Gjende
Gjende is an emerald-green lake in the heart of Jotunheimen, best known for the popular Besseggen ridge hike. Along the lake, you’ll find several mountain cabins and lodges—such as Gjendesheim, Memurubu, and Gjendebu—that serve as excellent starting points for both short and extended adventures in the area.
If you’re arriving by car, you can park directly at Gjendesheim or use the parking lot at Reinsvangen (about two kilometers away), where a shuttle bus connects you to Gjendesheim. Public transport is also available if you prefer a more eco-friendly travel option.
The Gjendebåten ferry operates between Gjendesheim, Memurubu, and Gjendebu, making it easy to plan various day trips or multi-day hikes by walking one way and taking the boat back. With its dramatic mountain scenery and well-organized facilities for hikers and nature enthusiasts, Gjende ranks among Norway’s most attractive mountain destinations.
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How to get here
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From Oslo (approx. 4–5 hours)
- Follow the E16 highway to Fagernes, then switch to road Rv 51 towards Beitostølen and continue until you reach Gjendesheim.
- Parking is available at Gjendesheim itself (limited) or at the larger Reinsvangen lot (about 2 km from Gjendesheim). A shuttle bus runs between Reinsvangen and Gjendesheim.
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From Bergen or Trondheim
- Travel to Fagernes via E16 (from Bergen) or Rv 15/E6 (from Trondheim), then follow Rv 51 to Gjendesheim as above.
Tip: Road Rv 51 (Valdresflye) can be closed in winter and during extreme weather, so check road conditions if you’re traveling outside the summer season.
Long-Distance Buses
From Oslo, you can take a bus (e.g., Valdresekspressen) to Fagernes. In the summer season, there are usually connecting buses from Fagernes directly to Gjendesheim.
