Hiking the Besseggen ridge

Season

In the winter, the ridge is filled with snow and ice, and it is often snow on the ridge until the middle of June. A normal season for hiking Besseggen is when the boats are running on Lake Gjende – from mid-June to mid-October.

6–8 hour hike

The hike over Besseggen takes six to eight hours including breaks and is recommended for experienced hikers. The ridge is both windy and steep, so if this is the first time you are hiking in the mountains, it might be a good idea to choose an easier alternative. To ensure that your mountain hike will be a good experience, it is important to prepare yourself before you start. We recommend that you have at least two days at your disposal to increase the chances of nice weather.

Guided hikes

If you are inexperienced or feel unsure about doing the trip, we recommend that you join a guided hike. A good guide can turn a bad day into a fantastic experience.

Safety measures

Rescue operations are triggered by hikers every year. To make sure you won’t be one of them, prepare yourself properly for the hike, and join a guided hike if you’re not an experienced hiker.

Also, read up on mountain safety before you go.

Weather conditions in the mountains

Even if sunshine and fair weather are predicted, the weather conditions can change quickly. Always check the weather forecast before you start your trip, and make sure that you are prepared for changing weather. Do not hike if the forecast predicts strong winds, heavy rain, or fog. Get the latest weather forecast on yr.no.