Black Route

8 Days | Self-guided | Hiking | Jotunheimen

Challenge yourself while creating memories for life on this epic traverse of Jotunheimen National Park. Rugged nature, 2000-meters summits and unique experiences like a night at Norway’s highest mountain hut await you along the trail. This is one of our most demanding hiking trips which is designed for experienced mountain hikers.

 

Highlights

  • 2000-meters summits
  • Fannaråkhytta – Norway’s highest mountain hut
  • Iconic Besseggen ridge

Included

  • Bus from/to Oslo
  • 6x Accommodation incl. bedlinen/towels & breakfast
  • 1x Accommodation incl. breakfast
  • 7x Dinner
  • 7x Packed lunch
  • Luggage transport*
  • 1x Boat cruise
  • JVB App with access to maps, tracks, vouchers and all necessary travel documents
  • Organizational support and backup from our team
  • CO2 compensation

*except to Skogadalsbøen and Fannaråkhytta

Season & Prices 2026

June – August

Daily departures
22 June – 12 August 2026

Price:
Adult (double room): NOK 19.800
Single room suppl.: NOK 2.700*

*not available in Skogadalsbøen and Fannaråkhytta

The Ultimate Jotunheimen Traverse

This 8-day hiking adventure across Jotunheimen National Park in Norway has been especially put together for experienced mountain hikers in a good shape, who want to challenge themselves.

Your trip goes from Gjendesheim to Turtagrø including iconic hikes and peaks in between. You start with hiking Besseggen, one of the most famous hikes in Norway, well known for its ridge and the view over the green Gjende-lake. A pretty good warm up for the next days. Hike from hut to hut while traversing pretty valleys surrounded by high mountains and glaciers. During your stay, you get several opportunities to conquer some of these iconic Norwegian 2000-meters peaks* yourself. The cherry on the cake? You even spend a night in a mountain hut at this altitude! A one-of-a-kind trip high in contrasts from lush valleys and colourful lakes to some of the highest peaks in the area. Are you ready to challenge yourself?

*Wondering why 2000-meters peaks are a thing in Norway? You might understand it quickly when hiking here. If you find yourself on a 2000-meters peak, that means that you are on one of the highest mountains of the country. And at this latitude, the terrain above 2000 meters can be compared to the terrain you’ll find around 3000 masl in the Alps, rocky and hostile. That can spice up your hiking adventure.

Map

Day to Day

Day 1: Oslo - Gjendesheim

Transport: Arrival by bus to Gjendesheim
Several departure times are available. Share your travel plans with us and we will help you out.

Enjoy the trip from the big city towards Valdres and Jotunheimen. The express busses take you straight and comfortably from the capital to the heart of Norway where your first night in a DNT lodge awaits you.

Accommodation: Gjendesheim DNT

Meal: Dinner

Day 2: Hike Besseggen

Activity: Hike Besseggen
Duration: 6-8 hours, Distance: 14 km, ↑1100 meters

Start your trip with one of Norway’s most popular hikes: Besseggen. Enjoy fantastic views over the green coloured Gjende Lake, glaciers and high mountains. The Besseggen Ridge itself looks steep but is doable for everybody without fear of heights. This is a long hike with a lot of ascent and descent meters that will give you long-lasting memories.

Accommodation: Memurubu

Meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch | Dinner

Day 3: Memurubu - Leirvassbu

Transport: Take the boat from Memurubu to Gjendebu where your next hike starts.

Activity: Hike Storådalen
Duration: 6-7 hours, Distance: 19 km, ↑ 560 meters

Today you hike through Storådalen, which is a beautiful lush valley. You might need to cross some streams, so hiking poles can be an advantage. The trail goes steady and slightly up all the way until you reach Høgvaglen, where it starts going down again to Leirvassbu. Enjoy the view over the small lakes of Høgvaltjønnen to the glacier of Høgvaglbreen on the way.

Accommodation: Leirvassbu DNT

Meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch | Dinner

Day 4: Leirvassbu

Today you can choose between a hike on your own or with a guide, in the beautiful playground around Leirvassbu.

Alternative 1 – Hike Kyrkja
Duration: 5-6 hours, Distance: 9 km, ↑ 650 meters

From the lodge, you’ll catch sight of the iconic mountain towering over the lake. To reach its summit, a fearless spirit is required as most of the hike is in rocky terrain and the final meters demand some scrambling with considerable exposure. Yet, for those bold enough to embrace the challenge, an extraordinary and unforgettable experience awaits. This hike is only recommended if nice weather with good visibility.

Alternative 2 – Guided hike to Storebjørn, 2222 masl
Duration: 8-10 hours, Distance: 12 km, ↑ 850 meters

Storebjørn is an iconic mountain top in Jotunheimen with an easy to remember elevation: 2,222 meters above sea level. This is a demanding hike which requires special equipment as you cross a glacier to get to the top. Your guide takes care of leading the way and provides you with the necessary equipment for the glacier. Your effort is rewarded with a unique experience and an awesome view from the top.

Accommodation: Leirvassbu DNT

Meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch | Dinner

Day 5: Leirvassbu - Skogadalsbøen

Activity: Hike Leirvassbu – Skogadalsbøen
Duration: 4-6 hours, Distance: 19 km, ↑ 50 meters

It is time to continue to your next accommodation, Skogadalsbøen which is located in Utladalen, Europe’s deepest valley surrounded by majestic mountains. To get there, you hike in Storutladalen where you need to cross some bridges over the river. Follow the trail, and the bridges will be easy to find. The hike goes mainly downhill today, from alpine terrain to a lush valley. The landscape becomes wider while you get closer to Skogadalsbøen and enjoy the view over the peaks of Hurrungane mountain massif.

Accommodation: Skogadalsbøen DNT

Meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch | Dinner

Day 6: Skogadalsbøen - Fannaråkhytta

Activity: Hike to Fannaråki
Duration: 5-7 hours, Distance: 11 km, ↑ 1250 meters

Tonight, a unique experience awaits. You are going to spend the night at Norway’s highest mountain hut! By clear weather, the view from the top is stunning and you might be able to experience a sunset that you will remember for a long time. On a nice summer night, you might want to take your mattress out for a night under the stars. But first, a long ascent awaits you. Take it easy on the way up as the terrain is rocky here and in the early season, you might still find snow in some places.

Accommodation: Fannaråkhytta DNT

Meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch | Dinner

NB: Fannaråkhytta is a traditional mountain hut located over 2,000 meters above sea level where you sleep in a dormitory and need to bring with you a bed liner for the night.

Day 7: Fannaråkhytta - Turtagrø

Activity: Hike to Turtagrø
Duration: 3-5 hours, Distance: 8 km, ↑ 20 meters

This is your last hiking day and it takes you to the historical hotel of Turtagrø. The rocky trail goes downhill and is steep in some places, so take your time and enjoy the view while you hike down. You arrive in Turtagrø, located by the scenic road of Sognefjellsvegen. Celebrate your hike with a fresh drink on the terrace in the sun while enjoying the view over the mountains of Hurrungane, before heading to the main restaurant where a delicious dinner awaits you.

Accommodation: Turtagrø Hotel

Meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch | Dinner

 

© Thomas Rasmus Skaug – VisitNorway.com

Day 8: Departure

Transport: Departure by bus to Oslo.

Enjoy one last breakfast with a beautiful view over the mountain tops of Hurrungane before taking the bus. You can buy yourself a packed lunch at the reception, if you wish to take some food with you on the bus.

Meal: Breakfast

 

© Thomas Rasmus Skaug – VisitNorway.com

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 ons

Leirvassbu DNT-Lodge, upgrade to a room with private bathroom
Double room, per pers. per stay: NOK 1.100

Single room, per stay: NOK 1.340
The room included in the package has a shared bathroom. Leirvassbu has a few bedrooms with private bathroom on request. Let us know if you wish to upgrade to a room with private bathroom for these two nights.

Guided hike to Storebjørn 2,222
Per person: approx. 1.100 (payment on spot)

Are you keen on adding a special experience during your stay in Norway? Then we recommend you to book a glacier guided hike to the iconic top of Storebjørn. A minimum of 4 participants and a clear weather are required to confirm a departure. We can take care of booking a spot for you in advance, but you will be informed at the check-in in Leirvassbu if the tour is confirmed or not. You will be charged for the tour at the reception, only if this one is confirmed.

Turtagrø hotel, upgrade to hotel room with private bathroom
Double room, per pers.: NOK 850
Single room: NOK 670
The room included in the package is in the historical building at Turtagrø Hotel and has a shared bathroom. This one has a lot of charm, but maybe you want to treat yourself with more comfort and your own bathroom for your last night?

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 a night in Oslo before or after your hiking trip.

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 bringing sunscreen and sunglasses. It is not recommended to wear trail running shoes, everyday shoes, or sneakers.

Previous experience with long days in the mountains and a general good shape is recommended to fully enjoy this trip.

Luggage transport

We will send your luggage from cabin to cabin where possible, so you only need to bring a daypack. Skogadalsbøen and Fannaråkhytta are only accessible by foot, so you will need to carry some extra clothes for these two nights. Your luggage will wait for you at the next accommodation, Turtagrø Hotel.

Meals

All restaurants offer food based on local ingredients. For breakfast there will be buffet. Here you also need to make yourself a packed lunch that you bring for the day. It is possible to fill a thermos, check with the accommodation. Dinner is served in the afternoon/evening.

Accommodation

Rooms and Bathrooms

At Memurubu, you will get a private bathroom with toilet and shower in the room. At the DNT-lodges, you will meet a traditional atmosphere where the rooms have bunk beds and bathrooms are in the hall. At Fannaråkhytta, the outdoor dry toilet is in a separate hut, and you will sleep in a dormitory together with other hikers. When ordering a single room, you will get a room for yourself when possible. Single rooms are not available at Fannaråkhytta and Skogadalsbøen. As a DNT-mountain policy, there is always room for all hikers.

Gjendesheim DNT-Lodge:
Gjendesheim Turisthytte has a history dating back to 1878, ten years after DNT was established. The hut is run by DNT and is located in the heart of the Norwegian mountains. Across the water from the restaurant you will see some old log cabins, one of them is Jo Gjende´s cabin. Jo Gjende (1794 – 27 February 1884) was a Norwegian outdoorsman and freethinker. He is believed to have been the model for Henrik Ibsen´s Peer Gynt. A famous photo of Jo is in the picture book.

Memurubu Mountain Lodge: 
Memurubu is a tourist hut at the end (or start) of the famous Besseggen hiking trail. This is originally an old mountain pasture dating back to 1872 but has had tourists for just as long. Cows are still grazing around the lodge, which lies at the mouth of the river Muru in the valley Memurudalen. In 1880, three young Englishmen went on a hunting and fishing trip and had camp in Memurubu. Two years later, they published a book about their experiences. It was published anonymously in London in 1882, and they called it “Three on Norway. By two of them.”

Leirvassbu DNT-Lodge:
Built in 1873 by one of the founders of the Norwegian Trekking Association, it is surrounded by more than 50 mountain peaks over 2000 m.a.s.l. and it’s a common stopping spot for hikers, skiers or mountain lovers who need a break from the daily routine. From Leirvassbu, enjoy the view over the iconic top of Kyrkja while sitting at the restaurant.

Skogadalsbøen DNT-Lodge:
The historical mountain lodge of Skogadalsbøen is beautifully located at the edge of Jotunheimen National Park, surrounded by dramatic peaks, glaciers, and lush valleys. Accessible only by foot, it has long been a natural meeting point for hikers exploring some of Norway’s most iconic routes, including trails from Utladalen, Fannaråken, and Sognefjellet. Originally a mountain farm, Skogadalsbøen has been welcoming visitors since the 19th century and today offers simple accommodation, warm meals, and a genuine sense of mountain tradition.

Fannaråkhytta DNT-Lodge:
Welcome to Norway’s highest staffed mountain lodge, spectacularly located at 2,068 meters above sea level in Jotunheimen National Park. Perched on a rocky ridge near Fannaråken, it offers breathtaking views of glaciers, sharp peaks, and vast alpine landscapes. First established in 1926, Fannaråkhytta combines historic charm with a true sense of adventure. Reached by a demanding hike from Sognefjellet or Skogadalsbøen, it provides simple accommodation in dormitory, hearty meals, and an unforgettable high-alpine experience. Fannaråkhytta is popular among hikers and the hut can be crowded during high season, so you might experience the special atmosphere and conviviality of a high mountain hut too. Remember taking your liner with you for this night, as bedlinen can’t be washed at this altitude.

Turtagrø Hotel:
The historical mountain hotel of Turtagrø is beautifully situated at the foot of Hurrungane in Jotunheimen, along the scenic Sognefjellet road. Known as the birthplace of Norwegian mountaineering, it has been a gathering place for climbers and hikers since the late 19th century. The hotel has two buildings, a modern one and a historical one, the Sveitservilla. A charming Swiss-style wooden building that reflects classic alpine architecture and the hotel’s rich heritage. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, excellent local cuisine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with direct access to iconic peaks such as Store Skagastølstind and Fannaråken.

Route

Trails
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 or streams. Therefore, we recommend ankle-height mountain boots.

You will receive an access to our JVB-app before travelling. This one contains GPX-files, itineraries description and detailed information for your trip.

Difficulty

Hard

Kilometers: up to 20 kilometers
Ascent: up to 1500 ascent meters
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. Enjoy the trip from the big city towards Jotunheimen! The public buses take you from the capital to the heart of Norway. On the way you will pass mountains, valleys, rivers and farms.

There is only one departure per day to this area of Jotunheimen. Share your travel plans with us, and we’ll take care of the arrangements, ensuring a stress-free experience for you.

Sustainability – CO2 Emissions

Sustainability is at the core of what we do, ensuring that our adventures leave as little impact on nature as possible. By reducing emissions and making conscious choices, we strive to protect the environment for future generations. To provide transparency, we include this emissions breakdown on every product page, giving you insight into the carbon footprint of your trip. The number of CO2 in kg you can see in the graph, we add and offset every month for each activity that was undergone. Read more here on how we do this.
Diagram of CO2 emissions of the product Black Route
Diagram of CO2 emissions of the product Black Route

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