Store Hellstugutinden
🏔️ Overview
Store Hellstugutinden is one of the great high summits of Norway’s Jotunheimen mountains. Rising to approximately 2,346 meters (7,697 feet) above sea level, it is the highest summit of the Hellstugutindan ridge and ranks among the highest mountains in Norway.
The mountain stands in Lom Municipality in Innlandet, within Jotunheimen National Park. It rises between Urdadalen to the west and Hellstugubrean to the east, surrounded by glaciers, high valleys, rugged ridges, and numerous other 2,000-meter peaks.
Unlike some of Jotunheimen’s more accessible summits, Store Hellstugutinden is a serious mountain objective. Approaches are long, much of the upper mountain consists of loose rock and scree, and some routes involve scrambling, glacier travel, or exposed ridge terrain.
Its distinctive pyramidal summit and central position also make Store Hellstugutinden an outstanding viewpoint over the heart of Jotunheimen.
⚡ Fast Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Continent | Europe |
| Country | Norway |
| State/Province | Innlandet |
| County/Region | Lom Municipality |
| Range | Jotunheimen / Scandinavian Mountains |
| Parent Peak | Surtningssue |
| Elevation | Approximately 2,346 m / 7,697 ft |
| Prominence | Approximately 394 m / 1,293 ft |
| Isolation | Approximately 3.6–3.7 km / 2.2–2.3 mi |
| Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN) | Store Memurutinden |
| Coordinates | Approximately 61.5444° N, 8.4278° E |
| National Park | Jotunheimen National Park |
| Highest Point Of | Hellstugutindan |
| First Recorded Ascent | September 1, 1881 |
| First Ascenders | William Cecil Slingsby and Johannes Vigdal |
📍 Location
Store Hellstugutinden lies in central Jotunheimen, one of the most mountainous regions in Scandinavia.
The peak is located east of Visdalen and between two major landscape features:
- Urdadalen to the west
- Hellstugubrean to the east
Farther east lies Vestre Memurubrean, while the long Hellstugutindan ridge extends north and south from the summit.
The entire area is exceptionally mountainous. Several neighboring summits rise above 2,000 meters, including Midtre Hellstugutinden, Nestsøre Hellstugutinden, Store Memurutinden, and Surtningssue.
Store Hellstugutinden is therefore not an isolated mountain standing above low country. Instead, it rises from an already high alpine landscape filled with ridges, glaciers, cirques, and deeply carved valleys.
📏 Elevation & Prominence
Store Hellstugutinden reaches approximately 2,346 meters (7,697 feet) above sea level.
Norwegian reference sources differ slightly on its exact elevation. Recent figures range from about 2,345 to 2,347 meters, reflecting different surveys, map editions, and elevation datasets. Peakbook currently lists 2,346 meters, while Store norske leksikon also uses 2,346 meters in its main description.
Its topographic prominence is approximately 394 meters (1,293 feet).
The mountain’s isolation is around 3.6 kilometers (2.3 miles), with higher terrain toward Store Memurutinden, making that summit the nearest higher neighbor.
Despite the relatively modest isolation, Store Hellstugutinden is visually impressive because it rises sharply from the valleys and glaciers surrounding the Hellstugutindan ridge.
It is also generally listed as Norway’s 11th-highest mountain when summits are ranked using an appropriate minimum prominence criterion.
🪨 Geology
Store Hellstugutinden stands within one of Norway’s most geologically complex high-mountain regions.
Much of Jotunheimen is associated with the Jotun Nappe Complex, a large assemblage of ancient crystalline rocks that was transported over other rock units during the Caledonian mountain-building events hundreds of millions of years ago.
The broader Jotunheimen region contains ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks, some of Precambrian age, that were later affected by tectonic forces associated with the Caledonian Orogeny.
However, the mountain landscape visible today is much younger than the rocks themselves.
Repeated glaciations during the Quaternary dramatically reshaped Jotunheimen. Moving ice excavated valleys, steepened mountain walls, deepened cirques, and left behind the sharp ridges and rugged summits characteristic of the area.
Modern glaciers such as Hellstugubrean and Vestre Memurubrean continue to occupy depressions alongside the Hellstugutindan ridge.
The combination of resistant ancient bedrock and intense glacial erosion helped create Store Hellstugutinden’s steep, pyramid-like appearance.
🌿 Flora & Fauna
Conditions near the summit of Store Hellstugutinden are severe. Much of the highest terrain consists of bare rock, scree, snowfields, and ice, leaving relatively little space for vegetation.
Nevertheless, Jotunheimen supports a surprisingly rich alpine flora.
The national park administration reports that 36 species of vascular plants have been recorded above 2,000 meters in Jotunheimen.
Hardy plants found across the high mountains include:
- Glacier buttercup
- Purple saxifrage
- Mountain avens
- Dwarf willow
- Moss campion
- Roseroot
Vegetation becomes more abundant farther down the valleys, where heath, dwarf shrubs, grasslands, and eventually mountain birch can grow.
Wildlife is similarly adapted to harsh mountain conditions.
Animals found in the wider Jotunheimen landscape include wolverines, red foxes, stoats, lemmings, reindeer, and several species of deer. Reindeer occurring in eastern Jotunheimen are primarily domesticated herds, while wild reindeer occur farther west, including parts of the Hurrungane region.
Mountain birds include ptarmigan, while birds of prey such as golden eagles and gyrfalcons inhabit the wider national park.
At the summit itself, however, Store Hellstugutinden is primarily a world of stone, snow, wind, and expansive mountain views.
🥾 Hiking & Climbing Routes
Climbing Store Hellstugutinden requires significantly more mountain experience than an ordinary marked hiking trail.
There are several approaches, with Spiterstulen, Gjendebu, Leirvassbu, and Memurubu all serving as possible starting points for trips into the surrounding mountains.
Route via Urdadalen
One of the most straightforward approaches reaches the mountain from Urdadalen.
Hikers can follow the valley before leaving the main route and climbing approximately 700 vertical meters toward the saddle between Store Hellstugutinden and Nestsøre Hellstugutinden.
The upper slopes contain extensive scree and areas of loose rock.
From the saddle, the south ridge leads toward the summit. Much of this section is manageable for experienced mountain hikers in dry conditions, although some scrambling and exposed terrain are encountered.
Rock can become slippery when wet, and route-finding becomes considerably more difficult in fog or poor weather.
Routes via the Glaciers
Store Hellstugutinden can also be approached using Hellstugubrean or Vestre Memurubrean.
These options introduce glacier hazards including crevasses and bergschrunds.
Anyone traveling on the glaciers should therefore possess appropriate glacier-travel skills and carry suitable equipment. An experienced guide is a sensible choice for visitors without glacier experience.
Hellstugutindan Traverse
The full Hellstugutindan traverse is a much more serious undertaking.
The ridge extends for roughly six to seven kilometers and includes several summits above 2,000 meters.
Traversing from the northern peaks toward Store Hellstugutinden involves exposed scrambling, loose rock, steep sections, and climbing terrain. Sections between Midtre Hellstugutinden and Store Hellstugutinden are considerably more technical than the ordinary southern approach.
A rope and climbing equipment may be appropriate depending on the chosen route, conditions, and experience of the group.
This traverse should be regarded as a mountaineering route rather than a normal mountain hike.
🏔️ Field Guide Tip: For hikers primarily interested in reaching Store Hellstugutinden rather than completing the entire ridge, the southern approach through Urdadalen generally avoids the most technical sections of the Hellstugutindan traverse. Even this route is long, rugged, and exposed to rapidly changing mountain weather, so strong navigation skills and proper equipment are essential.
🧗 First Ascent
The first recorded ascent of Store Hellstugutinden took place on September 1, 1881.
The summit was reached by the celebrated British mountaineer William Cecil Slingsby together with Norwegian mountain guide Johannes Vigdal.
Their ascent came during the period when exploration and recreational mountaineering were rapidly expanding in Jotunheimen.
Interest in this part of the mountains had increased after Spiterstulen began serving mountain travelers during the 19th century.
Slingsby and Vigdal approached from Urdadalsbandet and climbed toward the saddle south of the summit before continuing upward.
Slingsby became one of the most important figures in early Norwegian mountaineering and made numerous pioneering ascents across the country.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
For non-winter ascents, the most practical period is generally July through early September.
Even during midsummer, however, snowfields may remain and fresh snow can fall on the highest mountains.
Conditions can change extremely quickly in Jotunheimen. Sunshine in the valleys does not guarantee favorable weather on a summit more than 2,300 meters high.
Before attempting the mountain:
- Check the latest weather forecast.
- Carry warm and waterproof clothing.
- Bring map and navigation equipment.
- Allow ample daylight for the long approach.
- Be prepared to turn around if conditions deteriorate.
- Carry glacier equipment if using a glacier route.
- Consider a guide for the full ridge traverse or unfamiliar glacier terrain.
Spring ski ascents are also possible. Store Hellstugutinden is known among experienced ski mountaineers as a rewarding spring objective, but glacier travel and avalanche conditions add significant hazards.
🧭 Nearby Mountains & Attractions
Store Hellstugutinden sits among an extraordinary concentration of high mountains.
Midtre Hellstugutinden
Immediately north of Store Hellstugutinden is Midtre Hellstugutinden, rising to about 2,339 meters.
It is one of the highest summits in Norway and is separated from Store Hellstugutinden by a complex section of ridge.
Nestsøre Hellstugutinden
South of the main summit stands Nestsøre Hellstugutinden, approximately 2,255 meters high.
The saddle between the two peaks is used on one of the more accessible approaches to Store Hellstugutinden.
Store Memurutinden
Northeast of the mountain is Store Memurutinden, a 2,300-meter giant and Store Hellstugutinden’s nearest higher neighbor.
Surtningssue
Surtningssue rises east of the Hellstugutindan area and is one of Norway’s highest major mountains.
Glittertind
Glittertind is Norway’s second-highest mountain and one of the signature summits of Jotunheimen.
Galdhøpiggen
Norway’s highest mountain, Galdhøpiggen, rises west of Visdalen and is another major destination accessible from the Spiterstulen area.
Jotunheimen National Park
The surrounding Jotunheimen landscape contains glaciers, alpine lakes, dramatic valleys, historic mountain lodges, and an enormous network of hiking routes.
More than simply a backdrop for Store Hellstugutinden, the park is one of Europe’s great high-mountain wilderness areas.
💡 Fun Facts
- Store Hellstugutinden is the highest summit of the Hellstugutindan ridge.
- It rises to approximately 2,346 meters (7,697 feet).
- It is commonly ranked as Norway’s 11th-highest mountain.
- Its topographic prominence is approximately 394 meters.
- Store Memurutinden is its nearest higher neighbor.
- The summit lies entirely within Lom Municipality in Innlandet.
- It stands inside Jotunheimen National Park.
- Glaciers flank the ridge on its eastern side.
- Store Hellstugutinden has a distinctive pyramidal profile when viewed from surrounding summits.
- William Cecil Slingsby and Johannes Vigdal made the first recorded ascent in 1881.
- The name Hellstugu is associated with an old stone shelter or hut in the Visdalen area.
- The Norwegian word tind refers to a sharp mountain peak or summit.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Store Hellstugutinden?
Store Hellstugutinden rises to approximately 2,346 meters (7,697 feet) above sea level.
Different Norwegian sources give figures between about 2,345 and 2,347 meters, so a one- or two-meter difference may appear depending on the dataset used.
Where is Store Hellstugutinden?
It is located in Lom Municipality, Innlandet, Norway, within Jotunheimen National Park.
What mountain range is Store Hellstugutinden in?
The mountain belongs to Jotunheimen, part of the larger Scandinavian Mountains.
What is Store Hellstugutinden’s prominence?
Its generally accepted topographic prominence is approximately 394 meters (1,293 feet).
What is the nearest higher neighbor of Store Hellstugutinden?
The nearest higher major summit is Store Memurutinden, northeast of Store Hellstugutinden.
Is Store Hellstugutinden one of Norway’s highest mountains?
Yes. It is commonly ranked as Norway’s 11th-highest mountain when independent summits are ranked using a prominence threshold.
Can you hike Store Hellstugutinden?
Yes, but it is a demanding high-mountain ascent rather than a casual hike.
The southern approach from Urdadalen is less technical than completing the full Hellstugutindan ridge, but it still involves a long approach, substantial elevation gain, scree, scrambling, and potentially exposed terrain.
Does climbing Store Hellstugutinden require glacier travel?
Not necessarily.
A route through Urdadalen can avoid extensive glacier travel. Other approaches cross or travel alongside Hellstugubrean or Vestre Memurubrean and require appropriate glacier skills and equipment.
Is the Hellstugutindan traverse difficult?
Yes.
The complete traverse includes steep and exposed scrambling, loose rock, route-finding challenges, and sections where climbing and rappelling techniques may be appropriate. It is considerably more serious than simply approaching Store Hellstugutinden from the south.
Who first climbed Store Hellstugutinden?
The first recorded ascent was made by William Cecil Slingsby and Johannes Vigdal on September 1, 1881.
🔗 Related Articles
- Jotunheimen
- Store Memurutinden
- Surtningssue
- Glittertind
- Scandinavian Mountains: Geography, Geology, Highest Peaks & Hiking Guide
- Mountains in Norway
- Mountains in Europe
📚 Sources
- Store norske leksikon — Store Hellstugutinden — elevation, location, prominence, naming, and first-ascent history.
- Store norske leksikon — Hellstugutindan — information about the Hellstugutindan ridge and surrounding glaciers.
- Peakbook — Store Hellstugutinden — elevation, prominence, coordinates, approaches, ridge traverse, and climbing information.
- Peakbagger — Store Hellstugutinden — topographic and neighboring-peak data.
- Wikipedia — Store Hellstugutinden — location, isolation, neighboring mountains, and ridge information.
- Jotunheimen National Park — Flora — alpine vegetation and high-elevation plant life.
- Jotunheimen National Park — Wildlife — wildlife and reindeer information for the protected area.
- Norway’s National Parks — Jotunheimen National Park — national park landscape and wildlife information.
- Norwegian Geological Survey — Structure and Petrology of the Bergen-Jotun Kindred Rocks — regional geology of the Jotun Nappe and Jotunheimen.
- Norwegian Journal of Geology — The Jotun–Valdres Nappe Complex — geological history and structure of the Jotun–Valdres Nappe Complex.
- Visit Norway — Jotunheimen — regional hiking, access, landscape, and mountain-safety information.
