Winter Photography Norway (Route 51) 2024/2025

Intro

So once again the winter fell short in the south of Sweden so me and a good friend decided to go north, heading for mid Norway with open minds. Jotunheimen is a place i have visit before but never during winter so i was excited to finally see what the landscape had to offer covered in snow and ice and also spend new years eve in a magical place.

Road 51 runs from Garli to Hindsæter, with a detour to Gjende, a total distance of 49 km and is one of the 18 “Norwegian Scenic Routes” that run through landscapes with unique natural qualities, along coasts and fjords, mountains and waterfalls.

Bridge on route 51 in Jotunheimen Norway

What to expect

Mid Norway in late December is certainly not for the faint-hearted; it presents a unique set of challenges that can test even the most seasoned photographers. The harsh weather conditions and frigid temperatures require an extra layer of preparation and resilience. Those who venture into this stunning winter landscape are rewarded with breathtaking views and a serene, untouched beauty that few have the courage to experience. You will have about 6 hours of daylight by the end of December, not much so preparation is key during this time of year.

How to get here

If you fly into Norway, Oslo is the nearest major international airport, making it a practical entry point for international travelers. Renting a car from there is undoubtedly the easiest and most flexible way to travel, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning and breathtaking scenery that Norway has to offer along the way. To reach the beautiful Jotunheimen region, you will need to head north and aim for the road 51.

It's important to note that road 51 is only accessible from the north during the winter months, so it is advisable to take road E6 North to a small town called Sjoa, and then head west on road 257 until you finally reach road 51. Additionally, it is also possible to go further north on E6 to the town Otta and from there travel west on road 15 to Randen and begin your scenic journey south on road 51 from there.

Just keep in mind that road 51 is closed between Garli and Maurvangen/Gjendesheim, so plan your route accordingly to avoid any inconveniences.

Please read more at Visit Norway for latest updates.


Where to stay

There are many places to stay along road 51, including small hotels and campsites. You won't find luxury hotels, but rather more authentic options. If you're traveling in a camper van, most spots will accept you. Camping by tent is allowed, but follow “No Camping” signs. In Norway, you can roam freely, but national parks and private properties are mostly off-limits. Cabins are available at reasonable prices but may book up during peak season. In winter, many places are closed, and side roads may not be cleared from snow, making access difficult even if you plan to camp by tent.

We aimed for Steinhole Fjellcamp, which is more of an open area to stay rather than a campsite. However, it was closed for the season and inaccessible due to snow. We also tried to visit Besseggen Fjellpark, a lovely spot by the Sjoa River that I had enjoyed before, but it was closed too.. I highly recommend that location if nearby.

Finnaly we found Sjodalen Hyttetun og Camping and it is open year around.

Nestled in a picturesque setting, this charming place features quaint small cabins perfect for a cozy retreat, along with designated areas for camper vans. Additionally, it offers a delightful and scenic spot to pitch your tent, allowing for an immersive outdoor experience. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of delicious food options, clean bathrooms, and the exciting opportunity to try dog sledding, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

There are plenty of places to stay but if travelling during winter season plan ahead.

Getting around

The roads in Norway are generally well taken care of, and road 51 is certainly no exception to this rule; however, it is imperative that you exercise great caution and fully respect the driving conditions you encounter. Snow and ice can create hazardous situations on the road, and if you aren’t paying close attention, an accident could unexpectedly be just around the corner. Being prepared is crucial, so ensure you have ample food, sufficient gas, and means to stay warm if you happen to run into trouble. The temperature can drop dramatically, sometimes plunging below -25°C / -13°F very quickly, making wandering around not just unwise, but potentially very dangerous. If you find yourself in a tough spot, it’s best to stay put and call for assistance if you need help. Fortunately, gas can be conveniently accessed in Vågå and along road 257, so running low on fuel should not pose a major issue. In December, keep in mind that the sun rises around 09:00 AM and sets approximately at 15:30 PM, so it’s wise to plan your activities accordingly. Driving without proper winter tires is not an option because of the treacherous conditions; no matter what any laws might suggest, if you are not accustomed to driving in winter conditions, I highly recommend acquiring ample information and knowledge before you embark on your journey.

Snowy landscape along road 51


What to wear

I would say prepare for cold, expect anything. During mornings/evenings it can for sure be cold !

I recommend at least the following:

  • Good hiking boots

  • Inner and outer socks

  • Thermal underwear

  • Hiking pants

  • Something warmer over your hiking pants

  • Really good gloves, preferably thinner ones under a pair of thicker ones

  • Hat

  • Down jacket

  • Upper layer in wool

    Remember, LAYER IS KEY !

    Use3-5 layers of cloths and use wool and nothing else for the inner layers.


Photography

Landscape photography is just a dream come true in this area, waterfalls, rivers, mountains are everywhere. And since there is little lightpolution its a great place to capture both starry skies and northern lights if skies are clear.

Gear to bring:

When is comes to lenses i mainly use 3 of them. A zoom lenses 200mm or above for capturing distance mountains, a wide angle 14-24mm to capture vistas and a prime 20mm 1.8f for astro photos.

It can be very windy in this area so a sturdy tripod is handy. When using a tripod dont forget to disable built in stabilization and use a remote trigger instead. I would go for a heavier tripod with feets that can be changed depending on the surface. I use Leofoto with snow/sand shoes since it helps the tripod not sink too deep in the snow, i then switch to Titanium claws if in a more rocky place.

Powerbank and spare batteries, in the cold the batteries runs out of power faster than useually !

Night pollution filter, even if the skies are clear you might see distance lights from towns so i normally use the filter if i know i point the camera in the direction of civilisation.

ND filter, for capturing stunning waterfalls.

Cleaning kit, be prepared to wipe your lens often. During snowfall before every shot basically.

Lens heater if you plan to do time laps.


Places to go:

Road 51 has so many great locations its impossible to write them all down, most of them are easely accesible from the road as well without to much hiking, often its just stopping the car and get out. But i have marked a few places i personally like, some better during winter and some during summer. Even if road 51 is the main subject here i want to highlight road 257 as well. Road 257 follows a river and the canyon aoround it creates mist that will tranform every tree and bush to a frozen master pieace. Well worth some time while travelling along road 51.

If you have time to hike there are houndreds of places to go and all i can say is Google maps is your friend, zoom in, explore and visit.

Some of the great places to visit:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/oRsXUwQu2qjrK4mf6


Mountains Jotunheimen Norway

Previous
Previous

How to get better - Beginners Guide to Photography

Next
Next

Autumn Colors - September hike in the Arctic Circle Sweden