Discover Jotunheimen:
The Classic Circuit

8 days, self-guided

This is the ultimate roundtrip in Jotunheimen, where you hike around the whole National Park. Made for experienced hikers who can hike several days in a row without breaks. One rest day can be used to experience a glacier or to climb Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s highest peak – or just to relax in beautiful surroundings.

Highlights

  • Jotunheimen National Park
  • Hiking Besseggen
  • Unspoiled nature
  • Possible to hike Galdhøpiggen

Included

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

*excepted in Glitterheim

Season and Price 2026

June – August
Daily departures
 

First arrival day: 20.06.2026
Last arrival day: 11.08.2026

Other dates on request.

Price:
Per person in double room:
NOK 20.600

Single room supplement:
NOK 3.200*

*Not included in Gjendebu

Map

Description

This is a get-away many dreams about – a trek in Jotunheimen National Park, the house of giants. Enjoy the views and test your body in the raw Norwegian wilderness, while we take care of transporting your luggage.

The trek starts with one of the most demanding hikes already from Gjendesheim to Glitterheim. But fear not, you will have the chance to enjoy the unspoiled nature of Norway. At the Spitertsulen mountain hut, you can choose to give your body a well-deserved break or challenge yourself with some more hiking. Why not venture by yourself to Galdhøpiggen, the highest peak of the country, or have a unique guided glacier experience?

The trip continues with colourful contrasts while you descend towards Lake Gjende and Besseggen Ridge, a popular hiking area for Norwegians. From Gjendebu you take a short cruise to Memurubu, where your last hike begins: Besseggen. Even though not as tall as the previous peaks, this hike has a lot of admirers, and nothing to envy to higher mountains in terms of challenges. A pretty nice way to end your Jotunheim adventure.

Day to day

Day 1 - Arrival in Jotunheimen

Transport: Arrival by bus in Gjendesheim

Your adventure starts in Oslo where you take the express bus from the city centre to Gjendesheim in the heart of Jotunheimen.

Accommodation: Gjendesheim DNT-Lodge

Meal: Dinner

Day 2 - Hike to Glitterheim

Activity: Hike Gjendesheim – Glitterheim
Time: 8 hours, Distance: 22 km, ↑ 1000 meters

Your first hike of the tour follows the trail from Gjendesheim to Glitterheim, bordering the lakes Bessvatnet and Russvatnet in direction of the Jotunheim area. This hike is quite a long one – 22 km with two demanding climbs for a total ascent of 1000 meters – but the views are incomparable! Don’t forget to admire the view from Hestlægre pass.

Tonight you spend the night in the heart of the national park where strict rules apply to motorised transportation. This is the reason why your luggage will await you at the next accommodation and you’ll need to take with you some clothes for this night.

Accommodation: Glitterheim DNT-Lodge

Meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch | Dinner

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Dag 3 - Hike to Spiterstulen

Activity: Hike Glitterheim – Spiterstulen
Time: 6-8 hours, Distance: 16 km, ↑ 400 meters

From Glitterheim, you will take a popular trail, which – although a bit demanding – do not present a very steep ascent. Walk through spectacular nature and mountain passes before descending towards the Spiterstulen mountain lodge located at 1106 m.a.s.l.  Be aware that the last part towards Spiterstulen can be quite steep.

Extra challenge needed? Add the ascend of the second-highest mountain of the country to your hike, Glittertind! You will have to add an extra 650 ascent meters before reaching today’s destination.

Accommodation: Spiterstulen Mountain Lodge

Meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch | Dinner

 

Day 4 - Restday Spiterstulen

Today you can enjoy an easy day in Spiterstulen area or chose between the suggested activities.

Alternative 1: Hike to Galdhøpiggen
Time: 9 hours, Distance: 12 km, ↑ 1500 meters

Norway’s highest peak, the proper aim to achieve on a hiking vacation. Be aware though, this is a long hike with a steep and long ascent, but worth the effort.

Alternative 2: Fairytale Ice, guided experience to Svelnosbreen glacier 
Time: 7-8 hours, Distance: 7-8 km, ↑ 650 meters

This tour is a combined glacier and hiking trip. Svellnosbreen glacier is probably one of the most beautiful glaciers in Jotunheimen National Parc and is also called “Fairytale Ice”. The glacier is known for the spectacular and interesting crevasses and sculptures from ice, that make this glacier hike an experience itself.

(availability and prices on request from 01.07.26 to 16.08.26)

Accommodation: Spiterstulen Mountain Lodge

Meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch | Dinner

Day 5 - Hike to Leirvassbu

Activity: Hike Spiterstulen – Leirvassbu
Time: 5-7 hours, Distance: 15 km, ↑ 450 meters

Today we descend southwest of Galdhøpiggen, following the glacier river Visa, towards the border between Innlandet and Vestlandet. Immerse yourself in fairytale sceneries with vibrant colours and fresh air. This is not a long trail but be aware that the terrain can be a bit rocky; you will cross two rivers and a short mountain pass before reaching your destination.

Accommodation: Leirvassbu DNT-Lodge

Meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch | Dinner

Day 6 - Hike to Gjendebu

Activity: Hike Leirvassbu – Gjendebu  
Time: 6-8 hours, Distance: 19 km, ↑ 200 metres

Today we follow the ways of water. Your hike has a quite flat terrain, but the lack in height thrills is compensated by the presence of lakes and rivers. Nice, relaxing water white noise as a background for the amazing views before reaching the Storåe valley. Arrive at your local hut with a fresh mind and just in time for dinner!

Accommodation: Gjendebu DNT-Lodge

Meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch | Dinner

Day 7 - Hike Besseggen

Transport: Boat cruise with one of the boats at Gjende Lake to Memurubu, where your hike starts (30 min.).

Activity: Hike Besseggen
Time: 7-9 hours, Distance: 14 km, ↑ 1100 meters

Height thrills, open ridges from where the eyes can wander almost undisturbed, hues of green and blue from the lakes… Besseggen is without any doubts one of the most popular trails in Norway, and we can understand why. Although with some minor difficulties at the beginning of the hike and a lot of ascent meters, those brave enough to test themselves will be rewarded with crisp air, and views worth of the best photographers!

Accommodation: Gjendesheim DNT-Lodge

Meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch | Dinner

Day 8 - Departure

Transport: Bus from Gjendesheim to Oslo.

Meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch

 

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

Fairytail Ice, guided adventure to Svellnosbreen glacier
Min. 2 participants, price on request

This is probably one of the most beautiful glacier in Jotunheimen National Parc. Svellnosbreen glacier is also called “Fairytale Ice” and is known for the spectacular ice sculptures that make this glacier hike a unique experience itself. You get the necessary glacier equipment from your guide.

Keen to something even more challenging on your rest day? It is possible as well to combine the glacier with the Galdhøpiggen summit. This is a very long day in the mountains (approx. 10-12 hours) and only suitable for experienced hikers, but do not hesitate asking us for the price if you are up to such a challenge.

Private bathroom at Leirvassbu DNT-Lodge
Double room, per person: NOK 550

Single room: NOK 670

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 some more comfort with a private bathroom for the night in Leirvassbu.

Single room supplement at Gjendebu DNT-Lodge
NOK 1000

In high season, it is almost impossible getting a single room in Gjendebu and usually single travellers need to share room with other travellers when staying there. This is a common thing to do at DNT accommodations. We can still give it a try, if you are not comfortable with the idea of sharing a room.

Travel to Bergen instead of Oslo
NOK 150

You can choose to end your trip in Bergen instead of Oslo. Then you will need to change bus in Fagernes.

Fjord cruise from Flåm to Bergen (5 hours)
NOK 1.495

When ending your trip in Bergen, you can travel the last bit by boat from Flåm to Bergen. This is a perfect way to also experience Norway’s beautiful and deep fjords.

Extra night in Oslo or Bergen
Price on request

If you are interested to see the capital of Norway, or your flight is arriving late, you can add an extra night in Oslo, including breakfast. You can also add it at the end of the trip. If you would like to explore Bergen, we can take you there also.

    Important details

    To fully enjoy your hiking adventure in the mountains, 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, sunscreen and sunglasses. It is not recommended to wear trail running shoes, 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. You will just need to take some extra clothes for one night at Glitterheim lodge as this one is only accessible on foot. Your luggage will wait for you at the next accommodation, Spiterstulen Mountain Lodge.

     

    Accommodation

    At Spiterstulen, you will get a private bathroom with toilet and shower. At the DNT-lodges, you will meet a traditional atmosphere where the rooms have bunk beds and bathrooms and showers are in the hall. Leirvassbu has some few rooms with private bathroom on request. See add-ons prices for more information.

    Gjendesheim DNT-Lodge
    Established in 1878, is placed on the western side of the lake Gjende. The hut is run by the Norwegian Trekking Association and is popular among locals and tourists for its variety of activities in hikes, ski courses, and mountain biking.

    Glitterheim DNT-Lodge
    Mountain hut is renowned for offering hikes over 2000 m.a.s.l., fishing and canoeing possibilities. The cabin has its own smoking house, and stabburet. This one is located in the heart of the national parc and only accessible by hiking, skiing and cycling. When staying here, you need to take some extra clothes for the night in your daypack. Your luggage can’t be transported to Glitterheim because of national parc’s regulations and will be waiting for you at your next accommodation.

    Spiterstulen Mountain Lodge
    Former shepherd farm in the Visdalen valley, Spiterstulen the biggest lodge in the Jotunheim area. It has a strategic position, between the highest and the second-highest mountains of Norway – Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind – which makes it attractive to hikers wishing to challenge themselves with altitudes over 2000 m.a.s.l. or with day trips to the glaciers around the cabin.

    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.

    Gjendebu DNT-Lodge
    At 990 m.a.s.l. at the west end of Gjende Lake, you will find Gjendebu. Totally remote and only accessible by foot or boat. The DNT accommodation consists of several cabins and a main house with a beautiful dining room serving good local food. This is the oldest DNT-cabin, built in 1871.
    Single room: single rooms are difficult to get and are not included in the price; you may need to share the room with other hikers.

     

    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 to lunch for the day. It is possible to fill a thermos, check with the accommodation. 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 an access to our JVB-app before travelling. This one contains GPX-files, itineraries description and detailed information for your trip.

    Difficulty

    Medium – Hard
    The daily hikes are between 13 and 22 km and up to 1200 ascent meters per day. In addition, you will meet challenging rocky trails and you need therefore to be sure-footed. There is one rest day after the first two hiking days and the last day can be skipped by using a boat.

    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

    When travelling with us, the bus ride from and to Oslo is included in your journey. The buses start at Oslo bus terminal in the city center, next to Oslo Central Train station. The bus ride to the Jotunheimen and Valdres takes approximately 4 to 5 hours depending on where your trip starts/ends. 

    Departure times from Oslo Bus Terminal vary depending on the season and the days. In general, you can choose from the following departures:  

    08.30 am* 

    10.20 am * 

    12.20 pm * 

    15.00 pm * 

    *Note: Depending on the season, your day of arrival and your final destination, there might be more or less departures, also there might be departures straight from Oslo Gardermoen airport to Jotunheimen and Valdres. This can apply also to the journey back to Oslo. Please share your travel plans with us and we will find the best possible bus departures according to your trip. 

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