Historical Route Jotunheimen (7-days)

Bus: Transfer to/from Oslo

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: 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.

Hiking: Besseggen (Memurubu ↔ Gjendesheim)

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.

Accommodation: Memurubu

Memurubu can be found at the end or start of the famous Besseggen hiking trail. The lodge is originally an old mountain pasture dating back to 1872. The lodge is accessible by boat from Gjendesheim, or by hiking th famous Besseggen trail.

Hiking: Bukkelægret: Memurubu ↔ Gjendebu

Bukkelægret has a steady steep climb/descent on both sides of the route, with a longer flat plateau in the middle. The hike will take you through a variety of beautiful trout-filled lakes – a great place to catch your lunch. The high mountain offer great views of Gjende.

In the steepest areas the route is secured with chains and wires to hold on to.

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!

Hiking: Gjendetunga (From Gjendebu)

Gjendetunga is the perfect hike for those who want to indulge in a nice, relaxing and shorter trek, but who doesn’t want to go without a panoramic view experience. Towering over Gjendebu, Gjendetunga lies at 1516 MASL (4973, 7 feet) 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 in the East and the mountains ranges in the West. This is a road less travelled, but the Gjendetunga hike has earned its rightful place as one of the best ways to experience Gjende.

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!

Hiking: Svartdalen (The Black Valley)

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.

Accommodation: Torfinnsbu DNT

Torfinnsbu is a small self service DNT cabin. There are 30 beds and extra space for camping. The cabin is located at Bygdin lake at the entrance of Svartdalen (the black valley) and connected with daily scheduled transfer with M/B Bitihorn.

Hiking: Torfinnsbu ↔ Eidsbugarden

The Torfinnsbu to Eidsbugarden route is also the last stage of the Historical Hiking Route in Jotunheimen. The route takes you west from Torfinnsbu to Eidsbugarden. The trail goes along Bygdin lake, climbing to as high as 1600 meters above sea level, and back down to the final destination at Eidsbugarden. Eidsbugarden is the most visited mountain area north of the Alps.

Accommodation: Fondsbu DNT

Fondsbu DNT is run by Solbjørg and is located at Eidsbugarden on the bank of lake Bygdin. Here you have access to many popular hikes, inculidng glaciers hikes.

Cruise: (M/B Bitihorn) Eidsbugarden → Bygdin: 11:30 → 13:15

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

Bus: Transfer to/from Oslo

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.