Safe summer hike over Besseggen

Besseggen is one of Norway’s most famous mountain hikes, and each year around 30,000 tourists enjoy the breathtaking view from the top of the ridge. Here you’ll find important information and advice to prepare you for the hike.

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 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.

Proper hiking equipment

Pack a 30-litre backpack to be sure that you have enough room for everything you need in the Norwegian mountains. A map and compass, first-aid equipment, a fully charged mobile phone, and a headlamp are just some of the things we recommend you keep in your backpack. Scroll down the page for a complete packing list.

Warm, suitable clothing

Dynamic Variation:

How to get there

There are two options for getting to Besseggen. You can either start hiking from the Gjendesheim tourist lodge or take the boat from Gjendesheim to Memurubu and start your hike from there. The latter is the easiest route, as you’re going uphill. To ensure you’ll get on the boat, you should reserve tickets in advance. You can stay overnight at both Gjendesheim and Memurubu and start the day fresh and fit the next morning.

Emergency telephone numbers

The Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) has the overall operational responsibility during mountain search and rescue operations.

51 51 70 00 – JRCC Southern Norway
75 55 90 00 – JRCC Northern Norway

For other emergencies:

110 – Fire
112 – Police
113 – Ambulance
120 – Emergency at sea
22 59 13 00 – Poisons Information Center
1412 TDD (textphone for the deaf or hearing impaired)

Besseggen.
Photo: CNES / Airbus / Bleed / Google Earth

Food and drink

Always bring enough food and drink when you set out on a trip. It is important to have enough refills to make sure your energy reserves last all the way.

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.

Other hiking routes in the area

There are many other hikes around Besseggen and in the nearby areas, including easier options. Check out other hiking alternatives in the Besseggen area.

A group of people standing on the top of the Besseggen ridge in Jotunheimen

Hiking the Besseggen ridge.
Photo: Visitnorway.com / Espen Kristiansen / Field Productions

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.

Weather forecast from Yr, delivered by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK). Download Yr’s free weather app for iOS or Android.

A man in proper mountain hiking gear is standing above Lysefjorden in Fjord Norway

Summer hiking packing list.
Photo: Kristian Paulsen (selvestepaulsen.no) / Bleed / Visitnorway.com

Summer packing list – What to prepare for your hike

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Packing list for your summer hike

With a good backpack filled with the right equipment, you have a great base for a wonderful experience in the mountains. Choose a backpack with a volume of 30 litres to be sure to have enough space for everything.

Clothing

hiking boots
wind and waterproof jacket and trousers
wool underwear and a wool sweater
an extra set of clothes and socks
cap, scarf and gloves or mittens

Equipment

enough food and drinks for the whole trip
a fully charged mobile phone in a plastic bag to avoid water damage
a small headlamp and extra batteries
sunglasses and sunscreen
plastic bags for garbage and other things
first-aid kit and extra blister plasters
map and compass
pocket knife
Nordic walking poles for maintaining your balance in rough terrain
reflexive vest in case you need rescuing

Tourists hiking in the Norwegian mountains with umbrellas

Top mistakes tourists make.
Photo: Film production: Kristian Paulsen (selvestepaulsen.no) / Bleed / Visitnorway.com