Hiking in Valdres is an adventure of a lifetime. There are many routes to choose from - whether you are looking to hike for many days, or just spend a few hours embracing the beautiful landscape. A large number routes in this region are marked - both locally as well as routes that are marked by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT).
Valdres is a large geographic area with great variation in landscape and terrain, which makes this region unique. You will therefore experience all types of terrain, from lush forest trails to the typical Norwegian high mountains.
The hiking season is normally from the end of June until mid-September.
Tour suggestions
There are many walks and hikes to chose from, and these are only a few suggestions. For more information about hiking in Valdres, maps and recommendations, please contact the Valdres Tourist Information Office.
The Besseggen Ridge in Jotunheimen
Besseggen is Norway's most frequently executed mountain hike with over 30,000 visitors completing the hike annually. Most hikers prefer to take the boat from Gjendesheim to Memurubu, and then do the return trip on foot. You can also start the hike at Gjendesheim.
At Besseggen you can enjoy the view over the green lake of Gjendevannet (984 metres above sea level) and the deep blue Lake Bessvatnet (1,373 metres above sea level). The green colour of the lake shows that Gjendevannet is a lake made from glacial water. Small particles from the glacier float in the water which reflect against the sunlight to produce an amazing strong green colour. Lake Bessvatnet is not filled with glacial water and is therefore deep blue.
Gjendesheim is located approximately 25 minutes by car or bus nortwards on road rv. 51 from Beitostølen. This makes it possible to take the Besseggen hike whilst visiting Valdres. Remember to bring extra provisions and clothing.
Level: Moderate/difficult
Time: 6 - 8 hours
Starting point: Memurubu or Gjendesheim
Skaget Mountain (1,686 metres above sea level)
The hike begins at 1,000 metres above sea level and you follow a marked trail, passing by many unique caves along the way. A beautiful view of Jotunheimen and Rondane. Some areas are a bit steep for the yougest children.
Level: Moderate - recommended for families with children from 10 years
Time: Approximately 4 hours
Starting point: Storeskag. Follow road rv. 51 northwards from Fagernes towards Heggenes and turn right towards Yddin. The hike is clearly marked.
Grønsennknippa Mountain (1,368 metres above sea level)
Drive to Vaset in Vestre Slidre (approximately 20 minutes by car from Fagernes). Continue through the toll road towards Nøsen and turn right towards Jaslangen and Grønsenn. There is a clearly marked trail from the parking area and all the way up to the top. Enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Jotunheimen Mountains from the top.
Level: Easy - recommended for families
Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Starting point: A parking lot at Grønsenn in Vestre-Slidre. The hike is clearly marked from here.
Bitihorn Mountain (1,607 metres above sea level)
A popular hike to the top of a mountain that can be seen from many areas of Valdres. Spectacular view of Bygdin, Jotunheimen and the rest of Valdres.
Drive (or take a bus) approximately 10 kilometres northwards from Beitostølen towards Bygdin. You will see a parking area on the left-hand side of the main road. Follow the path from the parking area and enjoy a beautiful view of Bygdin and Jotunheimen on you way up. The last part of the trip is quite steep, but once you reach the top - you quickly forget sore feet. You feel like you are on top of the world with a spectacular view in all directions.
Level: Easy/Moderate. Recommended for families
Time: Approximately 3 hours
Starting point: A parking lot 10 kilometres north of Beitostølen, towards Bygdin. The hike is clearly marked from here.
Bygdin – Torfinnsbu – Bygdin
This is a nice hike that everyone can enjoy. Take the M/B Bitihorn boat from Bygdin to Torfinnsbu, and follow the trail along Lake Bygdin back to Bygdin. The boat trip itself is a great experience as you are surrounded by majestic peaks in a colorful landscape. At Torfinnsbu Tourist Lodge you can buy food and refreshments, as well as spend the night if you with to pursue other treks in the Jotunheimen Mountains.
Level: Easy - recommended for families
Time: 4 – 6 hours
Starting point: Drive northwards on road rv. 51 or take a bus to Bygdin. (Make sure you check the time schedule for M/B Bitihorn as it departs only twice daily).
Fondsbu – Olavsbu – Fondsbu (a three-day round trip)
This is a popular hike, amongst spectacular peaks in a moderate terrain. There are many opportunities in this area and you can spend the nights in the DNT tourist lodges (owned by the Norwegian Trekking Association), or in your own tent.
Day 1: Fondsbu – Olavsbu (approximately 5 hours)
Day 2: Olavsbu – Gjendebu (approximately 5 hours)
Day 3: Gjendebu – Fondsbu (approximately 5 hours)
Level: Moderate
Time: 3 days
Starting point: Eidsbugarden/Fondsbu. From Fagernes, follow E16 to Tyinkrysset. Turn right and follow the signs to Eidsbugarden. (You can also take the M/B Bitihorn from Bygdin to Eidsbugarden). The hike is marked by the DNT's red Ts.
Accommodation: DNT lodges at Fondsbu, Olavsbu and Gjendebu
Falketind Mountain (2,067 metres above sea level)
Falketind is a dramatic peak, and a well-known landmark in southern Jotunheimen. Its proud summit can be seen even from Bygdin Fjellhotell at the east end of Lake Bygdin.
Falketind was one of the first peaks to be climbed in Jotunheimen in 1820, which is quite surprising as it is not the easiest peak and it was long before mountain climbing as a concept or pastime became established in Norway. Falketind 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 nineteenth century.
Level: Moderate/difficult
Time: Approximately 10 - 12 hours
Starting point: Tyinholmen Mountain Lodge, Fondsbu (a cabin operated by the Norwegian Trekking Association - DNT) or Eidsbugarden