Discover Jotunheimen: Besseggen
2 days from Oslo, Self-guided
Two-day tour from Oslo to Jotunheimen included accommodation at Gjendesheim
Besseggen is one of Norway’s most famous hikes, and this 2-day trip will give you a great experience in this beautiful part of the country. It’s a challenging hike best suited for adventurous hikers – are you up for the challenge?
Highlights
- Besseggen – Norway’s most popular mountain hike
- Accommodation at Gjendesheim DNT
Included
- Bus transport from/to Oslo
- Boat cruise x 1
- Accommodation x 1
- Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner x 1
- Detailed tour description
- Map
Season & Prices 2025
June – September
Daily arrivals
First arrival: 26.06.2025
Last arrival: 14.09.2025
Arrivaldates later in September on request
Prices:
Adult (Double room): NOK 4.700
Singel room suppl: NOK 450
Children (5-15 yrs.): NOK 3.200
Besseggen from Oslo
Besseggen is a hugely popular mountain hike, and many consider it a must for any enthusiastic hiker to complete. Every year, around 60,000 people hike up the Besseggen ridge and enjoy the stunning view from the top. This year, one of those people could be you!
Your trip will begin with a comfortable bus transfer from the hustle and bustle of Norway’s capital. You’ll catch Valdresekspressen and enjoy a scenic journey towards beautiful Valdres and be sure to notice the changing scenery around you as you leave the busy city behind in favour of quiet country roads. It’s a comfortable ride, and the bus is fully equipped with free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, comfortable seating and toilet facilities on-board.
The night you spend at the charming Gjendesheim mountain lodge. The historic cabin dates all the way back to 1878. This is the perfect spot for those interested in doing the Besseggen hike, since it’s the natural start- or endpoint for the famous hike. Located in the heart of the Norwegian mountain landscape, Gjendesheim has a long history of welcoming visitors to this beautiful region. The idyllic mountain lodge is situated by the well-known lake Gjende, and the little cabin is surrounded by the towering mountains and stunning natural beauty of Jotunheimen. The rustic cabin is located right next to the Gjendeboat, and you can start or end your hike right on the doorsteps of the cabin.
At the second day, you will take the Gjendebåt in the morning to Memurubu and start the hike over Besseggen from there.
When you get off the boat at Memurubu, you’ll start the trek towards Gjendesheim. The challenging hike will take you along mountain trails that are very narrow in places, and which will offer incredible views of the surrounding natural landscape. As you’re walking up Besseggen, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery around you and the stunning view of the glittering water of the Gjende lake and the majestic mountains of Jotunheimen. In the evening, you’ll climb aboard Valdresekspressen and get a chance to rest while you enjoy a comfortable ride back to Oslo.
Hiking up Besseggen ridge is a fairly challenging activity, and it’s recommended that experienced hikers take this on. The hike will take between 7-9 hours, and Besseggen has a rise of almost 1000 meters. Make sure to plan your trip properly and prepare well. Before setting out on a trip, you should always check the weather forecast, choose the right shoes and clothes for the trip, and pack everything you’ll need in terms of food and drinks.
Add-on: Extra night at Gjendesheim DNT: When you want to relax more and don’t want to rush to get the late bus to Oslo, we recommend staying one night extra at Gjendesheim DNT. This mountain hotel is runned by the Norwegian Trekking Association and offers full service in a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. We book your stay included breakfast, packed lunch and dinner.
Map
This is the route
Day to day
Practical information
Below you will find practical information about this trip.
Can not find what you are looking for? See our frequently asked questions page, or send us an email – we will help you!
Add on
Extra night at Gjendesheim (NOK 2.000 person in double room)
If you do not want to think about reaching the bus after your Besseggen hike, you are welcome to stay one more night at Gjendesheim before you take the bus back to Oslo.
Go to Bergen instead of Oslo (NOK 150)
You can choose to end your trip in Bergen instead of Oslo.
Fjord cruise from Flåm to Bergen, 5 hours (NOK 1.525)
When ending your trip to Bergen, you can travel the last bit by cruise boat from Fåm to Bergen. This is a perfect way to also experience Norway’s beautiful and deep fjords.
Extra night in Bergen (Price on request)
Norway’s second-largest city, surrounded by mountains and fjords. Well worth seeing.
Extra night in Oslo (Price on request)
If you are interested in seeing the capital of Norway, or your flight is arriving late, you can add one extra night in Oslo, including breakfast.
Important details
To fully enjoy your hiking adventure in the mountainous areas, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and local temperatures. For a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend wearing warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy mountain hiking boots that provide ankle support, and sunscreen and sunglasses. It is not recommended to wear trail runners, everyday shoes, or sneakers. We also recommend bringing hiking poles in this type of terrain.
Accomodation
Gjendesheim DNT-cabin:
Gjendesheim Turisthytte has a history dating back to 1878. In the Dnt cabins, you will meet a traditional atmosphere where the rooms have bunk beds and bathrooms and showers are in the hall. The hut is run by DNT and is located in the heart of the Norwegian mountains, with Besseggen ridge as a neighbor.
Meals
The restaurant offers food based on local ingredients. For breakfast, there will be a buffet. Here you also need to make yourself a packed lunch that you bring for the day. It is possible to fill a thermos. Dinner will be served in the afternoon/evening.
Packing list
Our selected daily hikes are well-marked, and you will meet other hikers. The trails are narrow, often rocky, and sometimes you need to cross rivers and streams. Therefore, we recommend ankle-height mountain boots and hiking poles.
You will receive a physical map and gpx files from us on arrival and a detailed tour description for orientation.
Difficulty
Hard
Kilometer: up to 20 kilometers
Ascent: up to 1500 ascent meter
Terrain: Varied trail, where longer sections are hilly and rocky, there will also be features and exposed terrain.
On these trips, we spend a lot of time in demanding terrain, and there are long ascents and descents. The tours are usually around 6-8 hours. These trips can also involve crossing glaciers and rappelling, this requires that the person participating in the trip has some previous experience and is in good physical shape.
Please ask us if you are not sure about your level.
Equipment list
When you book with us, we’ll provide you with a packing list to ensure you have all the necessary clothing and gear.
Transport
Travel green by using public transport. Enjoy the trip from the big city towards Valdres and Jotunheimen! The express buses take you straight from the capital to the heart of Norway. On the way you will pass mountains, valleys, rivers, and beautiful farms. The buses have free WiFi, power outlets with USB chargers and toilets.
Experience the convenience of choosing from various departure times and travel destinations along our express bus routes. Share your travel plans with us, and we’ll take care of the arrangements, ensuring a stress-free experience for you.
Departure time back on day 2
Gjendesheim-Oslo bus terminal
5.25 pm -10.00 pm
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