Horseback riding Hjerkinn - Jotunheimen Travel

Horseback Riding Hjerkinn

For centuries, Hjerkinn Fjellstue has served as a vital mountain lodge for travelers crossing the Dovre mountains. Even today, horses continue to play a significant role in this historic place. Join our day horseback riding tour and immerse yourself in the same experience, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Dovre National Park.

Highlight

Horseback riding

Included:

Guided tour
Horse incl. all equipment
Helmet and saddlebags

Season & Price 2024

14. June – 29. September

Person: NOK 1.490

Musk ox Safari on the horseback:
NOK 1.790

Private guide on request

Min. 2, maks. 18 partisipant per guide

Description

Hjerkinn Fjellstue has a rich history as a mountain lodge, offering shelter and horses to weary travelers. Today, it continues as an active horse farm and accommodation. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by a multitude of horses. Prepare for a horseback ride through the stunning landscapes of Dovre National Park, adapting the route based on weather and conditions. During the journey, enjoy a leisurely lunch break before returning to Hjerkinn. Our experienced guides will ensure your well-being, catering to riders of all levels by dividing them into three groups based on experience.

On Monday, all horses have free, and we don’t offer tours.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday we do our standard horseback riding tour.

*On Thursday and Saturday, we offer a Musk ox safari on horseback. Since we need to ride further than normal, this tour is not available for beginners.

Since all our horses are Icelandic horses with limited strength and height the maximum weight for riders is 90 kg.

Program

Meet up at the horse stable at 9.30 am.

You will meet your guide and together you will greet your horse for todays ride. We take time to saddle up and get to know the horse before we ride out. On each trip, we divide into smaller groups according to experience and desire, so everyone gets the most out of the riding trip.

Depending on the weather and condition, we will follow different trails that give you a great experience of the beautiful landscape of the Dovre National Park. On the way we make a break where everybody meets and where you can enjoy your packed lunch. It is possible to swoop to another group when you experience that your riding skills don’t match with the first group.

In total, the group can consist of 26 horses and guests with 5-6 guides who are well-known in the region and can share their knowledge about local history and the region.

We will be back at the farm at 4 pm.

Add on

Extra night at Hjerkinn Fjellstue
Extend your stay at Hjerkinn Fjellstue (incl. breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner)

Important details

To fully enjoy your cycling 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 shoes for cycling, and bringing sunscreen and sunglasses.

Meal

Please bring your own lunch with you and enough water/tea for the day. You can store this in the saddlebags (no day bag needed).

Difficulty

On each trip, we divide into smaller groups according to experience and desire, so everyone gets the most out of the riding trip.

Equipment list

Please wear good outdoor clothes and shoes. Bring as well extra warm, and rainproof clothes, a hat and gloves.

Cancellation

Bad weather is not a reason for cancellation, and we conduct the tours in almost any weather as long as the guide can ensure safety.

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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.