Norwegian Mountains Guide
Norway's geography is dominated by vast mountain ranges broken up by valleys and fjords. Less than 10% of the country's area is arable, and the rest is mountainous. The Scandinavian mountain range runs through the Scandinavian Peninsula, and its western sides form the well-known fjords of Norway. Part of this mountain area is named Jotunheimen, where most of the mountains above 2000m are located. Galdhøpiggen, the highest mountain in Norway, is located in this area. Glaciers are the major cause for erosion, so terrain in Norwegian mountains consists of plateaus and lakes with peaks. These areas have abundant and diverse fauna and flora.
Norwegian mountain ranges provide some of the most attractive recreational areas in Norway, both during the summer and winter. Cabins and trails are operated by the Norwegian Mountain Touring/ Trekking Association at intervals that allow for weeks of uninterrupted hiking or cross-country skiing in the mountains.
Mountaineering can mean hiking, backpacking, walking, or climbing up mountains. It can be a hobby, profession, or sport. But no matter what it is, you should know that mountaineering can be a dangerous activity, especially if you are doing it during winter. That is why you need to prepare well before you go for your mountaineering trip.
Norwegian mountain terrain differs from that of major ranges elsewhere, principally because it was formed by glaciation at high latitude rather than by tactonic upheavals at lower latitudes. Its power and scope is of a different sort.
The west coast of Norway is a mountaineer's paradise, a virtually unbroken chain of hills and mountains stretch along the full length of the country. Although many areas, particularly those in the north are very remote by European standards, the fjord ranges in the south are easily accessible from either Bergen or Oslo.
Situated just to the east of Sognefjorden, the Jotunheimen contains the heighest concentration of peaks above 2,000m in Scandinavia. Indeed, the two highest mountains, Galdhopiggen and Glittertind, reside here.
Indeed, as French-American explorer Paul Belloni Du Chaillu wrote in 1881 in "Land of the Midnight Sun":
The difference between the mountains of Switzerland and Norway is this: those of the former are much higher, more bold and pointed, and sharp in the outlines of their thousand fantastic forms. On the other hand, the Norwegian mountains have a grave and somber character, appearing like a gigantic stony wave, with a peak here and there, impressing more by their vastness than their height and ruggedness.
In that great stony wave of lesser elevation lies the secret of the Norwegian mountain experience.
Enjoy Amazing Fjord cruises on the Geirangerfjord & the Sognefjord & a beautiful 2 night Cruise along the Norwegian coast, with an unforgettable excursion across the "Golden Route" with the breathtaking Trollstigen hairpin road - Experience great mountain train journeys across the Hardangervidda and the Dovrefjell mountain plateaus along with the spectacular Flam Railway - Stay overnight in the picturesque coastal town of Bergen and the historic town of Trondheim - Start and finish with overnight stays in Oslo.
The Athens International Film Festival last year (2009) features three Norwegian films, including Tommy Wirkola's "Dead Snow". For the thrill-seeking, the films Dead Snow (Død Snø), Cold Prey (Fritt vilt) and Cold Prey 2 (Fritt vilt 2), screened at Apollon cinema in September, are god choices.
The Norwegian Mountain Festival in Åndalsnes in Romsdalen is the summer festival for all mountain and outdoor pursuits enthusiasts. The festival aims to bring together people with a common love of mountains and nature. Varied programme with extreme challenge, peak climbing, hikes, family events, cultural evening, youth camp, sailing trips, courses and mountain farm days.
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