Best sunrise spots: where to catch the first rays in national parks

Sunrises in Norway's national parks are magical moments when the first rays of sunlight paint the mountains and lakes in fantastic shades. We have picked ten of the most beautiful places to enjoy the morning and remember the amazing beauty of Norwegian nature.

Why is Jotunheimen National Park one of the best places to see the sunrise?

Jotunheimen is a place where you can see amazing mountain views, and the sun makes them look even better in the morning. The sunrise is especially beautiful at the top of Besseggen or near the Gjendesheim hut, where the early light plays on the water of Lake Gjendes and is reflected in the surrounding mountains. Use the Photopills app to calculate the exact time of sunrise and choose the best time to take your photo.

Which lakes in Norway look really nice when the sun is coming up?

The Hardangervidda lakes, such as Finskevatnet and Halnevannet, are great places to see amazing reflections of the mountains and sky in their mirror-like surface at dawn. It is convenient to stay at the nearest campsites or DNT huts so that you can enjoy the early morning right on the shore without any fuss or fatigue.

Which animals can you see in national parks in the morning?

Animals are more active in the early morning. If you go in the morning, you might see reindeer, moose, white hares and lots of birds, like eagles and golden eagles. If you keep quiet and stay away, the animals will be happy to be there.

Which campsites and huts are easy to get to and where you can see the sunrise easily?

Gjendesheim in Jotunheimen and Odda Camping near Hardangerfjord are both great places to stay. You can stay here the night before and easily reach the best spots for watching the sunrise in the morning. This means you can cut down on night-time travel and be ready for the golden hour.

What equipment do you need for comfortable sunrise photography on a hike?

If you want to take photos of the sunrise on a hike, it's best to have a lightweight tripod, a thermos with a hot drink, a headlamp and warm clothes, as mornings in the mountains can be cool. Make sure you bring extra batteries for your camera because they use up power quickly when it's cold.

How can Photopills help you prepare for sunrise?

Photopills is a handy app that accurately calculates the time and direction of sunrise, allowing you to choose the best angle and viewing point in advance. This will help you plan your morning perfectly. You can see in advance exactly where the sun will rise and how it will light up your chosen landscape.

What safety precautions should you take when setting off early in the morning?

If you're heading out early, make sure you prepare: check the route in advance, make sure your torch is working and you have extra batteries, and keep a map and navigation app ready. Let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back, just to be on the safe side.

Which routes are good for walking to sunrise spots in the morning?

The paths around Lake Jende (Jotunheimen) and the trails near the Brixdal Glacier (Jostedalsbreen) are great for morning walks. These trails are usually no longer than 3-5 km one way, so even early starts won't be too tiring.

Watching the sunrise in Norway's national parks is such a unique experience. It's one of those things that just fills you with energy and inspiration. All you need to do is choose your ideal spot, use Photopills to calculate the exact time, and set off for the most beautiful mornings of your life.

Have you already had the pleasure of seeing the sun rise over the Norwegian mountains? We'd absolutely love to hear your impressions, photos and recommendations in the comments, so please do share them with us! We would absolutely love to publish the best stories and photos in our catalogue to inspire other travellers to new adventures!