Discover Jotunheimen: Red Route (8-days)
Expand on your “Green Route” with a guided hike over the Besseggen ridge, and an extra day with a guided hike to the Uranostind glacier.Welcome to our amazing 8-day Jotunheimen Red Route Itinerary to the most impressive peaks and valleys in the region, intended for adults in good physical shape and condition, with previous hiking experience from alpine mountain areas. You’ll be accompanied by experienced local guides for the most strenuous hike, the Glacier hike to peak Uranostind, but sure-footedness is required to enjoy it. This will be a rewarding experience that’ll allow you to tick some classic Norwegian summits off your bucket list! The minimum total route is 70 km, but maximum route can vary between 75 km and 80 km.
This is an extended version of our Green Route, designed for those who have some more hiking experience and who want to challenge themselves. Hike the popular Besseggen trail, a classic adventure for Norwegians. Over the years more and more tourists have been drawn to take the journey across this mountain ridge, in the footsteps of great adventurers. In recent years, an estimate of around 60 000 hikers cross this popular ride annually. It’s attraction lies both in its mesmerising scenery, from the turquoise waters of the Gjende lake, to the spectacular view of mountain ridges and peaks into the far distance, as well as in its demanding terrain; steep descents and ascents, and long trails. Its cultural significance and strenuous nature has made it an important point of reference in Norwegian culture and it is a true rite of passage for Norwegian hikers.
You will climb the majestic Bitihorn (1607 masl), and take the the M/B Bitihorn across the beautiful Bygdin Lake, and trek through Svartdalen and Veslådalen. The journey through Svartdalen is one of the most appreciated and respected treks among Norwegian outdoor adventurers. The arduous walk combined with dramatic mountains towering over you from all sides can make you feel like you’re in an old folk tale. On misty days this sentiment is emphasised as the pale light allows for the “reveal” of indistinct faces in the mountains and mythical mountain creatures hiding behind the cliffs. On clearer days, you can see the magnificent white peaks rising on either side of you, including Knutsholstiden, once believed to be the tallest mountain in Norway. The trek to Fondsbu via Veslådalen is a very popular hike that connects two traditional lodges, Gjendebu and Fondsbu DNT.
The last hike, is the glacier journey to the iconic Uranostind (2157 masl). This demanding trek takes you over a glacier with crevasses, and you will do some easy climbing and then crawl out on the top ridge and admire the spectacular view from the summit. The weather at high altitudes in Norway can change quickly, and snowstorms can happen every month of the summer.
This itinerary includes a free day for you to get a chance to rest and enjoy a relaxing day at Gjendebu Lodge. Alternatively you could spend this day exploring an optional hike such as the hike from Memurubu to Gjendebu across Bukkelægret; walking along the Ridge of Sjugurdtinden you will have access to the panoramas on all sides of the ridge; overlooking the Gjende lake in the East, the mesmerising valley of Memurudalen going North-West, the mountainous landscape in the West and the steep peaks towering over the Gjende lake in the South. This is arguably one of the best and subsequently one of the more heavily underrated views in the area. This trek offers an exciting blend of mountain and nature hiking as well as it allows you to put your climbing skills to the test.
As another option, you can try a less arduous hike, namely Gjendetunga. This is perfect for those who want to indulge in a nice, relaxing and shorter trek, but who don’t want to go without a panoramic view experience. Towering over Gjendebu, Gjendetunga lies at 1516 masl and is “a not to miss” hike if you’re in this area. On clear days you can enjoy your lunch at the top of the mountain overlooking Gjende and its surrounding mountains. This is a road less travelled, but the Gjendetunga hike has earned its rightful place as one of the best ways to experience Gjende.
Stay in classic and historic lodges such as the Bygdin Hotel, Fondsbu DNT, Gjendesheim and Gjendebu, where people from all over the come together to share their experiences, in peaceful and friendly ambiences in the heart of nature.
On this tour we also support you with luggage transportation during the trek and with bus transportation to and from Oslo or Bergen.