Green Route & King’s Road

8 Days | Self-guided | Summer | Hiking | Jotunheimen
This hike combines our popular Discover Jotunheimen Green Route with two days of hiking along the Kingsroad. This tour is designed for hikers of average fitness levels, with some basic hiking and outdoor skills. You are not only interested in experiencing the impressive and untouched Jotunheimen National Park but also in the more cultural and mankind-influenced stretches along the Kingsroad.

Highlights

  • Hiking in Jotunheimen National Park
  • Hiking along the Kingsroad
  • Delicious local food at historic accommodations

Included

  • Bus transport from/to Oslo
  • Transport to Kingsroad
  • Luggage transport
  • 7x Accommodation incl. bedlinen, towels
  • 7x Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
  • Detailed tour description
  • Map from Jotunheimen, King’s Road

Season and price 2025

25 Juni – 29 August 2025
03 – 05 + 10 – 12 September 2025

Adult (double room): NOK 20.600
Single room suppl.: NOK 5.400
Children (12 – 17 yrs.): 14.900

8-days hiking adventure in Jotunheimen and along the King’s Road  

Experience the nature of the magical Jotunheimen National Park, by hiking through valleys to see some of Norway’s highest peaks and sleeping at historical accommodations serving local food. The terrain in Jotunheimen is rockier than what you may be used to. But with day stretches at about 12 kilometers and 5-600 accent meters, this should be affordable for the trekkers in average shape and with some hiking experience. You will also get the chance to reach some of the easier peaks in the area. The last days at Kingsoad will be a travel back in time. Here there are a lot of history, and the hikes will be easier than the start of the trip.

Day to day

Day 1: Arrival

Transport
Take the Valdresekspressen from Oslo to Jotunheimen.

Activity, Hike Synshorn
Time: 1-2 hours, Distance: 5 kilometers, ↑ 450 meters

Synshorn is located at 1457 m.a.s.l. and offers a fantastic view of Jotunheimen. The trails are easy to walk and vary between some soft terrain and more rocky terrain near the top.

Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldshotell

Day 2: Hike Bitihorn

Time: 4-6 hours, Distance: 10 kilometers, ↑ 600 meters

Bitihorn is an iconic mountain at 1607 m.a.s.l. and is a classic route at Bygdin. It is one of the simpler peaks in the area and is well-suited for beginners and mountaineers. At the top, you get a fantastic panoramic view of large parts of Valdres.

Accommodation: Bygdin Høyfjellshotell

Day 3: Hike Svartdalen

Transport, Boat cruise
You will sail with historical M/B Bitihorn from Bygdin to Torfinnsbu, where your hike starts (45 min).

Activity, Hike Svartdalen (the Black Valley)
Time: 6-8 hours, Distance: 14 kilometers, ↑ 610 meters

Svartdalen is a very beautiful valley with views of many 2000-meter peaks and glaciers. However, it is not an easy hike since the trail is quite rocky and good surefootedness and poles are an advantage. In the end, a steep downhill awaits you – under wet conditions, this part can be quite slippery too. Take your time to come safely to the next cabin.

Accommodation: Gjendebu DNT-cabin

Day 4: Gjendetunja

This day you can enjoy a rest day in the beautiful environment at Gjendebu.

Alternative 1 Hike Gjendetunga
Time: 3-5 hours, Distance: 10 km, ↑520 meters

Gjendetunga towers over the cabin Gjendebu and is a trip you will not want to miss if you are in this area. On a clear day, we enjoy lunch at the top with a 360-degree beautiful view of green Gjende, and the mountain massifs to the east and west. But be aware that there is a shorter steep section that can be a bit challenging especially when wet.

Alternative 2 Hike Bukkelægre round tour
Time: 3-6 hours, Distance: 14 km, ↑550 meters

If you are up for something more challenging, this hike is beautiful and exciting. You start by the lake before climbing a steep hill up almost 500 meters to Bukkelægre. Up at the ridge you hike in easy terrain towards beautiful Storådalen. And then the last 4 kilometers you follow the river Storåa back to Gjendebu. Be aware, this hike has got an even steeper and longer steep section with changes to hold on to, than the hike to Gjendetunga.

Accommodation: Gjendebu DNT-cabin

Day 5: Hike Veslådalen

Time: 5-7 hours, Distance: 16 kilometers, ↑516 meters

The hike between Gjendebu and Eidsbugarden goes between the lakes Gjende and Bygdin in Jotunheimen National Park. From Gjendebu, the trip goes through Veslådalen before ending at Eidsbugarden where you will take a bus in the afternoon to Tyinkrysset.

Accommodation: Filefjellstuene

Day 6: Hike King's Road

Activity: Kyrkjestølen to Maristova
Time: 4 hours, Distance: 10.7 km, ↑350 meters

Between Kyrkjestølen and Maristova, you will cross the actual Filefjell and reach Kongevegen’s highest point with spectacular views of the Hurrungane peaks.
Here you can see what it meant to build a road according to «the French principle». It was as straight a line as possible, with great emphasis on drainage and foundation work, but without any particular consideration for the character of the terrain.
Pick up and transfer back to Filefjellstuene.

Accommodation: Filefjellstuene

Day 7: Hike King's Road

Activity: Vindhellavegen and Galdane
Time: 6,5 hours, Distance: appr. 10 km

Today you start your hike at the well-preserved stave church of Borgund (from 1180). Here you can find an exhibition and we recommend visiting the church (extra fee). From here you will go down the Vindhellavegen – the most spectacular and popular part of the Kingsroad. Depending on your hiking speed you can proceed further down along the Galdane Canyon and the spectacular Lærdals river.
Pick up along the road and transfer back to Filefjellstuene.

Accommodation: Filefjellstuene

Day 8: Departure

Bus: Tyinkrysset to Oslo

Alternative:
You can choose to depart towards Bergen and even add a Fjord Cruise from Flåm to Bergen.
Different departure/arrival times possible. 

Practical information

Below you will find practical information about this trip.
Not finding what you are looking for? See our site FAQ, or send us an e-mail – we will help you!

Add-on

Go to Bergen instead of Oslo
You can choose to end your trip in Bergen instead of Oslo. Then you will skip the last cruise to Bygdin and take the bus from your last accommodation.

Fjord cruise from Flåm to Bergen (5 hours)
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
Norway’s second-largest city, surrounded by mountains and fjords. Well worth seeing.

Extra night in Oslo
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. You can also add it at the end of the trip.

Equipment

When you book with us, we’ll provide you with a packing list to ensure you have all the necessary clothing and gear.

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.

Luggage transport

We will send your luggage from cabin to cabin, so you only need to bring a daypack.

Accommodation

At Bygdin and Filefjellstuene you will get a private bathroom with a toilet and shower. In the Dnt cabins, you will meet a traditional atmosphere where the rooms have bunk beds and bathrooms and showers are in the hall.

Bygdin Høyfjellshotell:
This hotel has a long tradition of hosting active mountain people who want to visit Jotunheimen. Even though many rooms were renovated you will get a historical atmosphere. The food is sure to be the highlight of your stay. Dinner is made from local ingredients and comes to taste great.

Gjendebu DNT-cabin:
At 990 m.a.s.l. at the west end of Gjende Lake, you will find Gjendebu totally remote except for access by hiking or boat. The DNT accommodation consists of several cabins and a main house with a beautiful dining room, with good local food – This is the oldest cabin of DNT, built in 1871.
We cannot guarantee for single room at Gjendebu.

Filefjellstuene:
Here you will get a cozy cabin feeling. Food is served in the main building close by. Once a traditional mountain farm, now a modern mountain lodge with comfortable rooms in cabins with en suite bathrooms, and a great restaurant in the main lodge.

Meals

All restaurants offer 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. At arrival, you will receive from us a food wrap you can use to pack your lunch. It is possible to fill a thermos. Dinner will be served in the afternoon/evening.

Route

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.

Transport

Travel green by using public transport. 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.

See more of our hikes in Jotunheimen

Day to day

Day 1: Oslo - Gjendesheim

Bus: Valdresekspressen fra Oslo

Transport from Oslo bus Terminal (Oslo Airport). 
If you are coming from Oslo Airport, you must count about 1 hour to transfer to Oslo Bus Terminal. 

If the time schedule does not fit your flight we can help with accommodation in Oslo, adding one extra night. Let us know.

 

Accomodation: Gjendesheim turisthytte DNT

Gjendesheim Turisthytte has a history dating back to 1878. The hut is run by DNT and is located in the heart of the Norwegian mountains, with Besseggen Ridge as a neighbor.

 

Day 2: Knutshøe

First ridge: Knutshøe

Level of difficulty: medium
Duration: 4-6 hours
Distance: 13 kilometers
Ascent: 700 meters

Knutshø is called Bessegens little brother. The mountain has a very cool shape and are exposed with lakes on both sides. The ridge has two challenge points where you will have to use all hands and feet.

Accomodation: Gjendesheim turisthytte DNT

Gjendesheim Turisthytte has a history dating back to 1878. The hut is run by DNT and is located in the heart of the Norwegian mountains, with Besseggen ridge as a neighbor.

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Day 3: Boat cruise to Gjendebu

Boat: Boat cruise to Gjendebu

I dag skal dere ta den flotte båtturen over Gjendevannet. Hvis dere ønsker en kortere båttur, kan dere vandre langs den første delen av innsjøen.

Alt. hike from Gjendesheim to Memurubu 

Level of difficulty: Easy 
Duration: 2-3 hours 
Distance: 10 kilometers 
Ascent: 400 meters

This hike is a nice and easy walk alongside the lake.  

Accommodation: Gjendebu Turisthytte DNT 
At 990 masl at the west end of Gjende Lake you will find Gjendebu. The hotel offers a traditional and historic atmosphere, with good local food - and is the oldest cabin of DNT, built in 1871.  

Day 4: Bukkelægret


V
Hike: Bukkelægret

Level of difficulty: Medium 
Duration: 5 hours 
Distance: 11 kilometers 
Ascent: 850 meters 

Bukkelægret is an exciting, steep walk with a longer flat section in the middle. The trip takes you through several mountain lakes packed with mountain trout - a perfect area to have lunch. The high route gives a great view over the water Gjende. In the steepest parts of this route you can hold on to the chain for extra safety, or hike an alternative route.  

Accomodation: Memurubu DNT
Memurubu is a tourist hut at the end or start of the famous Besseggen hiking trail. Memurubu is originally an old mountain pasture dating back to 1872, but has had tourists just as long. Cows are still grazing around the tourist hut, which lies at the mouth of the river Muru in the valley Memurudalen.

Day 5: Besseggen

Hike: Besseggen 

Level of difficulty: Medium 
Duration: 6-8 hours 
Distance: 14 kilometers 
Ascent: 1132 meters 

Besseggen is one of Norway's most popular hikes. There is a fantastic view of majestic Jotunheimen on a trip over the narrow, airy ridge. With the green Gjende Lake 400 meters straight down on one side, and the deep blue Bessvatnet Lake on the other, you will have an experience you will never forget.

Accommodation: Gjendebu Turisthytte DNT 

At 990 masl at the west end of Gjende Lake you will find Gjendebu. The hotel offers a traditional and historic atmosphere, with good local food - and is the oldest cabin of DNT, built in 1871.

Day 6: Gjendesheim - Oslo

 

Bus: Gjendesheim - Oslo 

Transport from Gjendesheim to Oslo bus Terminal (Oslo Airport). 
If you are going to Oslo Airport, you must count about 1 hour to transfer from Oslo Bus Terminal. 

If the time schedule does not fit your flight we can help with accommodation in Oslo, adding one extra night. Let us know.

See bus departures from Gjendesheim below Practical information.

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!

Departures from Oslo

Monday-Wednesday

8.30 am – 1.05 pm 

Thursdays 

8.30 am – 1.05 pm 
3.05 pm – 7.05 pm 
5.00 pm – 9.05 pm 
5.20 pm – 9.03 pm (Directly from Oslo Airport) 

Friday 

8.30 am - 1.05 pm 
1.05 pm – 5.45 pm 
5.20 pm – 9.03 pm (Directly from Oslo Airport) 

Saturday 

8.30 am - 1.05 pm 
10.20 am – 1.35 pm 

Sunday 

10.20 am – 1.35 pm 
12.20 pm – 4.50 pm 
5.20 pm – 9.03 pm (Directly from Oslo Airport)

 

Luggage transport

We will send your luggage from cabin to cabin, so you only need to bring a daypack.

Departures from Gjendesheim

Monday-Friday 

2.00 pm – 6.35 pm 

Saturday 

10.00 am – 2.45 pm 
2.00 pm – 6.35 pm 

Sunday 

10.00 am – 2.45 pm 
10.00 am -2.21 pm (Directly to Oslo Airport) 
4.00 pm – 8.20 pm 
5.35 pm – 10.00 pm

Meals

All restaurants offer 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 to lunch for the day. Use your beewax food wrap. It is possible to fill a thermos, check with the accommodation. Dinner will be served in the afternoon/evening. 

Accomodation

Gjendesheim Turisthytte DNT:  

Gjendesheim Turisthytte has a history dating back to 1878. The hut is run by DNT and is located in the heart of the Norwegian mountains, with Besseggen Ridge as a neighbor.  

Gjendebu Turisthytte DNT:  

At 990 masl at the west end of Gjende Lake, you will find Gjendebu. The DNT cabin offers a traditional and historic atmosphere, with good local food – and is the oldest cabin of DNT, built in 1871. 

Memurubu Turisthytte:  

Memurubu is a tourist hut at the end or start of the famous Besseggen hiking trail. Memurubu is originally an old mountain pasture dating back to 1872, but has had tourists for just as long. Cows are still grazing around the tourist hut, which lies at the mouth of the river Muru in the valley Memurudalen. 

Trails and weather

The conditions in the autumn are wonderful, but it can also give some challenges. You need to be prepared to walk in the snow in case of snowfall. We have also described alternative routes for the steepest parts if the exposure or conditions makes it uncountable. In September, normal temperature is between 0-10 degrees.

All the paths are well-marked. The terrain varies from flat and easy to rocky and hilly. All the hikes as a short steep, exposed crux where you will have to use both legs and arms. Thou these sections can be avoided by walking an alternative route around.

Equipment list

We will send you equipment-list when ordering. 

Opplev Jotunheimen med oss!