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By Petter Olsen MoN
Jotunheimen.com » Hiking » Bitihorn
Bitihorn
– the horn of Jotunheimen
About the Bitihorn Hike
Driving over the Valdresflye, the eye is immediately drawn to the infamous Bitihorn. The mountain has inspired logos for local companies, and even the name of the boat cruise that runs on Lake Bygdin, M/B Bitihorn. The spectacular views in every direction and its accessibility makes it the most visited peak in Valdres!
The panoramic view of Lake Bygdin and the southern ​Jotunheimen​ Peaks makes Bitihorn (1,607 m.a.s.l.) one of the most popular viewpoints in Valdres. Choose whether to end your hike here, or continue to Svarteknippa (1,548 m.a.s.l.) to discover even more spectacular views. The trail to Bitihorn is well marked and easy to follow to the top. Although the terrain becomes increasingly steep and rocky, it doesn't require you to scramble. There's no marked trail from Bitihorn to Svarteknippa. Here you follow the ridge of Skyrifjellet to reach the second peak. Because of the considerable length and elevation gain, the roundtrip trail requires hiking experience and a good level of fitness.
Bitihorn Hike Description
From Bygdin Hotel, take the trail traveling south, over the little hill. The trail isn't well marked, but the terrain is easy to hike should you stumble off the trail. Once at the top, the path downhill is easy to spot. The path meets the red-marked trail to Bitihorn. If you drive and park your car by Stavtjernet Lake, start your hike from here. Having hiked for about 1 kilometer on the red-marked trail, you'll pass a reindeer fence. After the fence, the trail splits. Take the trail to the left, which follows the northern ridge of Bitihorn. Soak up the breathtaking views of Bygdin Lake and the southern side of Jotunheimen as you ascend the top. Enjoy the 360-degree views from the top of Bitihorn (1,607 m.a.sl.).
Descend along the same trail, or continue east over the ridge of Skyrifjellet to the peak of Svarteknippa (1,548 m.a.s.l.). From the cabin at the top of Bitihorn, follow the path running southwestwards down to Velumskaret. Here you'll hike past several pitfalls for reindeer and wolverine. From Velumskaret to Svarteknippa, there's no marked trail. Follow the ridge of Skyrifjellet until you reach the top of Svarteknippa. Upon reaching the top, another round of panoramic views await. Descend from Svarteknippa along the northwestern ridge. By Seksin Lake you'll reunite with the red-marked trail taking you back to Bygdin Hotel.
"Tyskerstigen" is the name of a an alternative route to the peak. Its name translate into the "German ladder" because there are still remains from the Austrian army that trained in the Norwegian mountains during the world war. The traces from the horses hooves are still visible and make up a pattern, hence the name "German ladder".
The name Bitihorn comes from the Norwegian words "biti" and "horn". Biti means premolar or corner in old Norse and horn means antler or simply horn.
Nature and the Surroundings
The flora in this area is beautiful and on summer days you'll see flowers in the Butter cup or Crowfoot family (soleiefamilien). This arctic-alpine species is found in high mountains, birch forests and by creeks across southern and northern Europe. Animals don't eat them as they contain toxins. On your way you'll also probably see Wolfs-bane (tyrihjelm), a tall herb that grows in mountain birch woods and on the side of the mountains. It can be violet or sometimes even yellow. To name a few!
The presence of telephone wire networks and cabins may put a dent in the views, but they are a natural reflection of the technological age we currently find ourselves sin. You'll still be able to see across Jotunheiem to Hurrungane, Falketind, Torfinnstindane and much more.
Bitihorn's unique shape can, like most of nature's wonders, be explained by natural processes. Most of the landscape in Jotunheimen consists of thrust fault; massive mountain masses have been thrust/pushed over another rock/mountain surface, creating sharp peaks and tall peaks.
Who is Bitihorn Hike Suitable for
This hike is medium and suitable for those in average physical shape, and children from the age of 6.
The main season is summer/late summer. This is when the area is most suitable for trekking.
Stay at Bygdin Mountain Lodge is located on the bank of Bygdin Lake.
You can access the area from Bygdin Mountain Lodge
Municipality: Vang
Bygdin Lake
Hike Info
Difficulty: Medium (kids from 6 years)
Distance: 9.8 kilometres (Out and back)
Elevation: 1607 m.a.s.l.
Elevation gain: 600 meters
Duration: 5-8 hours from Bygdin (4-6 hours from the parking)
Seasons: Summer-Fall
Bygdin Hotel
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