FAQ´s
Here you will find most of the questions most people are asking. Questions related to the different activities can be found in the information for each tour package.
Accommodation
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 forces the day after.
All our guests basically stay in double rooms. Most accommodations have en suite bathrooms. in some cases, when there is a large demand for accommodation, you can expect to share a room with others. In that case, we will notify you when ordering.
What is a DNT cabin/lodge?
A DNT cabin is operated by the 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 private bathroom. As a rule, double rooms or single rooms, In some cases in high season it will be so that you can apply to mptte share a room and bathroom with several. Therefore, it is advisable to book as early as possible. If you have to share a room and a bathroom, you are really a part of Norwegian mountain culture, here you will meet many others who share the great experience with you.
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. Note that in some places and on buses, you may need a USB-C to USB-A adaptor as well.
Is there WiFi at my accommodation?
Wi-Fi is not common at most of the 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 at least facilities for drying clothes and shoes.
Can I fill a thermos / water bottle at the accommodation?
Yes, you can always fill your water bottle, and water is always free directly from the tap. At some places, you fill the thermos yourself, while at others, you can drop it off at reception the evening before and pick it up in the morning, ready for your trip.
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. However, you can also use the DNT Cabin Payment app, which allows you to pay at both staffed and self-service cabins. This app is necessary if you want to use facilities like the sauna at Torfinnsbu. We recommend downloading the app before you start your trip.
Food
Is it possible to buy extra food and items during my trip?
Yes, usually the accomodations sell various articles such as plasters, maps, some outerwear, snacks, souvenirs etc. Here you can also order food as you like, and buy anything you want apart from what is included in our package.
What food do I get on my trip?
For breakfast, it is usually a buffet with good, nutritious food. Here you make your own packed lunch. Remember that you provide yourself with a generous packed lunch so that you have enough energy for your entire day of hiking. The dinner is always a two-three course dinner where many of the accommodations focus on local food. For many, it is an experience in itself, where you get to know the local food culture.
What do I do if I have a food allergy, or have special food needs?
In the booking process, you have the opportunity to state food allergies or special needs. It is no problem to customize the menu at any of our accommodations.
Can I choose from different meals?
There is usually a set menu for meals, particularly for dinner. However, they accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions if notified in advance (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free).
Luggage
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?
It varies from accommodation to accommodation. Please see your voucher for specifics regarding time and place for the luggage. Information about where to put the luggage will also be written in your tour description.
How long do I have to carry my luggage from the pick-up place to my room/accommodation?
It varies a little from accommodation to accommodation. On most places you do not have to carry it at all since you deliver and pick it up in the reception at the accommodation. On other places, such as Gjendebu DNT and Fondsbu DNT, you will have to carry it a short stretch from the pier to the accommodation. See specifics in your voucher and tour description.
Can I bring more than one piece of luggage?
Included in the price for the tour it is 1 luggage per person. If you have more or less please let us know. We register the amount of luggage based on the the amount of guests, so if we have more or less luggage then guests the luggagedriver will think something is wrong. If you need more then one piece of luggage, please let us know and we can make an agreement.
Can I store luggage in Fagernes that I do not need for the trip?
Yes, it is possible to store luggage in Fagernes that you do not need for the trip. Please contact us and we can make an agreement.
Does the luggage need to be waterproof?
We recommend having water-repellent luggage. Fully waterproof is, of course, ideal, but it’s not a requirement. During loading and unloading, the bags may not always be under cover. If the weather is bad, there is a chance your luggage could get slightly wet. Consider using a waterproof cover or packing items inside waterproof bags for extra protection.
Is there a size/weight limit /restriction for the luggage?
We encourage everyone to have a decent size of the luggage (a suitcase or big backpack) and not over 23 kg. This is out of consideration for the luggage driver, so it is possible for them to handle the luggage in a good way.
When will the luggage arrive at my accommodation?
Arrival time for the luggage varies from accommodation to accommodation. On most places the luggage will be there already when you arrive (delays might happen of course). On some accommodations, like Leirvassbu DNT, the luggage will arrive in the evening, around 20:00.
What if my luggage gets lost / will not arrive in time?
If you do not receive your luggage at the accommodation please call us as soon as possible. We will then locate your luggage and get it delivered to you. It is very, very rare that guests do not get their luggage the same day. Our luggage drivers work hard to get your luggage from accommodation to accommodation.
Transportation
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 / boat?
If you miss your bus, train or boat please let us know as soon as possible and we can help you arrange tickets for the next departure. We still encourage everyone to be on time for departures. In our area it’s not departures going all the time, so if you miss your bus of boat, it can be a long time until the next departure.
What If my bus is late if I need to change buses?
All our buses correspond with each other, so you do not have to worry if your bus is late, and you are going to change bus. This means that the bus you are going to change to will wait for you if your first bus is delayed.
Can I buy beverages / food on the bus?
No, beverages and food are not typically sold on JVB buses. It’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks for the journey.
Is there a toilet on the bus?
Yes, our buses have toilets on board.
Where do I get my welcome package?
When you book a trip with us you will receive a tour description with detailed information about your trip and a voucher with all your tickets at the latest 1-2 month before your arrival. We will send you this on e-mail. All our guests for hiking and biking trips also get a welcome package. This package includes a physical map, luggage tags (+ luggage information) and beeswax food wrap. The beeswax food wrap you can use to pack your lunch throughout the trip.
You will receive this when you take the bus on the first day of your trip. In some cases, you will receive it on your first accommodation.
Do I get a physical voucher?
No, you will not get a physical copy of your voucher. The voucher will be sent to your e-mail around 1-2 months before your arrival. The voucher is important to receive and bring with you throughout the trip, because it serves as your travel document for all paid services along the way, such as transport and accommodation. If you want a physical copy of this document you will need to print it yourself.
Packing
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. In this package you will receive luggage tags (+ information about luggage transport), a physical map and beeswax food wrap. The beeswax food wrap you can use to pack your lunch throughout the trip.
What do I pack for demanding mountain hikes?
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 high neck with zipper
Mid-layer, fleece or wool
Wool leggings and/or mesh leggings
Durable shell jacket – breathable, water-resistant, allows good range of motion, with ventilation options, space for layering, and a hood
Durable shell pants (for demanding hikes)
Hiking boots – Medium-stiff boots or softer boots
Socks
Other gear
Backpack (35-40 L)
Compeed
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 – preferably with an energy drink
6-8 sandwiches
Nuts, chocolate, raisins, dried fruit, real 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 backpack for day trips, ideally between 20 and 30 liters. A waterproof duffel bag is recommended for the rest of your luggage. Bags will be moved from place to place and may be exposed to rain and other elements during transport.
Clothing:
Thin wool socks
Wool base layers
Rain- and windproof jacket and pants
Shirt or sweater made of wool or fleece
Hat
Buff/scarf
Gloves/mittens
Shorts
T-shirt
Indoor footwear
Extra underwear
Extra indoor pants
Toiletries:
Headlamp/flashlight
Toilet paper and sealed bags
Trash bags
Blister plasters
Sitting pad
Additional gear:
Thermos and water bottles
Sitting pad
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, you should bring sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, a waterproof membrane (like Gore-Tex), and durable soles with strong grip. These will provide protection, stability, and comfort on rocky and wet trails.
Difficulty levels
What do easy, medium and demanding trips mean?
Some dream of conquering Norway’s highest mountain or climbing a spectacular peak that is challenging technically, physically, and mentally. Others wish to enjoy the natural beauty of serene valleys at a more relaxed pace.
Naturally, hiking experiences vary greatly. Some hikers have extensive experience, while others may be entirely new to such terrain.
We strive to grade our hikes to help you choose the ones that best suit your abilities. We recommend that you read the descriptions carefully and assess whether you’re up for the challenges ahead.
Tip: Try to train in advance – if your body and muscles get similar exercise to what you’ll encounter, you’ll be able to handle the journey better, enjoy it more, and reduce your risk of injury. It doesn’t have to be advanced – incline walks and bodyweight strength training go a long way!
Easy:
On these hikes, you can choose the length of the route. Anyone with normal physical fitness can participate without difficulty. These hikes typically last around 2-4 hours. The terrain is easy to navigate with minimal inclines. No special equipment is required.
Medium:
These hikes take you through mountainous terrain with possible long ascents and descents. The hikes usually last around 5-7 hours. There may be rocky and challenging ground, requiring a normal to good level of physical fitness.
Demanding:
These hikes involve demanding terrain with long ascents and descents. They typically last around 6-8 hours and may include glacier crossings and rappelling, which require some prior experience and good physical fitness from participants.
What do easy, medium and demanding bike rides mean?
There has been significant progress in cycling gear recently, and e-bikes have revolutionized cycling. E-bikes have made previously challenging routes accessible to nearly everyone. Today, we see that most people ride our routes with e-bikes. This enhances the experience, allowing them to enjoy nature more fully. Those who ride with a traditional bike are often well-trained and accustomed to covering many kilometers.
Easy:
Suitable for cyclists familiar with hilly routes and some inclines. You’ll ride on good trails and roads, and no extensive cycling experience is required. These trips are suitable for cyclists in reasonably good shape. This is a family-friendly option, so you can bring the whole family along. The routes range from 25 to 45 km. With an e-bike, you can extend your journey or make more stops along the way, for example, to swim in a refreshing mountain lake, visit a traditional mountain farm, or simply enjoy the view a little longer.
Medium:
These are longer and hillier routes with tougher climbs, often lasting several hours or spread over multiple days. Distances vary between 30 and 60 km. You’ll ride on good roads and some trail sections, so no technical skills are required. An e-bike will make even the longest climbs less demanding, enhancing the cycling experience.
Demanding:
More technically demanding rides with long ascents. You’ll primarily ride on trails, including steeper descents that can increase your speed, so some prior knowledge of trail riding is recommended. These routes require good physical fitness for an enjoyable experience. Route lengths vary from short, steep segments to long stretches in the open mountains. An e-bike here will give you more energy for the technically demanding sections.
Can I go on demanding hikes if I don’t have experience with mountain terrain?
We recommend that you have experience in the mountains and be in good physical shape before joining a challenging tour. The daily stages are long, the terrain can be demanding, and the weather can quickly change from a mild breeze to a snowstorm. If you’re uncertain, feel free to contact us.
What does the rating for the Hiking tours mean; green, white, red and black?
We offer various hiking categories to suit different levels, so you can find the hike that fits you best. Our hikes take you along beautiful trails, through stunning valleys, and up to breathtaking peaks with unforgettable views.
The white route is ideal for beginners. The hikes are short with gentle inclines, yet the views are still fantastic!
The green route is suited for hikers with some experience. The hikes are longer, and some are also full-day trips.
The red route is challenging and includes more summit hikes than the green route. All hikes are full-day trips.
The black route is a demanding multi-day hike, including two very challenging, guided summit hikes that require additional equipment to reach the peaks.
General
How do we reach you in JVB Travel?
You can reach us through the following methods:
Phone: Contact us directly by phone for any immediate inquiries: +47 911 11 130.
Email: Send us an email with detailed questions or bookings.
Website Contact Form: Visit our website and use the contact form for general inquiries.
Social media: Reach out to us via our social media channels, such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp where we also share updates and travel tips
Do bus drivers, hut wardens, guides, etc. all speak English?
Yes, our bus drivers, hut wardens, and guides in Norway speak English. You can generally expect good communication in English when interacting with staff, as they are accustomed to international visitors.
What is beeswax food wrap?
Our beeswax food wraps are made of organic materials. They are water repellent, flexible, naturally antibacterial and slightly breathable. It will keep your lunch fresh for the day.
Clean the beeswax food wrap with cold or lukewarm water and they are ready for use again. No need for any detergent – environmentally friendly and super convenient.
Is it possible to rent a waterproof case for my phone?
No, it is unfortunately not possible to rent a waterproof case for your phone. If you do not have a waterproof case you can use a small plastic bag or zip-lock bag for your phone if the rain is too hard and you worry about your phone.
Are weather forecasts provided in the accommodations?
Yes, accommodations provide weather forecasts for guests. This may be through notices, at the reception, or from the staff, who provide updated information about the weather conditions.
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Contact us
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us! Send us an e-mail, and we will come back to you as soon as possible.