Historical Route Jotunheimen (7 days)

On this 7-day guided hike you will follow the path of the pioneer´s in Norway´s mountaineering history on this historic route. From Gjendesheim, via Memurubu and Gjendebu to Bygdin you will hike along the most spectacular sights in Jotunheimen National Park. Starting with iconic Besseggen, climbing spectacular Bukkelægret and take on night in a self-serviced hut at lake Bygdin. Together with your guide you will get a safe hike with many interesting, historical facts along the way.  

Highlights

  • Iconic Besseggen ridge 
  • High peaks with panoramic views
  • Cultural history, and local food at historic accommodations
  • Guided hike along Historical Route 

Included

  • Bus transport from / to Oslo
  • Luggage transport
  • Accommodation incl. Towels and linen
  • Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
  • Detailed tour description
  • Guide

Season

  • 30.07. – 05.08. 2023
  • other dates on request

Into the heart of Jotunheimen

 

This hike is designed for hikers of average fitness levels, with some basic hiking and outdoor skills. This route takes you straight into the heart of Jotunheimen, across the beautiful Gjende Lake, through stunning valleys and spectacular ridges. You need to climb up to 1 300 meters a day and you shoul dbe aware that many of the trails are rocky and not always easy to hike. The tour takes you to some of the most historic accommodations in the Jotunheimen area, with delicious food and Norwegian outdoor life charm. The total route is about 50 km depending on the length of the day tours. 

Kart

The map shows the route you will walk.

Day to day

Day 1: Oslo - Jotunheimen

Arrival by Valdresekspressen from Oslo 

Different departure times available.
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. 

 

Accommodation: Gjendesheim 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.
You will meet your guide in the evening and the rest of the group to plan and organize the next days through Jotunheimen.

Day 2: Besseggen ridge

Hike: Besseggen

The Besseggen hike takes you over the spectacular, steep, and some places very narrow ridge with a spectacular view over the two lakes Bessvatnet and Gjende. This view of this different colored lakes in an absolutely amazing mountain scenery with steeps cliffs and high mountains, attracts every year many thousand visitors.  

Time: 7-9 hours
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 1300 m
 

Accommodation: Memurubu
Memurubu tourist cabin is located in Jotunheimen, along Gjende, at the foot of Besseggen. Memurubu is a modern tourist cabin with good comfort, traditional atmosphere and local food. 

 

Day 3: Bukkelægret

Hike: Bukkelægret  

Bukkelægret is an exciting, steep walk with a longer flat section in the middle. The trip takes you along several mountain lakes and along a ridge that gives a great view over the Gjende lake. Some parts of this route are quite steep and in wet conditions slippery. At the steepest parts you can find chains you can hold yourself for extra safety.
Time: 6-8 hours, Distance: 10 km, Ascent: 760 meters 

 

Accommodation: Gjendebu DNT 

At 990 masl at the west end of Gjendevannet 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.

 

Day 4: Rest day

V

We planned this day as a rest day after two long hiking days. But the guide can guide you to a beautiful viewpoint close to the accommodation. 

Hike 

Gjendetunga is the trip where we enjoy a shorter distance, but without missing majestic views. 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. 

Time: 3-5 hours, Distance: 10 km, Ascent: 520 meters  

Accommodation: Gjendebu DNT
At 990 masl at the west end of Gjendevannet 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 5: Svartdalen

 

Hike: Svartdalen valley

The first kilometers are an easy hike through the forest at lake Gjende, before the trail suddenly climbs up into the Svartdalen valley. This part is very steep and can be slippery under wet conditions.  Svartdalen is not an easy hike since you need to cross some streams and the trail is quite rocky and good surefootedness is an advantage. 

Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 14 kilometers
Ascent: 610 meters
 

 

Accommodation: Torfinnsbu 

Torfinnsbu is a self-served cabin. That means, that you need to use your own sheets (or a light sleeping bag). There is no electricity and running water. We will make our meals together and enjoy a stay in a typical self-served mountain cabin. 

 

Day 6: Torfinnsbu - Eidsbugarden

Hike: Torfinnsbu – Eidsbugarden 

Today’s trail will follow lake Bygdin – only for a while we take a detour into the mountains to avoid the steepest parts along the lake.  At the end of the day, we reach the small village of Eidsbugarden, where our accommodation is situated.   

Time: 8–10-hour
Distance: 20 km
Ascent height: 570 m
 

 

Accommodation: Fondsbu DNT 

Fondsbu is located on beautiful Eidsbugarden. The cottage is widely known for its good atmosphere, hosts and great location. A popular place for hikers and perfect for our farewell dinner after this hike

Day 7: Departure

Boat cruise to Bygdin: 11:30-13:15 
Your mountain adventure ends with a beautiful journey across Bygdinvannet with historic M / B Bitihorn. On board on “Bygdinbåten” you will see many of Jotunheimen’s mighty peaks towering along the water. 

Bus: Bygdin Høifjellshotel → Oslo 
Enjoy the trip home. The express buses take you straight from Jotunheimen and Valdres back to the city. On the way you will pass mountains, valleys, rivers and beautiful farms. The buses have free WiFi, power outlets with USB chargers and toilets. 

Alternative:
You can choose to depart towards Bergen.
Then you will take a taxi from Eidsbugarden to Tyinkrysset and from there the bus to Bergen.

Departure time Eidsbugarden: 11.25 
Arrival time Bergen: 18.00

Please contact us in advance if you like to travel to Bergen.

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!

 

Transportation

The journey includes all transport to / from Oslo, and between all accommodations.

Luggage transportation

We will send your luggage (1x luggage per person) from cabin to cabin, so that you can hike just with a light day bag.

    Meals

    All accommodations focus on local food. At the breakfast table you will make yourself the lunch package. On request you can get as well warm tea with you on the hike. The dinner is a two to three course dinner.  

     

    Accommodation

    All accommodations you will stay in, are DNT cabins with shared bathrooms (DNT = Norwegian Trekking Association) breakfast, packed lunch and dinner. Torfinnsbu (5th night) is a self-service hut – here we will do the meals by ourselves, and you need to bring a bed sheet bag with you. 

    Guide

    Our guides are local and certified hiking guides. You will meet the guide the first evening at Gjendesheim. The guide will take car of you and lead you safe through the sometimes tough and difficult trails. In addition, the guide will tell you the stories about the historical interesting facts long this route.

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