Overview
Norway is truly a superb country for trekking and the Jotunheim is a real gem among the nation’s national parks. Known in Norse mythology as the Land of the Giants, Jotunheimen is probably the finest of Norway’s mountain regions and certainly the best for walking with its imposing peaks, beautiful glaciers, dense forests and deep valleys full of streams, rivers and waterfalls. The tour takes you to hikes that have inspired mountaineers and artists for centuries. Winding through the breathtaking landscape of the mountainous Filefjell, the King’s Road offers visitors a unique hiking and cultural experience.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Bygdin
Take the express bus from Oslo City Bus Terminal or Oslo Airport (included), which will take you directly to Bygdin (4h). You will stay at a historical lakeshore hotel dating back to 1912, and offering a variety of room types and great cuisine.
Please note: Due to the early departure time of the express bus, it is advisable to arrive in Oslo a day early to ensure that you arrive at the bus terminal with adequate time.
- Accommodation: Bygdin Høyfjellshotell or similar
Day 2: Mt. Bitihorn and/or Synshorn Via Ferrata | 10km
The Bitihorn viewpoint offers a great 360-degree view of the Valdres valley and the mountains in Jotunheimen. Hike from the doorstep at Bygdin.
- Walking for the day: 5-6h, 10km ↑600m
- Accommodation: Bygdin Høyfjellshotell or similar
Day 3: Svartdalen Valley | 14km
Boat transfer to Torfinnsbu with the historical MB Bitihorn, before hiking through the majestic Svartdalen valley to Gjendebu. You will spend the night at the oldest of the huts belonging to the Norwegian Mountaineering Association (Den Norske Turistforening – DNT), established in 1871, located at a picturesque spot on the west shore of Lake Gjende. Please note that there’s no cell phone coverage at Gjendebu.
- Walking for the day: 6-8h, 14km ↑610m
- Accommodation: Gjendebu Turisthytte (DNT) or similar
Day 4: Gjendetunga viewpoint | 10km
Hike to Gjendetunga viewpoint. At the top, you will be rewarded with incredible views of the glistening Gjende Lake, the abundance of mountains in Jotunheimen such as Gjendealpene, Storådalen, and Semeltinden as well as nearby glaciers.
- Walking for the day: 3-5h, 10km ↑520m
- Accommodation: Gjendebu Turisthytte (DNT) or similar
Day 5: Gjendebu to Eidsbugarden | 16km
Hike through the picturesque Veslådalen valley to Eidsbugarden and Fondsbu Lodge. Located on the west shore of Lake Bygdin, the lodge and hotel are both famous for their hospitality and great cuisine. The lodge is beautifully situated in the heart of Jotunheimen, 1,065m above sea level. Fondsbu is a member of DNT and is a staffed cabin with lodging and meals.
- Walking for the day: 5-7h, 16km ↑516m
- Accommodation: Fondsbu DNT Lodge or similar
Day 6: The King’s Road over Filefjell: Kyrkjestølen to Maristova | 11km
You will spend the last two walking days hiking the award-winning historical King’s Road trail from Jotunheimen down to the Sognefjord. On both nights you will be based at Filefjellstuene Lodge (offering a good restaurant and comfy cabins), with shuttle service to/from the trail included. Today you will walk over a scenic mountain pass from Kyrkjestølen to Maristova.
- Walking for the day: 4h, 11km ↑350m
- Accommodation: Filefjellstuene DNT Lodge or similar
Day 7: The King’s Road over Filefjell: Borgund to Seltun | 10km
Your last walking day includes a scenic hike from Borgund to Seltun and the shuttle will bring you back to Filefjellstuene Lodge for a last overnight.
- Walking for the day: 6-7h, 10km ↑250m
- Accommodation: Filefjellstuene DNT Lodge or similar
Day 8: Departure
Departure (bus ticket to Oslo included) or an extra day on request.
What to expect
Accommodation
You’ll be staying in private double/twin rooms in historical hotels and traditional Norwegian tourist lodges, including some of Norway’s most renowned DNT cabins. Some of the accommodations have shared facilities, but a good level of comfort and kitchens famous for their local cuisine.
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*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal or higher value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. You can prepare a self-made lunch pack from the breakfast buffet incl. thermos refill (no extra charge). Dinners (buffet or three-course meal) are also included. There is a small shop located at Høvringen, close to Øigardseter. All lodges sell snacks, drinks and simple meals in the time between the main meals.
Difficulty and terrain
The itinerary is suitable for hikers of average fitness, with basic hiking and outdoor skills. The tour takes you to some of the most renowned historic accommodations in the Jotunheimen area, and to viewpoints and hikes that have inspired mountaineers and artists for centuries. The tour includes a few more demanding hikes, but they are optional circular walks and you are welcome to jump on the boat instead if you’d prefer to skip the most challenging linear one – Svartdalen valley on Day 3 (read more about difficulty grades). The trail follows well-maintained footpaths and the trails are waymarked. Comprehensive route notes are supplied. The staff at all lodges will assist with advice and tips if you have any questions about the hikes. You can also call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime.
When to go
This trip is available from late June until late August. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date during the season.
Getting there
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By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Oslo.
- Oslo city or airport return bus tickets are included in your package.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights in comfortable mountain lodges as listed in the itinerary
- 7 breakfasts
- 7 packed lunches (self-prepared from the breakfast buffet)
- 7 dinners (2/3-course or buffet)
- Towels and linen included at all accommodations
- Bus fare from/to Oslo
- Detailed journey documentation and practical information: personalised trip notes and maps (emailed before departure and a map provided at first hotel; one set per room)
- Luggage transfers (up to 20kg per person) when changing hotels
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- A supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room (upon request only – subject to availability)
- This trip is not available for solo walkers
- Extra nights in Oslo or along the trail are bookable upon request
Gallery
