Overview
An eight day, self-guided walking holiday along Norway’s iconic King’s Road over Filefjell. This is an ancient 100km highway over the Filefjell Mountains, which border the western part of the Jotunheimen mountain range. Dating back to 1793, it was the first route that people could use, specifically for horses and carts, to connect the east with the west of the country. Trek through beech forests, mountain passes and formidable fjord landscapes, with highlights including a hike to Gjendetunga (1,516m), with views across glaciers, Gjende Lake and the Jotunheimen summits. Stay in a mix of hotels and lodges, including some of Norway’s most renowned DNT cabins.
- Oslo
- Gjendebu
- Gjendetunga (1,516m)
- Svartdalen Valley
- Lake Gjende
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Bygdin | 5km
Take the express bus from Oslo City Bus Terminal or Oslo Airport (included), which will take you directly to Bygdin (4h). Stay at a historical lakeshore hotel dating back to 1912, and offering a variety of room types and local cuisine.
Please note: due to the early departure time of the express bus, it is advisable to arrive in Oslo the day before to ensure that you arrive at the bus terminal in time. If time allows, complete the Synshorn hike, which is a relatively easy trail, offering views over Lake Bygdin and Bitihorn mountain once you reach the top.
- Walking for the day: 1-2h, 5km ↑450m
- Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldshotel or similar
Day 2: Mt. Bitihorn | 10km
This five to six hour hike takes you up to the Mt. Bitihorn viewpoint, which offers a 360-degree view of Valdres Valley and the Jotunheimen Mountains. Hike from the doorstep at Bygdin up to an elevation of 1,607m for views of a veritable Norwegian nirvana.
- Walking for the day: 5-6h, 10km ↑600m
- Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldshotel or similar
Day 3: Svartdalen Valley | 14km
Take the boat transfer to Torfinnsbu with the historical MB Bitihorn, which has been operating on Lake Bygdin since 1912, before hiking through Svartdalen Valley to Gjendebu. Spend the night at the oldest of the huts belonging to the Norwegian Mountaineering Association (Den Norske Turistforening – DNT), established in 1871, located 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 are rewarded with some of the Jotunheimen ranges’ finest views, such as Lake Gjende, the Gjende Alps, Storådalen Valley and Mt. Semeltinden, as well some spectacular glaciers.
- Walking for the day: 3-5h, 10km ↑520m
- Accommodation: Gjendebu Turisthytte (DNT) or similar
Day 5: Gjendebu to Eidsbugarden | 16km
Hike through Veslådalen Valley to Eidsbugarden tourist centre. After the hike, take the bus to your accommodation in Tyinkrysset, a small village in the mountains which is located near Nigardsbreen Glacier. Tonight’s accommodation is based at Filefjellstuene Lodge, located 900m above sea level. Unwind in the cabins and try local mountain dishes at the restaurant, such as reindeer from Filefjell.
- Walking for the day: 5-7h, 16km ↑516m
- Accommodation: Filefjellstuene DNT Lodge or similar
Day 6: The King’s Road over Filefjell: Kyrkjestølen to Maristova | 11km
Spend the last two walking days hiking the award-winning historical King’s Road trail from Jotunheimen down to Sognefjord. The King’s Road Trail was once a major trade route connecting Norway’s eastern and western regions, used by travellers, merchants and pilgrims. Walk over a mountain pass from Kyrkjestølen to Maristova. There is a shuttle service to/from the trail included.
- 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
The last walking day includes a hike from Borgund to Seltun. Visit Borgund Stave Church, a well-preserved wooden church with intricate carvings dating back to the Middle Ages. The hike is followed by a shuttle which brings 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
Accommodation on this tour includes 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. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. Single rooms can’t be guaranteed and will need to be confirmed following the booking request.
Click to view default hotels
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal 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 including a 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
This tour is rated moderate and is suitable for hikers of average fitness with basic hiking and outdoor skills. 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 three (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 late June until late August, as well as a few dates in September. 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.
The best time for clear skies, less rain and easier wind conditions is in 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, see Nor-way. If the bus schedule does not fit your flight, let us know, and we can arrange an extra night in Oslo.
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
- Digital journey documentation and practical information: personalised trip notes and maps
- 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
- 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
- We regret that his trip is not available for solo walkers
- Extra nights in Oslo or along the trail are bookable upon request
