Galdhøpiggen – Gjermund on top of the roof of Norway!

Photo. Gjermund on top of the mountain Galdhøpiggen. © Gjermund Nyseter.

Gjermund was so inspired by the beautiful nature that he forgot that he was tired when he reached the high top. Galdhøpiggen is the highest mountain in Norway and in northern Europe. It rises 2469 metres above sea level. The mountain is located in the middle of Norway within the municipality of Lom, Oppland, in the Jotunheimen mountain area.

The mountain attracts large number of hikers every year, and is probably the most visited mountain in Norway. The spectacular panoramic view from the summit of Galdhøpiggen - Galdhopiggen - towards glaciers and hundreds of other rugged peaks, is well worth the efforts. A stone hut is located on the summit, and a warm drink and chocolate could be purchased if the hut is manned. 

Photo. Gjermund on the way up Galdhøpiggen to the top. © Gjermund Nyseter.

Gjermund and his friends started climbing up Galdhøpiggen 12.00 O’clock 17th August. One of the persons in is group was his girlfriend Hilde Widerøe Wibe. She had inspired Gjermund to take the tour. 18.45 O’clock they were all back again. It was quite foggy on the top this day. It was little bit scary walking around so high up with so limited sight. Anyway it was not dramatic on the tour, but Gjermund and his friends were glad to be back before the dark fell. They stayed overnight at Spiterstulen.

Another rewarding experience for Gjermund and his friends on the tour was meeting some of the 1200 people with multicultural background. They greeted and smiled happily to Gjermund and his friends on the way even they were very exhausted. All of them did a brave attempt to reach the top of Galdhøpiggen. Around 50 % of them made it, maybe more. This was a part of an integration project in Norway for immigrants. 

Photo. The foggy view didn`t stop Gjermund and his friends reaching the top of Galdhøpiggen. © Gjermund Nyseter.

As Den Norske Turistforening, DNT - the Norwegian Trekking Association (Norway's biggest outdoor activities organisation – website: www.turistforeningen.no/english), writes on its website, Galdhøpiggen is more than a mountain. It's a symbol for the Norwegian affinity for the great outdoors, and all know the meaning of 2469.

Photo. A cabin built of stones on the top of the Galdhøpiggen. © Gjermund Nyseter.

Galdhøpiggen means “the peak (piggen) of the mountain Galdhø”. The first element in the name of the mountain is gald, which means “steep mountain road”, and the last element is hø, which means “big and round mountain”.

With a day of rest in between, Gjermund and his friends ascended the second highest mountain in Norway called Glittertind. Galdhøpiggen has earlier competed with Glittertind for the title as the highest mountain in Norway. Some measurements showed Glittertind was slightly higher including the glacier at its peak. That glacier has, however, melted little bit in recent years, and Glittertind is now only 2464 metres even including the glacier.

Photo. Gjermund on top of Glittertind, Norway. © Gjermund Nyseter.

Photo. The wonderful Jotunheimen seen from Glittertind. © Gjermund Nyseter.

Love was in the air! It blossomed extra in the beautiful and romantic surroundings. You never feel cold when the love is so hot!

Photo. The happy couple, Hilde and Gjermund, at Glittertind. © Gjermund Nyseter.

Gjermund Nyseter look forward to new challenges on high level 14 June 2008, also this together with is coming wife Hilde. Now they are planning a wedding ceremony on the top of Høvringen – Hovringen - as the mountain area is called.

The time has come! The wedding day 14th June 2008 is near! Photo. The coming bride and groom, Hilde and Gjermund. © Gjermund Nyseter.

The big event will be celebrated together with a great number of guests at Rondane Haukliseter Fjellhotell www.rondane.com - mountain hotel, which is situated in the popular holiday centre of Høvringen close to the Rondane National park. The mountain hotel Haukliseter is located 1000 m above sea level, so the couple has chosen the perfect place for their wedding. It will definitely be a special memory for life.

Stein Morten Lund, 6 July 2008

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