Overview
An eight day, self-guided trekking tour through the heart of Jotunheimen National Park, including a trek over Besseggen Ridge which you access by boat across Lake Gjende. These exquisite Norwegian expanses are made accessible by Norway’s superb system of trekking lodges which are peppered all over the park and where you get to stay. The Jotunheimen Mountains are called ‘the land of giants’ in Norse mythology, and its ravines, giant waterfalls, glaciers and jagged ridges that you discover on this trek are most certainly epic. For a fitting finale, you take on a guided trek across a glacier to Uranostind at 2,157m.
- Jotunheimen National Park
- Bitihorn (1,608m)
- The Black Valley
- Store Knutsholstinden (2,342m)
- Besseggen Ridge
- Uranostind (2,157m) and guided glacier trek
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Beitostølen | 5km
Before heading to Beitostølen, most travellers come into Oslo first. Oslo is not only one of Europe’s greenest capitals but also one of the coolest, with art galleries such as the monumental Munch, dedicated to the city’s very own master. With a stunning location on Oslofjord, there is plenty to explore in Oslo, but book an extra day to do so, as you need to get to Beitostølen on this first day. In order to do this, take the express bus from Oslo bus terminal, or Oslo Airport, directly to Beitostølen (4h). Beitostølen has a long tradition of hosting active mountain people who want to visit Jotunheimen National Park. If time allows, complete the Synshorn hike, which is a relatively easy trail, offering breath-taking views of Lake Bygdin and Bitihorn mountain once you reach the top. Settle into your accommodation, with a three course dinner.
- Walking for the day: 1-2h, 5km ↑450m
- Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldshotel or similar
- Meals: dinner
Please note: As it is a long bus journey from Oslo to Beitostølen, it is advisable to arrive in Oslo a day early to give yourself plenty of time to get the bus in the morning.
Day 2: Mount Bitihorn | 10km
Hike south from the hotel. The path leads over a small peak and descends on the other side. The climb becomes steeper near the summit, but the effort is rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Bygdin, the Jotunheimen mountain range and northern Valdres region. Return along the same path, back to the hotel for dinner.
- Walking for the day: 4-6 h, 10km ↑600m
- Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldshotel or similar
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 3: Bygdin – Gjendebu | 14km
Begin the day with a boat ride on the M/B Bitihorn from Bygdin to Torfinnsbu. From Torfinnsbu, embark on a challenging climb up a steep hill into Svartdalen, which translates as the Black Valley. Continue through the valley which is surrounded by towering peaks, including Store Knutsholstinden (2,342m), often called the King of the Gjende Alps. The final leg of the hike brings Gjende Lake into view, marking the approach to the overnight stay at Gjendebu, in the oldest DNT (Den Norske Turistforening, or Norwegian Trekking Association) hut in the area.
- Walking for the day: 6-8h, 14km ↑610m
- Accommodation: Gjendebu DNT or similar
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 4: Gjendetunga viewpoint | 10km
Walk towards Veslådalen and Eidsbugarden following the trail markers. After crossing two bridges, trace the path along Storåe River until you reach the ridge. Continue along the ridge to the lake located between the two summits, with the main peak of Gjendetunga on the right. After lunch at the summit, while taking in views of Lake Gjende and the surrounding mountains to the east and west, follow the stream to the path in Veslådalen, which returns to Gjendebu.
- Walking for the day: 3-5h, 10km ↑520m ↓520m
- Accommodation: Gjendebu DNT or similar
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 5: Gjendebu – Gjendesheim | 13km
Catch the boat from Gjendebu to Memurubu to start today’s trek. Follow the well-marked trail from the boat pier, which ascends steeply up the mountain. Continue along the path as it descends to a narrow ridge separating Bessvatnet Lake from the 400m drop to Gjende Lake. Climb up to reach the iconic photo spot of Besseggen Ridge. The trail dips before ascending to Veslfjellet (1,743m). Descend towards Gjendesheim, with potential reindeer sightings along the way to tonight’s accommodation.
If travelling in September, hike Bukkelægret, a medium-difficulty route starting from Gjendebu (5h, 11km, ↑850m). The trail starts with a steep ascent, with anchored chains in the steepest part, to make the ascent safer. There is also the option of a less steep route via Storådalen. Once the ascent is complete, rest and enjoy the views of Lake Gjende. The route then descends towards Memurubu, where you will take a boat to Gjendebu. Luggage will arrive at Filefjellstuene on day 6 (at around 21:40).
- Walking for the day: 7-9h, 13km ↑1,300m
- Accommodation: Gjendesheim DNT or similar
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 6: Gjendesheim – Eidsbugarden | 16km
Sail on the morning boat from Gjendesheim back to Gjendebu. Hike from Lake Gjende to Lake Bygdin through Jotunheimen National Park. The route starts in the birch forest near Gjendebu and follows Veslådalen Valley before descending to Lake Bygdin and Eidsbugarden. Along the way, pass many of Jotunheimen’s highest peaks, including the highest mountain in Norway, Galdhøpiggen (2,469m). From Eidsbugarden, take the afternoon a bus to Filefjellstuene.
- Walking for the day: 5-7h, 16km ↑516m
- Accommodation: Filefjellstuene or similar
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 7: Uranostind and glacier guided trek | 16km
Accompanied by a guide, ascend Uranostind (2,157m), an iconic peak in Jotunheimen National Park. After a steady hike up towards the glacier, you put on crampons and a harness (provided) to cross the glacier and its crevasses safely. Continue upwards with some easy climbing to a narrow ridge with summit views.
- Walking for the day: 8-10 h, 16km ↑1,050m ↓1,050m
- Accommodation: Filefjellstuene or similar
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Please note: extra equipment for the glacier will be provided, so make sure you have space in your backpack. Depending on the conditions, your guide may adjust the route for safety.
Day 8: Departure
Take the boat to Bygdin, then a bus back to Oslo (included). Extending your stay in Oslo or continue your onward journey.
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a small, locally-owned hotel and some of Norway’s most renowned DNT huts (Den Norske Turistforening, or The Norwegian Trekking Association). The accommodations have been carefully selected based on various criteria, including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. DNT huts are in mixed-gender dorms with shared bathrooms.
Click to view default accommodation
Accommodations are subject to availability. In the event of a particular accommodation being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a accommodation of equal value and quality level. We will provide you with the exact accommodation details upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. You can prepare your own lunch pack from the breakfast buffet, which includes refilling your thermos. Dinners (two or three-course meals) are made from local ingredients, when possible, and are also included. There is a small shop located at Høvringen close to Øigardseter for additional items. All lodges sell snacks, drinks and simple meals in between main meal times.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated moderate to strenuous and is suitable for experienced hikers in good physical condition, with most days offering 5-8h of walking with one day offering 9-12h. You are accompanied by a local guide for the most strenuous and technical hike on day seven (read more about difficulty grades). This trip also involves guided crossing of a glacier and rappelling, this requires that the person participating in the trip has some previous experience and is in good physical shape.
We strongly advise you to only follow marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. The staff at all lodges will assist with advice and tips if you have any questions about the hikes. We will provide you with detailed route notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
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 within the season.
The best time for clear skies, less rain and easier wind conditions is between June and August. However, as the weather can be unpredictable, come equipped for all seasons and always monitor the weather carefully. It’s worth noting that there are also midges in Jotunheimen National Park so do bring insect repellent.
For more information, please see our blog on the Best time to go to Norway.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Oslo Airport (OSL).
- Oslo city or airport return bus tickets are included in your package. For more information on bus times, Nor-way.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights in comfortable mountain lodges as listed in the itinerary
- Towels and linen included at all accommodations
- 7 breakfasts, packed lunches (self-prepared from the breakfast buffet) and dinners (two or three-course)
- Bus fares from and to Oslo
- Boat fares as listed in the itinerary
- Experienced local guide for the trek on day seven
- Digital journey documentation and practical information: personalised trip notes and maps
- Luggage transfers (up to 20kg per person)
- 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
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own (upon request only, subject to availability)
- We regret that this tour is not open to solo travellers
- Extra nights in Oslo or along the trail are bookable upon request
