Enjoy the view from the top of Norway’s highest mountain Galdhøpiggen, walk along the famous Besseggen ridge, and try some of the traditional food from the area.
The Jotunheimen mountains is a massive mountain area in Eastern Norway, covering an area of roughly 3,500 square kilometres. The mountain range is Norway’s most popular national park.
The most iconic hikes in Jotunheimen are Besseggen (1,743 m a.s.l.) Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m a.s.l.) and Glittertind (2,464 m a.s.l.) – the latter two are Norway’s highest mountains.
Jotunheimen is ideal for cross-country and alpine skiers, cyclists, and climbers who enjoy the experience of basically undisturbed nature and fresh air.
Other popular activities in Jotunheimen include glacier walking, rafting, climbing, caving, canyoning, and horseback riding.
Jotunheimen has a long culinary tradition, and some popular local produce include herbs, cured meat, sausages, cheese, jam, and bread.
There are many ways to spend the night in the Jotunheimen area, from hotels and mountain cabins to camping out in the wild.
Get in-depth travel information on The National Park Region’s and Visit Jotunheimen’s official websites.
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Top things to do
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Hiking in Jotunheimen
Here you will find everything from the country's highest peaks to cosy hikes along mountain lakes and in lush valleys.
TessandenThe Besseggen Ridge in Jotunheimen
There is a reason for the Besseggen being one of the most popular mountain hikes in Norway. The spectacular panoramic view over Jotunheimen's peaks and the two lakes - the deep blue Bessvatnet and the turquoise Gjende - draws more than 60 000 hikers during the short season that lasts from late June to early September. Tour information: The 14 km long trail leads between the two DNT cabins Gjendesheim and Memurubu. It climbs/falls 1200 m in total and is quite demanding over its entire length, so you need to be in a good physical shape to hike it. The Besseggen ridge, approx. one kilometer long and 250 meters in elevation, is located midways along the trail. It involves some scrambling, and people sensitive to heights should mentally prepare for a challenge. For most people, it takes approx. 7-8 hrs to complete the hike. Parkering is at Reinsvangen, 1.5 km before Gjendesheim. From there, a shuttle takes the hikers to the trailhead and the boat (https://gjendepark.no). There’s a kiosk and toilets at Gjendeosen. Choice of route: The most popular way to hike the Besseggen is to take the boat from Gjendesheim to Memurubu and walk back. Many may experience the ridge easier to climb up than down, especially if one is afraid of heights. Another advantage is that you don’t have to rush in order to reach a boat. The disadvantages of this direction, however, are that there is no good way out in case you need to break and that you’re walking away from the view. The greatest advantage of hiking in the opposite direction, from Gjendesheim to Memurubu, is that you can start at any time and don't share the trail with a boat load of people. Early birds may even reach over the ridge before the meeting traffic starts. Later during the day when it gets crowded you may have to wait your turn at the narrowest passages. Plus, you don’t have to remember to turn around to take in the view. Should you be in doubt whether you can accomplish the Besseggen, we recommend that you start at Gjendesheim. That way you can turn around at any time and you can even walk to the viewpoint on top of the ridge and back without having to accomplish the ridge itself. This is also the best way to experience Besseggen outside the boat season. On the return, you can choose the trail towards Bessheim that exits on Veslefjellet and return to Gjendesheim on the trail from Glitterheim which you meet at Bessosen. This is a less steep and demanding return, but a little farther than the direct descend to Gjendesheim. Boat information Since most people take the boat in and walk back from Memurubu, the departures from Gjendesheim in the mornings tend to be more crowded than the afternoon departures from Memurubu. It is highly recommended that you book the boat trip in advance. For timetables, terms and booking, visit www.gjende.no The boat service runs daily from the middle of June to the middle of September and during the weekends before and after the season until the first week in October. In peak periods and weekends there are often extra departures, so check online before travelling. Equipment Remember to wear solid hiking shoes with profile soles. Bring warm and weatherproof clothing even in nice weather, enough food and drink for the entire hike and on warm summer days, a small towel and some swim wear for a refreshing dip in Lake Bessvatnet. Erosion The heavy traffic has left its toll on the trail, leading to erosion and destroyed vegetation. An enormous effort has been put into repairing the trail and revegetating the worst sections on both the Gjendesheim and the Memurubu side. Please keep on the trail when walking the Besseggen!
BeitostølenRasletinden 2105 m.a.s.l.
Rasletinden is one of the easiest 2000m peaks to climb and is also one of the few that has a marked route to the top. Follow the road Fv51 to the top of Valdresflye and park at Flye1389. On the other side of the road there is a large stone cairn and a sign towards Rasletinden. Follow the T-marked route climbing above Flye up to Steindalen, which then takes you up and around the back-side to the first peak Rasletinden East (2010 moh). From there continue west to the top. Follow the same route back on your return. Distance: approx. 8.3 km one way Duration: approx. 3.5 hrs. up Elevation gain: approx. 725 meters Suitable for children from approx. 8−10 years GPS-coordinates starting point 32v 489937 6806235 GPS-coordinates summit 32v 483947 6806838
Book nowBeitostølenDiscover Jotunheimen - The Green Route
Self-guided hiking package in Jotunheimen. The Green Route is suitable for hikers with average experience and condition. Along the route you will visit some of the most renowned, historical accommodations in Jotunheimen. When booking this tour package with Jotunheimen Travel, accommodation, meals and baggage transport are included. All your need to do is carry a day pack with essential gear and get out and experience the breathtaking mountain scenery yourself. Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival at Bygdin Day 2: Day hike to the summit of the mountain Bitihorn Day 3: Boat Bygdin-Torfinnsbu and hike through the Svartdalen Valley to Gjendebu Day 4: Free day at your disposal at Gjendebu Day 5: Hike from Gjendebu to Eidsbugarden Day 6: Departure from Eidsbugarden. For more information and booking, visit the homepage of Jotunheimen Travel
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
BeitostølenRidder Apartments
Our RIDDER APARTMENTS are stylish and practical new apartments, part of the iconic skyline of rooftops leading up toward the ski area and Knausen. Living here means being close to everything, right at the base of the ski slopes. In winter, you have ski-in/ski-out access, and you live comfortably near the square and the vibrant heart of Beitostølen. RIDDER APARTMENTS In our Ridder buildings, you’ll find modern apartments accommodating – 2 to 6 guests – ranging from 40m² to 90m². (You’ll get detailed information about the different layouts and options in the next step.) All apartments feature a well-equipped kitchen — with a dishwasher as standard — a cozy dining area, living room, and balcony or ground-floor terrace. There is free Wi-Fi in all units and underground parking with elevator access to all floors. Beitostølen offers extensive charging facilities for electric cars, including several close to the Ridder apartments. If you’re arriving by bus, the stop is just across the street from the town square — only a snowball’s throw away from the Ridder Apartments. The Ridder Apartments are located along Skjenhauglie 37, 38, 39, 40, 43, and 44. Information about your specific building number can be found in your booking confirmation. Several of the apartments are pet-friendly (dogs allowed for an additional fee). Please let us know in advance if you plan to bring your dog.
BeitostølenRiddergaarden Mountain Lodge
Riddergaarden Mountain Lodge – comfort in the heart of Beitostølen You have been searching for the perfect place to spend a holiday in the mountains? At Riddergaarden Mountain Lodge you will find everything you need – and then some. Here, at the foot of the alpine skiing slope and surrounded by scenic mountains, you can find a modern apartment hotel that blends comfort, nature experiences and wellness blend into an exquisit experience. During winter, you can acees the adjacent alpine slopes directly with ski in/ski out, while hiking paths and the Beitostølen Trail Arena invite to enjoy the fresh air during the summer season. Riddergaarden is the perfect place to recharge at all seasons. Treat yourself to a swim at Ridderbadet, our exclusive wellness department with with swim-in & swim-out all year. Enjoy a warm jaccuzzi under the sun or the stars even in mid-winter, a quiet moment in the sauna. Children have their own pool to play and have fun. Please remember to prebook your slot. Enjoy continental breakfast, lunch and dinner with homemade pasta, real stonebaked pizza and homemade ice cream at our Italy-inspired restaurant Casa Montagna. Riddergaarden Mountain Lodge is more than a place to sleep. It is an experience for your senses that combines relaxation, activities, tastes and wellness, all in one place.
Book nowBeitostølenRiddertunet Apartments
Riddertunet are new beautiful and modern apartments in the middle of Beitostølen. With all facilities, of course. The apartment building is one of the four apartment buildings located in the Beitostølen center with its characteristic skyline right next to the alpine centre. Here you will find ski-in and ski-out, and the building is within walking distance to Lodge900 if you are hungry or thirsty. Furthermore, it is also within walking distance of most things due to Riddertunet's central location, such as grocery stores, tourist information, well-stocked sports shops, and health and wellness facilities. At Riddertunet you will find apartments for up to 4 people and larger apartments that are suitable for up to 6 people. The smallest apartments have two bedrooms and are 50m2, while the largest are just over 60m2 and have three bedrooms. All apartments have a dining area, living room and west-facing terraces. Washing machine, free internet access, garage space and lift are of course also included in the package. For more information and booking, click here.
Book nowBeitoGrønolen Fjellgard - Apartments
Vi har 12 koselige leiligheter i gangavstand til hotellet. 8 leiligheter har en boflate på 48 m2 og representerer et romslig alternativ med to soverom, fem sengeplasser, stue med peis, TV og en praktisk kjøkkenkrok, dusj/wc. 4 leiligheter har også en hems med madrasser for inntil 4 barn, disse er tilpasset funksjonshemmede. 4 leiligheter har 90 m2 boflate over to etasjer med tre soverom og to bad med dusj/wc. Alle leilighetene har i tillegg terrasse eller balkong.
Book nowTyinkryssetTyinholmen Høyfjellstuer
At Tyinholmen you will find unexplored nature, snow covered mountains all year, spectacular glaciers and waterfalls. The main lodge has several lounges with fireplaces, dining room, sauna and bedrooms. The guest cabins surrounding the main building have 3 bedrooms, a living room with fireplace, a kitchen and a bathroom with shower.
Book nowBeitostølenKnuts Hyttegrend
The family-run Knuts Hyttegrend is just 650 metres from the slopes of Beitostølen Ski Resort and 40 minutes' drive from Fagernes. It offers modern, spacious apartments and cottages with free Wi-Fi. All accommodation options at Knuts Hyttegrend feature private bathrooms and living rooms with a TV, CD player and fireplace. Kitchen facilities include a tea and coffee maker and refrigerator. A communal laundry room is located nearby in the main building. Relaxation options include terraces, while the large grounds offer plenty of space for kids to run around in. In summer, fishing and hiking are popular activities in the area. Downhill and cross-country skiing can be enjoyed during winter months. A supermarket is 200 metres away.
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
RyfossSygarden i Hålien
SkammesteinOlestølen Mikroysteri
SkammesteinOlestølen Mikroysteri
BeitostølenCasa Montagna
Vang I ValdresSkakadalskurv
BeitostølenHaugseter Mountain Lodge
ØyeTyinlam
TyinkryssetFondsbu Tourist Cabin
Vang I ValdresMjøsvang Kafe
TyinkryssetTyinholmen Høyfjellstuer
Getting here and around
Plan your trip to Jotunheimen with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.
By bus
You can reach the Jotunheimen area with express buses from Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim several times per day.
By car
If you want to go to Jotunheimen by car, follow the E6 from Oslo or Lillehammer, or the E16 via Lærdal from Bergen.
Three of Norway’s National Tourist Routes pass through Jotunheimen: Sognefjellet, Gamle Stynefjellsvegen, and Valdresflye.
By plane
The nearest airports to Jotunheimen are Oslo Airport and Trondheim Airport. You can travel by train from both airports to several destinations in the region.
If you prefer your own car, there are several rental car services at both Oslo Airport and Trondheim Airport.
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By train
Otta is the nearest train station. From there, you can take local buses to several places in the Jotunheimen area.
Mountains and valleys in Eastern Norway
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