10 Best Hikes in Jotunheimen, Norway

Besseggen is one of Norway’s best-known mountain hikes and a natural highlight of any visit to Jotunheimen. The trail follows the ridge between the green waters of Lake Gjende and the deep blue Lake Bessvatnet, creating one of the most recognisable views in the Norwegian mountains.

The hike is demanding and includes steep, rocky and exposed sections. It is best suited to hikers in good physical condition who are comfortable with heights. Jotunheimen Travel offers both guided Besseggen day trips and multi-day hiking packages that combine Besseggen with accommodation, boat transport, luggage transfer and other classic trails.

Best for: Experienced hikers looking for an iconic Norwegian mountain experience.

Surrounded by steep mountains, glaciers and several peaks above 2,000 metres, Svartdalen is often described as one of the most beautiful valleys in Jotunheimen. The route between Torfinnsbu and Gjendebu begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Bygdin aboard M/B Bitihorn.

The trail leads through rocky high-mountain terrain before descending steeply towards Gjendebu and Lake Gjende. Svartdalen is included in several of Jotunheimen Travel’s self-guided hut-to-hut holidays, including the Green Route, Red Route and the shorter Besseggen & Svartdalen package. Luggage transport allows you to complete the hike with only a daypack.

Best for: Hikers who prefer dramatic valleys and mountain scenery to exposed ridges.

Read or blog here: https://jotunheimentravel.com/en/the-teams-choice-our-favourite-hikes-svartdalen-in-summer/

Bukkelægret connects Memurubu and Gjendebu on the northern side of Lake Gjende. The most famous section is the steep ascent or descent above the lake, where chains and fixed handholds provide additional support.

Once above the steepest section, the route continues across open mountain terrain with wide views of Gjende and the surrounding peaks. Hikers who prefer to avoid the exposed section can choose the longer and less technical route through Storådalen. Bukkelægret features in several Jotunheimen Travel itineraries and can be combined with Besseggen, Knutshøe and comfortable stays at the mountain lodges around Gjende.

Best for: Sure-footed hikers looking for a steep and adventurous trail.

Veslådalen offers a quieter journey through the heart of Jotunheimen National Park. The marked trail connects Gjendebu by Lake Gjende with Eidsbugarden and Fondsbu near the western end of Lake Bygdin.

The route passes small mountain lakes, streams and open valleys surrounded by high peaks. Although the hike is long, the terrain is generally less exposed than Besseggen or Bukkelægret. It is an important stage of Jotunheimen Travel’s Green Route and several longer hut-to-hut adventures. Accommodation, meals and luggage transport are arranged as part of the package, allowing you to concentrate on the day’s hike.

Best for: Hikers seeking a peaceful and varied hut-to-hut stage.

Rising to 1,607 metres above sea level, Bitihorn marks the southern edge of Jotunheimen and offers impressive views towards Lake Bygdin, Valdres and the higher peaks of the national park.

The hike is a good introduction to summit walking in Norway. It is shorter than many of Jotunheimen’s famous routes but still includes a steady ascent and rocky mountain terrain. Bitihorn can be chosen as part of Jotunheimen Travel’s easier hiking holidays based around Bygdin. Staying for several nights in the same accommodation gives you the flexibility to select the hike that best suits the weather and your energy level.

Best for: First-time visitors who want to reach a mountain summit without a very long hiking day.

Synshorn is an excellent first hike after arriving in Jotunheimen. Starting close to Bygdin Høifieldshotell, the relatively short route climbs to a panoramic viewpoint 1,457 metres above sea level.

From the summit, you can look across Lake Bygdin and towards many of Jotunheimen’s highest mountains. The trail is easy to follow but becomes rockier as it approaches the top. Synshorn is included as an arrival-day suggestion in several of Jotunheimen Travel’s hiking and cycling holidays. It is a rewarding way to stretch your legs after travelling by bus from Oslo.

Best for: A shorter arrival-day hike with excellent mountain views. 

Gjendetunga rises directly above Gjendebu and provides one of the finest viewpoints over Lake Gjende. From the top, you can see the green lake stretching eastwards between steep mountain slopes, with peaks and valleys in almost every direction.

The hike starts and ends at Gjendebu, making it an excellent choice for a rest day during a longer hut-to-hut journey. Although shorter than many through-hikes in Jotunheimen, the route includes a steep section that can be slippery in wet weather. Jotunheimen Travel recommends Gjendetunga as an optional hike on selected Discover Jotunheimen itineraries.

Best for: Travellers spending two nights at Gjendebu who want a flexible day hike.

Knutshøe is sometimes called the smaller sibling of Besseggen, but the hike has a distinct character of its own. The ridge offers impressive views across the Gjende area and towards the surrounding mountains, usually with fewer hikers than Besseggen.

There are two short sections where hikers need to use their hands for support, and the route is not suitable for anyone uncomfortable with exposed terrain. Knutshøe is one of the highlights of Jotunheimen Travel’s Gjende Ridges and autumn hiking packages, where it can be combined with Besseggen and Bukkelægret.

Best for: Experienced hikers looking for an exciting and less crowded ridge hike.

At 2,157 metres above sea level, Uranostind is one of the most distinctive mountains in western Jotunheimen. Reaching the summit involves a long mountain day, glacier travel and exposed alpine terrain, making this a route that should be completed with a qualified guide.

The journey towards the summit provides impressive views of glaciers, sharp ridges and the mountains surrounding Eidsbugarden. All necessary glacier and safety equipment is provided for Jotunheimen Travel’s guided experience. Uranostind can also be included as a guided highlight in selected multi-day Discover Jotunheimen itineraries.

Best for: Fit and experienced hikers who want to try glacier travel and guided mountaineering.

Standing 2,469 metres above sea level, Galdhøpiggen is the highest mountain in Norway and Northern Europe. Several routes lead to the summit, including a guided glacier crossing from Juvasshytta and a longer hiking route from Spiterstulen.

On a clear day, the summit provides wide views across Jotunheimen’s mountains and glaciers. The hike can be added to selected longer journeys, including Jotunheimen Travel’s Classic Circuit, where a flexible day gives experienced hikers the opportunity to climb Galdhøpiggen. The most suitable route will depend on the weather, season and the hiker’s previous experience.

Best for: Travellers who want to stand on Norway’s highest summit.