The Munch-trail - a hike in Edvard Munch’s footsteps

The Munch-trail starts in Bessheim, where Edvard Munch came walking on this way to Vågå in July 1895.

Edvard Munch (1863–1944) is Norway’s most renowned painter. His family on his father’s side lived in Vågå for several generations. Edvard Munch came to Vågå on several occasions to see where his ancestors lived. In 1895, he walked to Jotunheimen and stayed here in the Gjende area for a few days before heading down to Vågåmo village. At one of his trips to Vågå, he writes:

“I must go to the mountains to restore my strength”

The Munch-trail starts in Bessheim, where Edvard Munch came walking on this way to Vågå in July 1895. On this Munch trail you can follow in Edvard’s footsteps from the mountain down to the village. Along the way you will get better acquainted with Edvard Munch as an individual and an artist and experience the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Munch trail is 53,9 kms long from Bessheim to Vågåmo and is also suitable for cycling. Alternatively, you can start at Gjendesheim, adding 3,4 km to the walk. There are several restaurants and places to stay along the way, and some offer a special Munch menu.

The trail connects well-known experiences such as Hulderstigen, Stuttgongfossen Nature Reserve, Ridderspranget, Vågåkyrkja, Munch-vandringa in Vågåmo center with audio play «Great- grandmother’s portrait» 3 different sound showers, and Gallery Ullinsvin where you also find the rectory garden and Café Edvard.

Bessheim Fjellstue, Lemonsjø Fjellstue og Hyttegrend, Gammel-Kleppe Kulturarvhotell and Vågå Hotell are ready to welcome you. They take care of Munch´s passion for the good hotel meal, and have developed a menu, based on recipes from Mrs. Christine Storm Munch´s cookbook (Edvard Munch´s great-grandmother).

Along the trail, there are 22 information boards that give you an insight to the art and life of the artist.