From the hilly woodlands of Begnadalen and Vassfaret in the south, to the snowcapped mountains of Jotunheimen in the north – Valdres offers some of the most rewarding hiking in Fjell Norway, whether you want to hike for several days, or just spend a few hours embracing the beautiful landscape.
Choose from 30 family-friendly hikes, use Valdres as a base to climb one or several of the 2,000-metre-high summits in the area, or go on a beacon walk and learn more about Norway's history along the way. Most paths in this region are marked.
Visit valdres.com or stop by the tourist information for brochures, maps and recommendations.
The hiking season is normally from the end of June until mid-September.
Tour suggestions
The Besseggen Ridge in Jotunheimen
Besseggen is one of the most popular mountain hikes in Norway, with more than 40,000 visitors completing the hike annually. Most people take the boat from Gjendesheim to Memurubu, and then walk back over the Besseggen. On the ridge you can enjoy the famous views over the emerald green Lake Gjende, fed by glacial waters, and the deep blue Lake Bessvatnet.
Bitihorn Mountain (1,607 metres above sea level)
Another popular hike, to the top of a characteristic Bitihorn Mountain that can be seen from many areas in Valdres. There are spectacular views of Bygdin, Jotunheimen and the rest of Valdres from the summit.
Skaget Mountain (1,686 metres above sea level)
The hike to Skaget Mountain starts at 1,000 metres above sea level and follows a marked trail. From the summit you can enjoy beautiful and far-reaching views of Jotunheimen and Rondane. Some areas are a bit steep for younger children.
Grønsennknippa Mountain (1,368 metres above sea level)
Easy, family-friendly walk to Grønsennknippa Mountain with a beautiful panoramic view towards the Jotunheimen from the top.
Falketind Mountain (2,067 metres above sea level)
Falketind is a well-known landmark in southern Jotunheimen. It was one of the first peaks to be climbed in Jotunheimen in 1820, and has long been a cherished mountain for Norwegians since the patriotic Norwegian poet Aasmund Vinje exalted it in his poems in the middle of the 19th century.
Bygdin – Torfinnsbu – Bygdin
An easy hike most people can enjoy. Take the M/B Bitihorn boat from Bygdin to Torfinnsbu and follow the T-marked trail along Lake Bygdin back to Bygdin (a bit boggy, bring high walking boots). The boat trip itself is a great experience as you are surrounded by majestic peaks in a colourful landscape.
Fondsbu – Olavsbu – Gjendebu – Fondsbu (a three-day round trip)
This is a popular hike, amongst spectacular peaks in moderate mountainous terrain. Spend the night in one of DNT tourist lodges (owned by the Norwegian Trekking Association), or in your own tent. Expect to hike for about five hours each day.