Hiking in the Jotunheimen area

The National Park Region constitutes a vast, mountainous area of surprising altitude. This is where Northern Europe’s highest peak Galdhøpiggen (2,469 metres above sea level) can be found, in good company with another 200 peaks over 2,000 metres.

The area also boasts the narrow and fairly challenging hike to the Besseggen mountain ridge, where you are rewarded with an astonishing view over one blue and one green lake on each side of the ridge.

Let the Gjende boats carry you into the wilderness of Jotunheimen, surrounded by enchanting scenery.

There are seven daily departures from the pier at Gjendesheim to Memurubu and Gjendebu, and two departures returning from Gjendebu. The boats run throughout the summer and are perfect if you plan to hike Besseggen or other trails. Welcome on board!

Price example: NOK 140 pr person.

Read more about the Gjende boats

Get a genuine Norwegian hiking adventure at Bessheim Fjellstue og Hytter. Hearty, home-cooked food is served every day, and in the evening you can have a delicious three course dinner – often made with fish from the mountain lakes or with reindeer.

Choose to stay in a room, a cabin or at the campsite. There are ready-made beds in the lodge and most of the units have their own shower and toilet.

Price example: NOK 1,160 per night for a cabin with two bedrooms, sitting room, bathroom and kitchen.

Read more about Bessheim Mountain Lodge

Besseggen is a 6-8 hour hike – save your energy for the walk and check out this all inclusive weekend package (two nights).

Accommodation is arranged at Gjendesheim Lodge, beautifully located by the waterfront of the lake Gjende. The ferry to the Besseggen hiking trail leaves right outside the door. On your return, you will enjoy home-cooked food with local delicacies like reindeer and trout.

Price: NOK 5,900 for two people including two nights’ accommodation, food, boat tickets, a private hiking guide the first day and mountain bike rental the second day.

Read more about Gjendesheim Lodge

An irresistible offer if you plan to do the Besseggen hike, including accommodation at Nordre Ekre hotel, dinner, breakfast, tickets for the Gjende boat that takes you to the hike, a packed lunch and water bottle.

Remember that you need five to seven hours to complete the hike – it is a tough trek, but you will be rewarded by the astonishing views on route. And you can enjoy the three course dinner with a clear conscience! Transport to the boat and guide are not included.

Price from NOK 1,995 per person in a double room.

Read more and book your stay at Nordre Ekre

Fresh air, grand views, peace and quiet – and a myriad of hiking trails, many of which are suitable for the whole family. The local tourist office has identified 30 family-friendly tour suggestions in the idyllic countryside in Valdres. The hikes vary in length and difficulty, but they are all easily accessible and clearly signposted.

Another benefit of Valdres is that it gives you the perfect base for hiking adventures in the Jotunheimen National Park, including the classic hike to Besseggen.

The express bus Valdresekspressen is your best friend if you want to take up the Besseggen hiking challenge and haven’t got a car. In only around three hours, it will take you from Oslo to beautiful Valdres, a region that stretches from the lush and forested valleys in the southern part to the mighty peaks of Jotunheimen.

For Besseggen, take the bus from central Oslo or Oslo Airport (Gardermoen) and get off at Gjendesheim. The arrival time corresponds with the Gjende boat departure to Memurubu (Besseggen).

Book your seat on Valdresekspressen

Let Radisson Blu Beitostølen look after you if you’ve got your eyes set on Besseggen on your hiking holiday.

Located only 25 minutes by car or bus from the Besseggen hiking trail, this is a first-class full service hotel with 123 comfortable rooms and an impressive range of fitness facilities – relax in the 25 metre swimming pool or treat yourself to a spa visit. There is also a restaurant, a bar and a nightclub.

Price example: NOK 1,850 per person staying for two days in a double room, including two dinners, two breakfasts and a packed lunch

Read more about Radisson Blu Beitostølen

Storefjell Resort Hotel, situated at Golsfjellet in between Hallingsdal and Valdres, is a large full service hotel that offers a lot more than a place to rest your head. They have 300 rooms, a spa, sauna, a fitness room and several communal areas for socialising including a restaurant, bars and a night club.

Golsfjellet is perfect for family hiking: You are guaranteed enchanting views in all directions, even if you don’t intend to set off on strenuous treks in thorny terrain.

Price example: NOK 645 per person per night, including breakfast, maps and tour suggestions.

Read more about Storefjell Resort Hotel

Whether you plan to conquer Jotunheimen’s highest peaks, or looking forward to leisurely strolls along calm cattle trails, you need a good base.

Situated on the mountain road Jotunheimvegen, Haugseter Fjellstue (1,044 metres above sea level) is a classic Norwegian lodge that goes back 140 years. It is the perfect place to put your feet up at the end of the day – full of traditional charm, you can enjoy a hot drink by the fireplace or try one of their homemade dishes.

Price example: NOK 995 per person per night for an apartment with bathroom

Read more about Haugseter Mountain Lodge