FAQ´s About Our Tour Packages in Jotunheimen, Norway

Where do I spend the night on the trips?

On a trip with us in Jotunheimen, you will spend the night in selected, cozy high mountain hotels and DNT cabins. For us, it is important that you feel safe when you arrive, that you can relax after a long day with a lot of impressions outside, and that you can enjoy a good night’s sleep so that you are ready to continue the adventure with new energy the next day.

All our guests basically stay in double rooms. Most accommodations have en suite bathrooms. In some cases, when there is high demand, you may need to share a room with others. If that happens, we will notify you when booking.

What is a DNT cabin/lodge?

A DNT cabin is operated by The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). They run more than 550 cabins all over Norway!

Read more about the different DNT cabins:
Fondsbu DNT
Gjendesheim DNT
Gjendebu DNT

Do I need to bring towels and bed linen?

No, towels and bed linen are always included in our accommodation.

What kind of room do I get?

We always book the best room with a private bathroom — usually double rooms or, if available, single rooms. During high season it may not be possible to offer single rooms, and you may need to share a room and bathroom with fellow hikers. Booking early increases your chances of a single room. If you need to share, you’ll experience a piece of Norwegian mountain culture and meet others enjoying the same adventure.

Can I charge my mobile phone?

Yes, you can charge your mobile phone at mountain lodges, hotels, and cabins equipped with electricity or solar power. If you’re visiting from abroad, be sure to bring a power outlet adaptor. In some places and on buses, you may also need a USB-C to USB-A adaptor.

Is there WiFi at my accommodation?

Wi-Fi is not common at most mountain accommodations, but larger serviced cabins and mountain hotels like Fondsbu, Gjendesheim, and Bygdin Fjellhotell usually offer Wi-Fi for guests.

Can I dry my clothes/shoes?

Yes, most accommodations in Jotunheimen and other mountain areas have drying rooms or facilities for drying clothes and shoes.

Can I fill a thermos or water bottle at the accommodation?

Yes, you can always fill your water bottle, and tap water is always free. At some places you fill the thermos yourself; at others, you can drop it off at reception in the evening and pick it up filled the next morning.

Do I have a private shower/bathroom/toilet?

In most places we book rooms with private bathrooms, showers, and toilets. However, at some accommodations you may need to share these facilities with others. If that’s the case, you’ll be informed in advance.

Do I need cash for payment?

Generally, cash is rarely necessary. Bring a credit card and you’re all set!

Can I pay with credit card?

Yes, most staffed DNT cabins accept debit or credit cards. You can also use the DNT Cabin Payment app at both staffed and self-service cabins. The app is required for certain services, such as the sauna at Torfinnsbu. We recommend downloading the app before your trip.

Is it possible to buy extra food and items during my trip?

Yes, most accommodations sell various items such as plasters, maps, some outerwear, snacks, souvenirs, and more. You can also order additional food or buy anything you want beyond what is included in our package.

What food do I get on my trip?

Breakfast is usually served as a buffet with nutritious options. Here, you can make your own packed lunch. Remember to prepare a generous packed lunch so you have enough energy for your entire day of hiking. Dinner is always a two- or three-course meal, and many accommodations focus on local food traditions — an experience in itself for many guests.

What do I do if I have a food allergy or special dietary needs?

During the booking process, you can inform us about any food allergies or special dietary needs. All accommodations can adjust the menu accordingly.

Can I choose from different meals?

There is usually a set menu for meals, especially for dinner. However, dietary preferences or restrictions are accommodated if notified in advance (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free).

Where do I get the luggage tag?

You receive the luggage tag for luggage transport in your welcome package on the bus.

Where do I need to place the luggage at the accommodations?

This varies from accommodation to accommodation. Please check your voucher for details about the time and place for luggage drop-off. Information will also be included in your tour description.

How long do I have to carry my luggage from the pick-up point to my room?

This also varies. At most accommodations, you won’t need to carry it far, as you deliver and pick it up at the reception. At other places, such as Gjendebu DNT and Fondsbu DNT, you may need to carry it a short distance from the pier to the lodge. See your voucher and tour description for specifics.

Can I bring more than one piece of luggage?

One piece of luggage per person is included in the tour price. If you plan to bring more (or less), please let us know. We register luggage based on the number of guests, and mismatched numbers may cause confusion for the luggage driver. Additional luggage can be arranged on request.

Can I store luggage in Fagernes that I do not need during the trip?

Yes, you can store luggage in Fagernes for the duration of your trip. Please contact us so we can arrange it for you.

Does the luggage need to be waterproof?

We recommend water-repellent luggage. Fully waterproof is ideal, but not required. During loading and unloading, bags may not always be sheltered. In bad weather, there is a chance your luggage may get slightly wet. Using a waterproof cover or packing items inside dry bags is a good precaution.

Is there a size/weight restriction for the luggage?

Please keep luggage to a reasonable size (suitcase or large backpack) and under 23 kg. This helps ensure safe handling for our luggage drivers.

When will the luggage arrive at my accommodation?

Arrival times vary. At most accommodations, the luggage will already be there when you arrive (though delays can happen). At some places, such as Leirvassbu DNT, luggage may arrive in the evening, around 20:00.

What if my luggage gets lost or does not arrive in time?

If your luggage does not arrive at the accommodation, please call us as soon as possible. We will locate it and ensure it is delivered to you. It is extremely rare for luggage not to arrive the same day, and our drivers work hard to transport it safely

Is the transportation included in my trip?

Yes, all transportation is included when you travel with us.

How can I transport my luggage between accommodations on longer trips?

Jotunheimen Travel takes care of your luggage between accommodations, allowing you to enjoy your journey with only a light backpack.

Do I have to book tickets myself?

No, you don’t need to book any tickets yourself. We take care of your entire journey — simple and easy.

What if I miss my bus, train, or boat?

If you miss a departure, please let us know as soon as possible and we will help you arrange tickets for the next available option. However, we strongly encourage everyone to be on time — in the mountains, departures are infrequent, and missing one can mean a long wait.

What if my bus is late when I need to change buses?

All our buses correspond with each other. This means that if your first bus is delayed, the connecting bus will wait for you.

Can I buy beverages or food on the bus?

No, beverages and food are not typically sold on JVB buses. We recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks.

Is there a toilet on the bus?

Yes, our buses have toilets on board.

Where do I get my welcome package?

About four weeks before your trip, you will receive an access link to our app. Guests on hiking and biking trips will also receive a welcome package containing luggage tags (with instructions) and a beeswax food wrap for packing your lunch. You will usually receive this package when boarding the bus on the first day of your trip. In some cases, it will be handed out at your first accommodation or by our staff in Fagernes when changing buses.

Do I get a physical voucher?

No, you will not receive a physical voucher. Your voucher will be emailed to you 1–2 months before your arrival. This voucher is your travel document and is required for all pre-paid services such as transport and accommodation. If you want a printed copy, you must print it yourself.

Do you have recommendations for which flights I should book?

The bus ride from Oslo to Jotunheimen takes about 4–5 hours. For arrivals, we generally recommend early flights into Oslo Gardermoen. For departures, we advise choosing flights that leave in the late afternoon or evening to ensure a relaxed travel day. For late arrivals or early departures, consider booking a night in Oslo. If you are unsure, get in touch — we are happy to help with recommendations.

What is in the welcome package?

On the bus, or in some cases at your first accommodation, you will receive a welcome package from us. This includes luggage tags (with luggage transport information), a physical map, and a beeswax food wrap you can use to pack your lunch throughout the trip.

What do I pack for demanding mountain hikes?

Clothing:

• Warm hat
• Wool buff
• Gloves
• Mittens with mesh liner
• Felted wool mittens + windproof mitten shell
• Sports bra / top
• Wool boxer shorts
• Wool t-shirt
• Mesh shirt
• Mid-weight wool shirt (preferably with high neck and zipper)
• Mid-layer (fleece or wool)
• Wool leggings and/or mesh leggings
• Durable shell jacket (breathable, water-resistant, with good movement and ventilation)
• Durable shell pants (for demanding hikes)
• Hiking boots – medium-stiff or softer boots
• Socks

Other gear:

• Backpack (35–40 L)
• Compeed / blister plasters
• Sunglasses (strong glacier sun can cause snow blindness)
• Mobile phone
• Food and drink
• 0.7–1 L thermos with warm beverage
• 1 L water bottle (energy drink recommended)
• 6–8 sandwiches
• Nuts, chocolate, raisins, dried fruit, beef snacks, etc.
• Energy bars / biscuits

Other necessary safety equipment for glacier and climbing activities is included in the price of our demanding mountain tours and will be provided at the start of the tour by the guide.

What do I pack for hikes over several days?

You will need a daypack (20–30 liters). A waterproof duffel bag is recommended for your remaining luggage, as bags may be exposed to rain or other elements during transport.

Clothing:

• Thin wool socks
• Wool base layers
• Rain- and windproof jacket and pants
• Wool or fleece sweater/shirt
• Hat
• Buff/scarf
• Gloves or mittens
• Shorts
• T-shirt
• Indoor footwear
• Extra underwear
• Extra indoor pants

Toiletries & small essentials:

• Headlamp/flashlight
• Toilet paper + sealed bags
• Trash bags
• Blister plasters
• Sitting pad

Additional gear:

• Thermos and water bottles
• Camera
• Mobile phone
• Power bank
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen

For self-guided tours:

• Map, compass, and map case
• Map app on your mobile (e.g., Norgeskart)
• First aid kit
• Knife / multitool

What shoes should I bring?

The terrain can be challenging, so you should bring sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, a waterproof membrane (like Gore-Tex), and durable soles with strong grip. These provide protection, stability, and comfort on rocky and wet trails.

What do easy, medium and demanding trips mean?

Some dream of conquering Norway’s highest mountain or climbing a spectacular peak that is technically, physically, and mentally challenging. Others wish to enjoy the natural beauty of serene valleys at a more relaxed pace.

Hiking experiences naturally vary from person to person. Some hikers have extensive experience, while others may be new to mountain terrain. We strive to grade our hikes so you can choose the ones that best match your abilities. We recommend reading the descriptions carefully and assessing whether the challenges fit your skill level.

Tip: Try to train in advance — if your body and muscles get similar exercise before the trip, you’ll handle the journey better, enjoy it more, and reduce the risk of injury. It doesn’t have to be advanced; incline walks and simple strength training are very effective!

Easy:
These hikes offer route flexibility and are suitable for anyone with normal physical fitness. They typically last 2–4 hours, with gentle terrain and minimal elevation gain. No special equipment is required.

Medium:
These hikes take place in mountainous terrain and may include long ascents and descents. They usually last 5–7 hours and can involve rocky or uneven sections. A normal to good level of physical fitness is recommended.

Demanding:
These hikes involve long days with significant elevation changes and challenging terrain. They typically last 6–8 hours and may include glacier crossings or rappelling. Participants should have prior experience and be in good physical condition.

What do easy, medium and demanding bike rides mean?

Advances in cycling equipment — especially e-bikes — have revolutionized mountain biking. E-bikes make previously challenging routes accessible to a wider range of people. Most of our guests now use e-bikes, which allows them to enjoy the scenery fully. Those using traditional bikes are usually more experienced and accustomed to long distances.

Easy:
Suitable for cyclists familiar with hilly terrain and moderate inclines. You’ll ride on good trails and roads, and extensive cycling experience is not required. These family-friendly routes range from 25 to 45 km. With an e-bike, you can make more stops or extend your ride to enjoy viewpoints, mountain farms, or a refreshing swim.

Medium:
Longer and hillier routes with tougher climbs, often lasting several hours or over multiple days. Distances vary between 30 and 60 km. Roads and some trail sections are included, but no technical skills are needed. An e-bike will make long climbs easier and enhance the experience.

Demanding:
More technical rides with long ascents and steeper descents. These routes often follow trails and require some prior trail-riding experience. Good physical fitness is recommended. Distances vary from short, steep sections to long mountain stretches. An e-bike provides extra support for demanding terrain.

Can I go on demanding hikes if I don’t have experience with mountain terrain?

We recommend having prior mountain experience and being in good physical shape before joining a demanding hike. Daily stages can be long, terrain is challenging, and weather can change rapidly — from mild conditions to snowfall in minutes. If you’re unsure, please contact us for guidance.

What does the rating for the hiking tours mean: green, white, red and black?

We offer different hiking categories so you can choose the level that suits you best. Our routes take you along beautiful trails, through scenic valleys, and up to unforgettable viewpoints.

White:
Ideal for beginners. These hikes are short with gentle inclines but still offer fantastic views.

Green:
Suitable for hikers with some experience. These hikes are longer and may include full-day routes.

Red:
Challenging hikes, usually full-day trips, with more summit options than the green category.

Black:
A demanding multi-day hike that includes two very challenging, guided summit hikes requiring additional equipment to reach the peaks.

How do we reach you in JVB Travel?

You can reach us through the following methods:

Phone: Contact us directly for immediate inquiries: +47 911 11 130.

Email: Send us an email with detailed questions or booking requests.

Website Contact Form: Visit our website and use the contact form for general inquiries.

Social Media: Reach out to us via Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp, where we also share updates and travel tips.

Do bus drivers, hut wardens, guides, etc. speak English?

Yes. Bus drivers, hut wardens, and guides in Norway generally speak good English and are accustomed to international visitors.

What is beeswax food wrap?

Our beeswax food wraps are made from organic materials. They are water-repellent, flexible, naturally antibacterial, and slightly breathable — perfect for keeping your lunch fresh throughout the day.

To clean the wrap, rinse it with cold or lukewarm water. No detergent is needed, making it both environmentally friendly and convenient.

Is it possible to rent a waterproof case for my phone?

No, it is unfortunately not possible to rent a waterproof phone case. If you don’t have one, you can use a small plastic or zip-lock bag to protect your phone in heavy rain.

Are weather forecasts provided in the accommodations?

Yes. Most accommodations provide weather forecasts, either through notices, at the reception, or directly from staff who can update you on current conditions.