Overview
This Jotunheimen Mountains short break is a four day immersion in this magnificent Norwegian range, in the heart of Jotunheimen National Park. About four hours north of Oslo, the range has more than 250 peaks over 1,900m. On this short break, staying at the iconic DNT mountain lodges, you get to explore some of the national park’s most popular trekking routes, including Besseggen and Knutshø Ridges, as well as Lake Gjende and the trails around it. A self-guided walking holiday, we organise luggage transfers and also provide some additional trail itineraries, in case you want to extend your stay.
- Jotunheimen National Park
- Knutshø Ridge
- Lake Gjende and Lake Bessvatnet
- Besseggen Ridge
- DNT cabins
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Gjendesheim
Arrive in Oslo and take the JVB bus to Gjendesheim where you have your first insight into the famous Norwegian DNT cabins and their cozy vibe which attracts many local people and visitors.
- Accommodation: Gjendesheim DNT or similar
- Meals: dinner
Day 2: Knutshø Ridge | 15km
Today’s hike is to Knutshø Ridge, also known as Besseggen’s little brother. This is a moderate to challenging trek for hikers, with two sections at the beginning that require scrambling. The hike offers views of Besseggen Ridge and the surrounding area. At the end of the day, you might feel sore, but the cuisine at Gjendesheim will restore your strength.
- Walking for the day: 4-6h, 15km ↑700m
- Accommodation: Gjendesheim DNT or similar
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Optional Extention (Lake Gjende and Bukkelægret)
Extention Day 1: Lake Gjende | 10km
After yesterday’s strenuous walk, today is much more relaxed. It is preceded by a boat cruise on Lake Gjende across to Gjendebu. The hike takes around two to three hours alongside the lake. For the more enthusiastic hikers, there is an opportunity to hike up from Gjendesheim to Memurubu and from there walk towards Gjendebu, where you spend the night.
- Walking for the day: 2-3h, 10km ↑400m
- Accommodation: Gjedenbu DNT or similar
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Extention Day 2: Bukkelægret | 11km
Today’s walk is along Bukkelægret, which starts from Gjendebu and heads towards Memurubu, along Lake Gjende. There is an ascent early on, reaching a plateau and then descending towards Memurutunga. During this walk, you get great views of Surtningssue and Memuruntunga. In the steepest parts, hikers need to use chains installed in the rocky walls.
- Walking for the day: 5h, 11km ↑850m
- Accommodation: Memurubu Mountain Lodge or similar
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 3: Besseggen Ridge | 14km
The day starts with breakfast and a boat cruise across Lake Gjende towards Memurubu. From here, the trek begins up to Besseggen Ridge. The hike on this ridge is one of Norway’s most popular treks, as it is so extraordinarily beautiful. During this 14km trek, you get views across the Jotunheimen Mountains, Lake Gjende and Lake Bessvatnet.
- Walking for the day: 6-8h, 14km ↑1,132m
- Accommodation: Gjendesheim DNT or similar
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 4: Departure
Take the bus from Gjendesheim back to Oslo (included) or extend your stay in Oslo.
- Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes one of Norway’s most renowned DNT huts (Den Norske Turistforening, or The Norwegian Trekking Association). The accommodation have been carefully selected based on various criteria, including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. Accommodation in DNT huts is in mixed-gender dorms with shared bathrooms.
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 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. The lodge sells 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 5-7h of walking. The highest ascend is 1,132m on the last day of the tour. All the paths are well-marked. The terrain varies from flat and easy to rocky and hilly. All the hikes have a short, steep, exposed parts where you will have to use both legs and arms; however, these sections can 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 beginning of August until the end of September. 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, 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).
- Direct bus tickets from Oslo bus terminal to Gjendesheim are included in your package. For more information on bus times, Nor-way. If the bus schedule does not fit your arrival time in Oslo, let us know at the time of booking, and we can arrange an extra night in Oslo so you can take the bus the following morning.
Inclusions
Included
- 3 nights in a comfortable mountain lodge as listed in the itinerary
- Towels and linen included
- 3 breakfasts, packed lunches (self-prepared from the breakfast buffet), and 3 dinners (two or three-course)
- Bus fares to and from Oslo city centre
- 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
