Discover Jotunheimen: Besseggen and Svartdalen (4-days)

Try the Jotunheimen highlight combination of two of the best hikes in the area, Svartdalen and Besseggen. The tour is a great fit for hikers in good physical condition and with some previous hiking experience.

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 .

 

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.

 

Stay in classic and historic lodges such as the Bygdin Hotel, 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.    

Transfer:

  • Included

Meal plan:

  • Hiking Board: Breakfast, Lunch to go & Dinner

Luggage transportation:

  • From Bygdin Høifieldshotell to Gjendebu DNT
  • From Gjendebu DNT to Gjendesheim DNT

Accommodation:

  • Day: 1 - Bygdin Høifieldshotell
  • Day: 2 - Gjendebu DNT
  • Day: 3 - Gjendesheim DNT

Agenda day 1:

  • Bus: (Nor-Way) Oslo Bus Terminal → Gjendesheim: 10:20 → 15:10

    Time: 6 hour(s)

    Ride with Valdresekspressen!

    Enjoy the scenic journey from Oslo to the Valdres Region. After leaving the bustle of the capital you will soon find yourself on countryside roads passing through small towns and surrounded by lakes and fields. As you get further into the country, you will see the mountains in the distance and before you know you’ll find yourself climbing the steep roads that take you straight into the national park. The coach has adjustable seats, free WiFi, outlets with USB charging ports and toilet facilities on board.

  • Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldshotell

    Bygdin Fjellhotel is situated south of Jotunheimen, near the lake "Bygdin" in an altitude of 3910 ft. It is 12km north of Beitostølen and 22 km from Besseggen. The main road 51 over Valdresflya passes the hotel. The Hotel was built in 1912, and in 1955 and 1965 extensions were added on. The hotel has an old-fashioned warm style,which has been maintained throughout the entire building. Bygdin Fjellhotel is situated at the boarder of Jotunheimen National Park, with a view to fantastic scenery over the mountains with peaks up to 6900ft.

  • ©Bygdin Hotel
    ©Bygdin Hotel
    ©Bygdin Hotel
    ©Bygdin Hotel
    Sommer mot vannet – Bygdin Hotel
    Sommer mot vannet – Bygdin Hotel
    Bygdin Hotel
    Bygdin Hotel
    Sommer hotellet ©Bygdin Hotel
    Sommer hotellet ©Bygdin Hotel

Agenda day 2:

  • Cruise: (M/B Bitihorn) Bygdin → Torfinnsbu: 09:05 → 09:50

    Time: 1 hour(s)

    Cruise on the lake Bygdin with M/B Bitihorn. Between Bygdin and Torfinnsbu.

  • M/B Bitihorn – Eidsbugarden
    M/B Bitihorn – Eidsbugarden
    The ferry Bitihorn on the lake Bygdin taken from Eidsbugarden and Fondsbu
    The ferry Bitihorn on the lake Bygdin taken from Eidsbugarden and Fondsbu
    M/B Bitihorn
    M/B Bitihorn
    M/B Bitihorn
    M/B Bitihorn
    M/B Bitihorn
    M/B Bitihorn
  • Hiking: Svartdalen (The Black Valley)

    Difficulty: Challenging
    Time: 6-8 hour(s)
    Distance: 14 kilometers
    Ascent height: 610 meters

    The popular hiking route from Torfinnsbu to Gjendebu takes you through Svartdalen, meaning “The Black Valley”, which is often referred to as the most beautiful valley in Jotunheimen. As you wander through this lush valley, you'll be surrounded by majestic towering peaks, several of which are over 2000 meters high.

    The Svartdalen track is located in the eastern parts of Jotunheimen, and takes you through the municipalities of Vågå in Gudbrandsdalen, and Vang in Valdres. The route is 14 kilometres long (point-to-point), with an elevation of 610 meters.

  • Svartdalen ©Yngve Ask
    Svartdalen ©Yngve Ask
    Historical Route, Jotunheimen.
    Historical Route, Jotunheimen.
    Gjendebu-to.Torfinnsbu – Svartdalen – Yngve Ask (8)
    Gjendebu-to.Torfinnsbu – Svartdalen – Yngve Ask (8)
    Hiking through Svartdalen towards Torfinnsbu
    Hiking through Svartdalen towards Torfinnsbu
    Gjendebu-to.Torfinnsbu – Svartdalen – Yngve Ask (6)
    Gjendebu-to.Torfinnsbu – Svartdalen – Yngve Ask (6)
  • Accommodation: Gjendebu DNT

    Gjendebu is DNT’s oldest tourist lodge, built in 1871. Its located at the bank on the West of Gjende lake, at 990 m.a.s.l. The lodge has 119 beds, good room standard and shared showers and toilets facilities. Take the boat from Gjendesheim to the end of the lake and enjoy a night or two at Gjendebu!

  • Gjendebu tourist lodge. Historical Route, Jotunheimen.
    Gjendebu tourist lodge. Historical Route, Jotunheimen.
    Inside Gjendines hut at Gjendebu
    Inside Gjendines hut at Gjendebu
    Approaching Gjendebu tourist cabin. Historical Route, Jotunheimen.
    Approaching Gjendebu tourist cabin. Historical Route, Jotunheimen.
    Gjendebu-to.Torfinnsbu – Svartdalen – Yngve Ask (3)
    Gjendebu-to.Torfinnsbu – Svartdalen – Yngve Ask (3)
    Gjendebu-to.Torfinnsbu – Svartdalen – Yngve Ask (9)
    Gjendebu-to.Torfinnsbu – Svartdalen – Yngve Ask (9)

Agenda day 3:

  • Cruise: (Gjendebåten) Gjendebu → Memurubu: 08:35 → 08:55

    Gjende lies 984 metres above sea level and has peaks of more than 2,000 metres on all sides. Barely an hour by boat from the car park at Gjendesheim, you have Jotunheimen National Park and many fantastic walks before your feet.

  • Gjendebåten at Gjendebu
    Gjendebåten at Gjendebu
    Gjendebåten
    Gjendebåten
    Besseggen hike – Gjendebåten ©Jotunheimen Travel
    Besseggen hike – Gjendebåten ©Jotunheimen Travel
    Gjendebåten – Gjende.no (1)
    Gjendebåten – Gjende.no (1)
    Gjendebåten – Gjende.no (2)
    Gjendebåten – Gjende.no (2)
  • Hiking: Besseggen (Memurubu ↔ Gjendesheim)

    Difficulty: Difficult
    Time: 7-9 hour(s)
    Distance: 13 kilometers
    Ascent height: 1300 meters

    The popular Besseggen ridge is a route route of about 6-8 hours (breaks included). The Besseggen hike takes you over the spectacular, steep, and some places very narrow trails which plunge four hundred meters straight down into the lake below.

  • Besseggen ©Visit Norway, Chris Arnesen
    Besseggen ©Visit Norway, Chris Arnesen
    Besseggen ©Visit Norway Chris Arnesen
    Besseggen ©Visit Norway Chris Arnesen
    Besseggen
    Besseggen
    Besseggen – Visit Norway, Chris Arnesen
    Besseggen – Visit Norway, Chris Arnesen
    Besseggen ©Visit Norway, Morten Helgesen
    Besseggen ©Visit Norway, Morten Helgesen
  • Accommodation: Gjendesheim DNT

    Gjendesheim has a long history all the way back to 1878. The cabin is run by DNT and located in the heart of the Norwegian mountains, with Besseggen as its neighbour.

  • Gjendesheim
    Gjendesheim
    Gjendesheim
    Gjendesheim
    Gjendesheim
    Gjendesheim
    Gjendesheim
    Gjendesheim
    Gjendesheim DNT
    Gjendesheim DNT

Agenda day 4:

  • Bus: (Nor-Way) Gjendesheim → Fagernes → Oslo: 10:00 → 14:50

    Time: 4 hour(s)

    Ride with Valdresekspressen!

    Enjoy the scenic journey through the countryside roads passing, through small towns and surrounded by lakes and fields. As you get further into the country, you will see the mountains in the distance and before you know you’ll find yourself climbing the steep roads that take you straight into the national park. The coach has adjustable seats, free WiFi, outlets with USB charging ports and toilet facilities on board.

Book now: