Overview
An eight day, self-guided trekking circuit in Jotunheimen National Park, with options to take on some of the range’s most precious peaks. These include Glittertind (2,465m) and Galdhøpiggen (2,469m), Norway’s two highest mountains. Another hiking highlight is a trek to the iconic, jagged landscapes of Besseggen Ridge which you access by boat across Lake Gjende. These exquisite Norwegian expanses are made accessible by Norway’s superb system of DNT 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.
- Jotunheimen National Park
- Lake Gjende
- Besseggen Ridge
- Galdhøpiggen
- Glittertind
- DNT cabins
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Gjendesheim
Before heading to Gjendesheim, 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 so you may wish to spend an extra day in Oslo.
Take the bus from Oslo bus terminal (departing at 13.00 and 15.00 daily) directly to Gjendesheim (5h drive), located in the heart of the Jotunheimen Mountains and overlooking Lake Gjende, where you have your first insight into the iconic Norwegian DNT cabins.
- Accommodation: Gjendesheim DNT or similar
- Meals: dinner
Day 2: Gjendesheim – Glitterheim | 22km
Follow the trail from Gjendesheim to Glitterheim, passing Lake Bessvatnet and Lake Russvatnet on the way. The trail starts at 1,000m, with a steady climb through alpine meadows towards Lake Bessvatnet (1,374m). Then, a steep section of rocky terrain and open mountain plateaus brings you to Lake Russvatnet (1,177m). Continue trekking through the barren landscape and snow patches to the peak of Vestre Hestlægerhøe where you are rewarded with unforgettable views of Jotunheimen National Park. There is a steep descent to your accommodation for the evening, at the foot of Glittertind (2,465m), Norway’s second-highest mountain. No luggage transfer is included on this day, so please take your daily items with you. Your main luggage will be transported directly to Spiterstulen.
- Walking for the day: 8h, 22km, ↑1000m
- Accommodation: Glitterheim DNT or similar
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 3: Glitterheim – Spiterstulen | 16km
The trek starts from Glitterheim (1,400m) and heads towards Spiterstulen, which sits in between two of the highest mountains in Norway, Galdhøpiggen (2,469m) to the west and Glittertind to the east. Walk through Veodalen Valley, first crossing the River Steinbuelve, before taking a gentle ascent to the wide-open landscape of Skautflye Plateau. After lunch at the plateau, complete the rocky climb over Veslglupen Pass (1,800m), on the southern side of Mount Ryggjehøe. Descend to Spiterstulen Turisthytte (1,106m), where you spend the night with views of Galdhøpiggen. Alternatively, it is also possible to hike to Spiterstulen over Glittertind. This is a demanding but well-marked hike which goes over a glacier.
- Walking for the day: 6-8h, 16km, ↑400m
- Alternative walking for the day: 7-8h, 16km, ↑1,100m
- Accommodation: Spiterstulen Turisthytte or similar
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 4: Rest day or summit trek to Galdhøpiggen | 12km
Take a rest day or choose to take on the trek to summit Galdhøpiggen. The 12km round trip trek starts from Spiterstulen Turisthytte, where the landscape is dominated by mid-alpine tundra with wildflowers in summer. The last section of the trek is along a wide ridge with some small descents and snowy climbs, until you arrive at the summit of Galdhøpiggen (2,469m). Descend on the same trail for a well-deserved rest in Spiterstulen Turisthytte. Please be aware that this is a long hike but the trail is clear and well-marked.
It is also possible to take a more challenging, guided trek (8km) to Svelnosbreen glacier, known for it’s large crevasses and blue ice towers (not included, bookable on request).
- Optional walking for the day: 9h, 12km, ↑1,500m
- Accommodation: Spiterstulen Turisthytte or similar
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 5: Spiterstulen – Leirvassbu | 15km
Depart from Spiterstulen Turisthytte (1,100m) and walk along a gentle, flat trail through the mountainous Visdalen Valley, following a winding path of the River Visa. The trail brings you up to a plateau of glacial lakes. The trek continues through more rugged terrain as the trail crosses several rivers and through Kyrkjeglupen Pass at 1,500m, before heading down to Lake Leirvatnet and your accommodation for the evening, Leirvassbu DNT (1,400m).
- Walking for the day: 5-7h, 15km, ↑450m
- Accommodation: Leirvassbu DNT or similar
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 6: Leirvassbu – Gjendebu | 19km
The trek starts with a steady climb up to Høgvaglen mountain (1,500m), with a view of Kyrkja on the left side. Descend Høgvaglen and walk along Lake Langvatnet, a perfect swimming spot for a warm day. The final leg of the hike brings you through fields of heather as Lake Gjende comes into view, marking the approach to your overnight stay at Gjendebu, the oldest DNT hut in the area.
- Walking for the day: 6-8h, 19km, ↑200m
- Accommodation: Gjendebu DNT or similar
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 7: Gjendebu – Besseggen Ridge – Gjendesheim | 14km
Catch the boat from Gjendebu to Memurubu to start today’s trek (30mins). Walk along the trail from the pier, following a steep path up to the first peak for around 2km. Continue along the path to the iconic Besseggen Ridge (1,600m) which has fantastic views of Lakes Gjende and Bessvatnet below. Leaving the ridge, the trail brings you over Veslefjell (1,743m) and towards Gjendesheim DNT, with potential reindeer sightings along the way.
For those craving an extra challenge, add an additional night at Memurubu Turisthytte to complete a summit trek to Bukkelægret (1,480m). The trail follows a steep path up from Gjendebu, with anchored chains on the steepest part for safety. Please be aware that this is also a challenging trek (11km, 6h) but provides exceptional views of Lake Gjende from above as well as a plateau of lakes on the way.
- Walking for the day: 7-9h, 14km, ↑1100m
- Accommodation: Gjendesheim DNT or similar
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, take a direct bus back to Oslo (included) or take a bus and fjord cruise to Bergen (not included, bookable on request). You can also choose to extend your stay with an extra night in Oslo or Bergen.
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes traditional Norwegian tourist lodges and some of Norway’s most renowned DNT cabins (Den Norske Turistforening, or The Norwegian Trekking Association). They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. Our standard is to book private double/twin rooms for all guests, including in the DNT cabins, although bathrooms are shared. If private rooms are unavailable for any reason, shared mixed-gender dorm accommodation may be used, subject to your approval. Single rooms can’t be guaranteed and will need to be confirmed following the booking request.
Click to view default accommodation
Accommodation is 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.
Click to view default accommodations for optional extended days
Accommodation is subject to availability. In the event of a particular accommodation being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with an 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 packed lunch from the breakfast buffet, which includes refilling your thermos. Dinners are made from local ingredients, when possible and are also included. Lodges also 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 daily hikes between 13km and 22km and up to 1,200m of ascent per day. All the paths are well-marked. The terrain varies from flat and easy to rocky and hilly. All the hikes have some short, steep, exposed parts where you will have to use both legs and arms, however, these sections may be avoided by taking an alternative route (read more about difficulty grades).
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 the end of June to mid-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 in August. However, as the weather can be unpredictable, so come equipped for all seasons and always monitor the weather carefully.
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, please visit Nor-way. If the bus schedule does not fit your flight, let us know and we can arrange an extra night in Oslo
- Alternatively, depart by bus and fjord cruise to Bergen for an extra supplement
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights accommodation in mountain lodges as listed in the itinerary
- 7 breakfasts, packed lunches (self-prepared from the breakfast buffet) and dinners
- Towels and linen included
- Bus fares to and from Oslo
- Boat cruise from Lake Gjende to Memurubu
- Digital journey documentation and practical information: personalised trip notes and maps
- Luggage transfers up to 20kg per person (note: on day two, your main luggage will be directly transferred to Spiterstulen instead of Glitterheim, as it is only accessible by foot)
- 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 locally)
- Departure by bus to Bergen
- Fjord cruise from Flåm to Bergen
- Guided glacier hike to Galdhøpiggen
- Luggage transfer Gjendesheim – Glitterheim
- 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
- Departure to Bergen, instead of Oslo, by direct bus or bus and fjord cruise (upon request only, subject to availability)
- Extra nights in Oslo, Bergen or along the trail are bookable upon request
- Additional night in Memurubu to hike Bukkelægret including extra luggage transfer
- Guided glacier hike to Galdhøpiggen (upon request only, subject to availability)
