military officer Harald Nicolai Storm Wergeland climbed high on the mountain with farmer Hans Sletten.
Their observations were apparently made about 50 feet below what they described as the highest snow summit, making it uncertain whether they actually stood at the absolute highest point.
The following year, legendary hunter Jo Gjende definitely reached the highest part of the mountain after reportedly following a reindeer buck toward the summit.
Glitterheim subsequently became the mountain’s principal hiking base.
The Norwegian Trekking Association obtained an early stone shelter there during the late 19th century, and the modern lodge developed into one of eastern Jotunheimen’s most important hiking centers.
Summit shelters
Glittertind even once had shelters built directly on its summit.
An early wooden rest hut was constructed in the first years of the 20th century but was destroyed by a storm during the winter of 1912–1913.
Another summit hut was erected in 1930. It remained in use until the 1960s before disappearing into the snow and eventually emerging badly damaged.
The fate of those buildings says something about the severity of the environment at 2,452 meters in Jotunheimen.
🏷️ What Does Glittertind Mean?
The mountain’s modern Norwegian name is Glittertinden, although Glittertind remains extremely common internationally and historically.
The name is connected with the river name Glitra, derived from the Norwegian verb meaning “to glitter” or “sparkle.”
It is an especially appropriate name for a mountain historically crowned by brilliant snow and ice.
🧠Nearby Mountains & Attractions
Glittertind occupies one of the most impressive sections of Jotunheimen, placing numerous major destinations nearby.
Galdhøpiggen
Just west of Glittertind across Visdalen stands Galdhøpiggen, rising to 2,469 meters.
It is Norway’s highest mountain and Glittertind’s nearest higher neighbor.
Glitterheim
At the foot of the mountain in Veodalen, Glitterheim is one of Jotunheimen’s classic mountain lodges and the principal eastern base for climbing Glittertind.
Spiterstulen
Located in Visdalen, Spiterstulen provides western access to Glittertind and is also a major starting point for climbs of Galdhøpiggen and many surrounding peaks.
Surtningssue
Southeast of Glittertind rises Surtningssue, one of Norway’s highest mountains at 2,368 meters.
Store Memurutinden
Store Memurutinden rises to approximately 2,366 meters in the nearby Memurutindane massif.
Jotunheimen National Park
The surrounding national park protects more than 1,100 square kilometers of high mountains, valleys, glaciers, rivers and alpine ecosystems.
It is one of Norway’s premier destinations for trekking and mountaineering.
đź’ˇ Fun Facts
- Glittertind is Norway’s second-highest mountain.
- Its bedrock summit reaches 2,452 meters (8,045 feet).
- Galdhøpiggen is only 17 meters higher.
- Glittertind once appeared to be Norway’s highest mountain because of its summit ice cap.
- The ice-covered summit measured 2,481.4 meters in 1931.
- The summit was reported completely snow-free during summer 2024.
- The mountain consists primarily of gabbro.
- Its northern face drops approximately 200 meters toward Grjotbrean.
- Glittertind has approximately 986 meters of topographic prominence.
- Its nearest higher neighbor is Galdhøpiggen.
- Harald Nicolai Storm Wergeland and Hans Sletten climbed high on the mountain in 1841.
- Jo Gjende reached the highest point in 1842.
- A marked route connects Glitterheim and Spiterstulen over Glittertind.
- The name is associated with the Norwegian word for glittering or sparkling.
- Glittertind lies entirely within Jotunheimen National Park.
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Glittertind?
Glittertind has a bedrock elevation of 2,452 meters (8,045 feet).
Is Glittertind the highest mountain in Norway?
No. Galdhøpiggen is Norway’s highest mountain at 2,469 meters.
Glittertind is second highest.
Was Glittertind ever higher than Galdhøpiggen?
Its ice-covered surface was.
In 1931, the summit ice was measured at approximately 2,481.4 meters, which was higher than Galdhøpiggen.
The underlying rock summit, however, is only 2,452 meters.
Does Glittertind still have a glacier on its summit?
The permanent summit ice that historically raised Glittertind’s elevation has dramatically diminished. Store norske leksikon reports that the summit was completely snow-free during summer 2024.
Glaciers and seasonal snow still occur elsewhere around the mountain.
What is Glittertind’s prominence?
Peakbagger currently lists approximately 986 meters (3,235 feet) of topographic prominence.
What is Glittertind’s isolation?
Its topographic isolation is approximately 13.1 kilometers (8.14 miles).
What is Glittertind’s nearest higher neighbor?
Galdhøpiggen is Glittertind’s nearest higher neighbor.
Can you hike Glittertind?
Yes.
The normal routes from Glitterheim and Spiterstulen are hiking routes rather than technical rock climbs, but they involve substantial elevation gain and potentially difficult snow, ice and mountain weather.
What is the easiest route up Glittertind?
The route from Glitterheim is generally considered the easier and most popular approach.
It involves more than 1,000 meters of ascent and approximately 7.5 kilometers of hiking each way.
When is the best time to climb Glittertind?
For ordinary summer hiking, July and August generally offer the most favorable conditions.
Late June and September can also be suitable depending on snow and weather.
Where is Glittertind located?
Glittertind is in Lom Municipality, Innlandet, Norway, within Jotunheimen National Park.
What mountain range is Glittertind part of?
Glittertind belongs to Jotunheimen, which forms part of the broader Scandinavian Mountains.
What type of rock is Glittertind made from?
The mountain consists mainly of gabbro, a resistant igneous rock common in Jotunheimen.
Why is it called Glittertind?
The name is associated with the river Glitra and a Norwegian word meaning to glitter or sparkle—an appropriate name for a mountain historically crowned with bright snow and ice.
đź”— Related Articles
- Jotunheimen: Mountains, Glaciers & Hiking Guide
- Galdhøpiggen
- Scandinavian Mountains: Geography, Geology, Highest Peaks & Hiking Guide
- Mountains in Norway
- Surtningssue
- Store Memurutinden
- Uranostinden
đź“š Sources
- Store norske leksikon — Glittertinden
- Store norske leksikon — Jotunheimen
- Store norske leksikon — Glitterheim
- Store norske leksikon — Gråsubrean
- Peakbagger — Norway Peaks with 600 m of Prominence
- Jotunheimen — Glittertind Hike from Glitterheim
- Spiterstulen — Glittertind Summit Hike
- Norway’s National Parks — Jotunheimen National Park
