To the highest mountain of Northern Europe

It is quit early in the morning when I wake up. I bought some thermos underwear for today’s activity and I had worn my hiking boots before so that they would not hurt my feet today. After a brekkie we get on the bus towards Galdhøpiggen – the highest mountain of Norway, Scandinavia and Northern Europe.

Galdhøpiggen is the highest mountain of Northern Europe

Watch out for that rock

We arrive at the start of the hike to the 2469 meters high Norwegian mountain and receive our gear. I honestly did not expect to get this much of equipment, since we even get a harness and ropes. That must mean that it will be a bit more exciting than I expected.

From there on we start our walk on top of the loose laying rocks, which were everywhere. I soon get used to the terrain and I even feel like running over these tricky stones! Walking on this terrain is quit an adventure on its own. I have to say, it is a unique hiking experience for me, since I had never walked on such a path before a real climb.

The hiking terrain before the climb

Safe snow?

When we pass the loose laying stones we get to the glacier and I start to wonder if the snow will be here forever. At least all the global warming news does not convince me of the idea that this snow will last. Our guide, Oddbjørn, tells me that the snow will be here for at least 5 more years and after that it will melt. What will probably last a bit longer is the ice tunnel which lies in the neighborhood, but I will get back to that.

Safety first

While we are attaching ourselves to a large piece of rope with about 2 meters between each person we are enjoying some Bumsemums. These are Norwegian chocolates which are light of weight and give a lot of energy. Very convenient to take with you on an outdoor activity.

With 9 persons we start to walk over the glacier towards a higher point of the mountain. Across the glacier Oddbjørn starts telling us that we should not walk to close to the person in front of us so that the rope remains taut. This is safer in case you fall through the glacier. Wait, what? Fall through? Yes. There is a lot of water streaming underneath the glacier and you have to mind your step. My shoes are becoming wet repeatedly, but I am wearing hiking shoes for that reason anyway. No one will fall through, but still, safety first thanks to the rope.

Obsessions of a photographer

With the rope attached to us we cross the glacier until we see stones again. At the stones we can release ourselves from the rope. You only need this safety feature to protect you from falling through the glacier. From here on it is climbing the mountain like a monkey would. The start is doable with a walk, but somehow I start to use my hands on the rocks to pull myself up so that I can use more strength from my arms. The women prefer to have a rest a bit more often than the men, but no one gives up!

What I think is a little bit frustrating is that those school classes just keep on passing you! It reminds me of when I went snowboarding for the first time and the little ones seemed to overtake me all the time as well. Anyway, the Norwegians are great climbers! Starting in childhood, they go with their school and family for outdoor activities into the mountains.

If 5-year-old children can do it, than I can too!”

I shout. Even while I think it is still very challenging.

Climbing the Galdhøpiggen with a lovely view

Some will think that the climb they have done so far is enough while they are on the half of their way up to the mountain peak. From there you can also take beautiful pictures and enjoy a stunning view, but still the diehards continue their way up.

From the top of the mountain you can see it all! To have the opportunity to take a picture with the Swedish flag can also be a good goal for your climb. By the way, I keep calling this a climb, but the professional mountain climbers will say it is an average hike. For me, as an inexperienced mountain climber, I’d say hell yes, this is definitely a climb.

As a photographer you really have to continue the journey upwards and reach this northern peak of 2469 meters. For the pictures it is a must! You can take photos of several angles of the mountain peak and you cannot get back home without the image of this highlight on your camera roll – well alright, SD-card nowadays.

Not only the photographers have to reach the top, but the Norwegian men do have this obligation as well. The Northern culture is quit modern, but when it comes to showing your masculinity they take their chance by climbing the highest mountain of Norway. Grrrrrr…real man!

Mímisbrunnr Klimapark 2469

 The heart of the 4000 years old glacier

I promised I would get back to the ice tunnel.

There is an easy walk for about 3 hours, which takes you to the 70 meters long ice tunnel. Though you should not be claustrophobic, there is only one exit which is actually quit spacious. It is fun to have a walk and explore the tunnels, and watch a video of how just a few men dug this ice tunnel. You can have a nice experience with a lot of light and colors in this ice tunnel, and it is a nice way to end the day after climbing the Galdhøpiggen.

About Renate Rigters

Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.

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