Through High Valleys of Jotunheimen to the Top of Norway

6 Days | Guided | Summer | Hiking | Jotunheimen
This 6-day guided hike in Norway’s iconic mountains includes Galdhøpiggen, the highest peak. Hike from lodge to lodge, through valleys, visit glaciers, and enjoy stunning views and pure Norwegian outdoor life. With luggage transport and delicious local meals, this is an unforgettable adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Hiking in Jotunheimen National Park
  • Summit Galdhøpiggen 

Included

  • Bus transport from/to Oslo
  • Guide
  • Glacier hike to Galdhøpiggen
  • Luggage transport
  • 5x Accommodation incl. bedlinen, towels
  • 5x Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner

Season and price 2025

Date:
10 – 15 August 2025
(min. 4/ max. 12 participants)*

Other dates on request

Price:

Adult (Double room): NOK 24.000

Single room suppl.: NOK 3.950

Description

The northern part of Jotunheimen National Park is home to Norway’s highest peaks, including Galdhøpiggen (2469 m.a.s.l.), the highest mountain. This tour makes these summits accessible to those without extensive hiking or climbing experience but ready to challenge themselves on rugged trails.

On the first hiking day, we’ll choose between climbing Kyrkja, a uniquely named and shaped mountain, or visiting Storbrean, meaning “big glacier” in Norwegian. This is a perfect introduction to the region, trails, equipment, and your fellow hikers.

Next, we’ll hike through Visdalen Valley towards Spiterstulen, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of three massive peaks and delicious local food. The following day, we continue to Juvasshytta, one of the highest mountain lodges at 1841 m.a.s.l.

From Juvasshytta, we’ll hike and climb Galdhøpiggen, including a glacier crossing with a professional glacier guide and all necessary equipment.

This trip is ideal for sure-footed, average hikers capable of trekking up to 15 km a day, with a maximum ascent of 950 meters. Luggage transport is provided, so you can focus on nature and enjoy the hike.

After the adventure, relax and savor delicious local meals at cozy lodges. Dining with a view of Jotunheimen’s unspoiled beauty is an experience not to be missed!

Day to day

Day 1

Bus from Oslo to Jotunheimen:
Meet and greet your guide at Oslo bus terminal from where you take the bus (10.30 am*; the bus stops at Oslo Airport Gardermoen (11:20 am*)) towards the inland of Norway and the mountain range Jotunheimen. Relax and enjoy the travel through beautiful Gudbrandsdalen in comfortable busses.
Arrival at 16.35* in Lom.

Visit Lom
We will have 2,5 hours of buffer time at the small village of Lom north of Jotunheimen. We recommend visiting the “Norwegian Mountain Center” (https://www.norskfjellsenter.no/home) and trying cinnamon buns or other delicious baked goods at the famous local bakery (entrance fee and other expenses not included).

Bus from Lom to Leirvassbu
Bus to Leirvassbu leaves at 7 pm with arrival at 8.02 pm. This bus ride takes you deep into Jotunheimen and is a spectacular travel experience along high mountains, beautiful valleys, waterfalls, and views towards glaciers. 

Accommodation: Leirvassbu
Meals:  – / – / Dinner

 

*Bus schedules can change. Please get in touch with us for updated departure times.

Day 2

Activity, Hike Kyrkja
Time: 4 hours, Distance: 9 kilometers, ↑ 650 meters

From the lodge, you’ll get your first glimpse of the iconic mountain rising above the lake. Reaching the summit will take some courage, as the final stretch involves an exposed climb. But don’t worry—your guide will be there to help, ensuring your first day in Jotunheimen is both exciting and enjoyable, setting the tone for a great hiking adventure ahead.

Accommodation: Leirvassbu
Meals: Breakfast / Packed lunch / Dinner

Day 3

Activity, Hike Visdalen
Time: 5-7 hours, Distance: 16 kilometers, ↑ 400 meters

Today, we will hike from Leirvassbu to Spiterstulen. Explore the stunning landscapes surrounding Leirvatnet on the north side and venture eastward into Kyrkjeglupen, navigating through rugged terrain.

This tour promises breathtaking scenery and an unforgettable hiking experience amidst the natural beauty of the area.

Accommodation: Spitertsulen

Meals: Breakfast / Packed lunch / Dinner

Day 4

Activity: Hike to Juvasshytta

Time: 4-6 hours, Distance: 14 kilometers, ↑ 950 meters
Today’s adventure begins as we embark on a hike down the gravel road alongside Visdalen, tracing the gentle curves of the Visa river for the initial 5 kilometers. Upon reaching the summer farm of Heimresætre, we cross the river via a sturdy bridge and commence a gradual ascent along the Stua river, scaling the valley’s side. The climb is substantial, leading us steadily upward until we reach the expansive plateau of Juvflye, where the welcoming refuge of Juvasshytta awaits.

Accommodation: Juvasshytta
Meals: Breakfast / Packed lunch / Dinner

Day 5

 Activity: Hike to Galdhøpiggen

Time: 5 hours, Distance: 12 kilometers, ↑ 650 meters
Today, we will be a part of a bigger group that will be guided over a glacier to reach Galdhøpiggen. The guide will provide the necessary harness for glacier crossing.
The journey commences with a gradual ascent towards the glacier. Once on the glacier, safety is ensured through rope attachment. Following the glacier, the hike’s steepest segment unfolds along a rocky trail leading to the summit.

Accommodation: Juvasshytta
Meals: Breakfast / Packed lunch / Dinner

Day 6

Bus back to Oslo

After an early breakfast, we catch the bus to Lom, where we again change to the next bus to Oslo.

Arrival in Oslo bus terminal at 6.20 pm (Oslo airport Gardermoen: 5:25 pm).

Your Guide

Isabelle Ehegötz

Born and raised in Central Hesse / Germany, Isabelle has been guiding in various countries since 2017 – from horseback riding tours in New Zealand and Iceland to hikes in Australia and the Eastern Alps of Europe as well as in Norway. For the past three years, she has been living in Norway, where hiking and cycling tours, among other activities, have been led by her. 

For Isabelle, Norway is considered the ideal country to live out a passion for nature. The diverse landscapes, vastness, and tranquility of nature make each tour a special experience. A particular highlight for her is the “Allemannsretten” – the right to freely enjoy nature. 

Her guiding skills were deepened through a Master’s degree in “Adventure and Experiential Education.” It inspires her not only to showcase the landscape but also to engage in discussions about the impact of nature experiences. 

There is great excitement from Isabelle in showing you the beauty of Norway and creating unforgettable adventures together! 

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!

*Min. amount participants

Disclaimer for Tour Cancellation Due to Insufficient Participants

Jotunheimen Travel reserves the right to cancel scheduled tours up to 30 days before departure if the minimum required number of participants is not met. In such cases, all confirmed participants will receive a full refund or the option to rebook on an alternative tour or date, subject to availability. We recommend travel insurance to cover any additional expenses that may arise due to this cancellation policy. Read our Terms and Conditions here.

Add-on

Extra night in Oslo

If you want to experience Norway’s capital, we recommend staying a night before or after. Ask for rates.

Difficulty - Trails

Distance: up to 15 kilometers each day
Ascent: up to 1000 ascent meter each day

The trails are narrow, often rocky, and sometimes you need to cross rivers and streams. Therefore, we recommend ankle-height, waterproof mountain boots and hiking poles.
Our guide will make sure that everybody feels safe and can enjoy the hike as much as possible.

Galdhøpiggen: The hike to Galdhøpiggen includes a glacier crossing. On this part a guide will help us and we will hike attached to a rope. 

Equipment

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

Luggage transport

Your luggage will be sent from cabin to cabin, so you only will hike with a day pack.

Transport

Travel green by using public transport. There is only one departure planned. If this doesn’t fit your travel plans, please ask us for advice to make sure that you arrive in time.

Accommodation

All accommodations are mountain lodges, partly from the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) or privately run. You will have a bedroom with a shared bathroom (DNT) or a private bathroom (Juvasshytta). Dinner will be served on set hours and the breakfast served as a buffet, where you will do your packed lunch for the day.
You will stay in the following accommodations:

Leirvassbu DNT lodge
Leirvassbu stands out for its stunning location in the heart of Jotunheimen National Park, surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. The hut offers a cozy and comfortable retreat for hikers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts, with excellent food and accommodations. Leirvassbu is also a hub for guided tours and outdoor activities, such as glacier walks and summit hikes, making it a perfect base for exploring the wilderness of Norway.

Spiterstulen Turisthytte
Spiterstulen is a mountain hut located in Jotunheimen National Park, Norway, and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks, as well as being a popular starting point for hikers climbing Galdhøpiggen, the highest mountain in Norway. 

Juvasshytta
Juvasshytta, nestled in Jotunheimen, is a mountain lodge near Norway’s highest peak, Galdhøpiggen. Situated at 1.840 meters, it offers views of glaciers and peaks. It’s a hub for outdoor enthusiasts with hiking, mountaineering, and skiing. In summer, visitors hike and enjoy alpine landscapes. The lodge provides comfortable accommodations and meals, serving as a base camp for adventurers.

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.

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!