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Jotunheimen Trek

Duration

Total 8 days

Average 7h 14min
Distance

Total 96.6 km

Average 16.1 km
Ascent

Total +3560 m

Average +593 m
Descent

Total -3560 m

Average -593 m

Overview
Itinerary
What's Included
FAQ

> Marvel at panoramic views over lakes Gjende and Bessvatn from Bukkelægret
> Hike the iconic Besseggen Ridge for breathtaking views of the lakes and mountains
> Enjoy full board in cosy mountain cabins

This 8-day trek in Jotunheimen National Park takes you through Norway's most dramatic landscapes, from Gjendesheim to the iconic Besseggen Ridge. Expect remote, high-mountain terrain: long stretches over boulder fields and loose rock demand good balance and surefootedness. Highlights include tranquil Rondvatnet Lake, panoramic views from Bukkelægret, and the striking contrast between lakes Gjende and Bessvatn, as the trail weaves from rocky ridges to lush meadows.

Each night, classic DNT huts offer hearty Norwegian meals and a cosy place to rest. Some sections are graded up to T3 - exposed, rocky terrain requiring sure footing and a head for heights, especially the roped section of the Besseggen Ridge. While not technical climbing, hikers should be comfortable scrambling over large rocks and boulders for extended periods. Full board and comfortable rooms in the huts keep you energised throughout.

Note: Sleeping bags are not allowed in the hut rooms - bring your own bed linen or rent it on site. Please remember to use the local currency: Norwegian Kroner.

Itinerary

Day

1

Arrival in Gjendesheim

Start your adventure by arriving at Gjendesheim, the largest cabin in the DNT network. Situated on the shores of Lake Gjende, this cozy cabin is the gateway to Jotunheimen National Park.

Gjendesheim

Info

Day

2

From Gjendesheim to Glitterheim

Duration: 09:30 h

Distance: 21.7 km

Ascent: 970 m

Descent: 580 m

After breakfast, start your walk from Gjendesheim, climbing steadily away from Lake Gjende. For the second half of the day, you can choose between two route options around Austre Hestlægerhøe: one to the northeast and one to the southwest. This option follows the northeastern route, taking you past Bessvatnet and Russvatnet before continuing through increasingly rocky terrain towards Glitterheim Lodge. Here, you can enjoy a hearty meal and a well-earned rest.

Glitterheim

Info

Day

3

From Glitterheim to Spiterstulen

Duration: 07:05 h

Distance: 16.1 km

Ascent: 330 m

Descent: 610 m

From Glitterheim, the trail heads into the Veo river valley and begins its main climb before reaching the lakes near Veslgluptjønnan. After this higher section, the route continues past the lake area and towards Skautflye Plateau, with views towards Galdhøpiggen and the glacier above Jotunheimen. The going can feel slow here, as the rocky terrain and boulder fields make every step more deliberate.

After the high ground, the route bends west and begins the descent towards Visdalen. The drop is steady and becomes more pronounced near the end, with views towards the Jotunheimen landscape and surrounding glaciers. You arrive at Spiterstulen in the valley, where the accommodation marks a welcome finish after a rough, rocky crossing.

Spiterstulen

Info

Day

4

From Spiterstulen to Leirvassbu

Duration: 06:00 h

Distance: 15.3 km

Ascent: 390 m

Descent: 90 m

The trail winds along the tranquil Visa River and offers a gentler walk through less rocky and steep terrain. As the trail begins to climb to a plateau, you'll be greeted by breathtaking alpine lakes, a highlight of this stage.

The day ends at Leirvassbu, a lodge renowned for its simple but comfortable facilities and excellent cuisine. This welcoming place adds a touch of comfort and flavor to your Jotunheimen adventure.

Leirvassbu Turisthytte

Info

Day

5

From Leirvassbu to Gjendebu

Duration: 07:50 h

Distance: 19 km

Ascent: 170 m

Descent: 580 m

Experience a unique descent from Leirvassbu to Gjendebu, a day that offers a refreshing change from typical mountain hiking. Starting with a gentle climb from Leirvassbu, the trail soon turns into a gentle descent towards Gjendebu. Enjoy a walk through alpine lakes and fields of heather and flowers, with picturesque Lake Gjende coming into view as you approach your destination. Enjoy a well-earned rest.

Gjendebu

Info

Day

6

From Gjendebu to Memurubu (Upper route: Besseggen Ridge)

Duration: 04:30 h

Distance: 10.5 km

Ascent: 620 m

Descent: 600 m

Today, you can choose between two route options from Gjendebu to Memurubu: a higher route and a lower route. This option follows the higher route via Bukkelægret and offers a varied mix of steep climbs, descents and quieter plateau sections.

The most demanding part comes right at the beginning of the day, with a very steep ascent through the Bukkelægret section. The steepest parts are secured with chains and ropes to help you progress safely. Once above this section, the route continues across a more tranquil plateau, with wide views of Langtjønne, Grunnevatnet and Ånde lakes, as well as the much larger Lake Gjende below. The final part of the stage descends towards Memurubu.

Memurubu

Info

Day

7

From Memurubu to Gjendesheim

Duration: 08:30 h

Distance: 14 km

Ascent: 1080 m

Descent: 1100 m

On the last day of your Jotunheimen trek, climb the Besseggen Ridge, a true highlight of Norwegian hiking. This iconic trail takes you over the mountain to Gjendesheim, with breathtaking views of the contrasting turquoise waters of Lake Gjende on your right and deep blue Lake Bessvatn on your left.

The trail is characterized by steep, rocky terrain that requires skill and fitness, especially on the challenging ascent and the steep descent to Gjendesheim cabin. The dramatic contrast of the lakes against the rugged mountain walls provides an unforgettable finish to your trek, leaving you with memories of one of Norway's most spectacular hikes.

Gjendesheim

Info

Day

8

Departure day

After a hearty breakfast, it's time to head to your next destination in Norway. We wish you safe travels and hope to see you on the trails again soon!

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Contact our Trekking Expert

Justa Atema

Included

Full travel guide

You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Jotunheimen Trek. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.
Accommodation

During your Jotunheimen Trek, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. We normally book dormitories, but private rooms are available upon request and cost €75 extra per room per night. If no private rooms are available, we will automatically book a bed in a dormitory.
Full-board

Accommodation at the huts includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We will arrange this for you as well. This allows you to travel lighter and have one less thing to worry about.
Navigation support

Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

Traveling to and from

You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.
Transfers

Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas, ferries, etc.
Travel Insurance

Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.
Personal expenses

Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

FAQ

How to Get To the Starting Point of the Jotunheimen Trek
End point: Gjendesheim
What if the dates I want are not available?
If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?
How do I know if this trek is right for me?
Can meals be adapted to my dietary requirements?

How to Book

Booking
Availability
Cancellation policy

Jotunheimen Trek

Itinerary

Arrival in Gjendesheim

Gjendesheim

From Gjendesheim to Glitterheim

Glitterheim

From Glitterheim to Spiterstulen

Spiterstulen

From Spiterstulen to Leirvassbu

Leirvassbu Turisthytte

From Leirvassbu to Gjendebu

Gjendebu

From Gjendebu to Memurubu (Upper route: Besseggen Ridge)

Memurubu

From Memurubu to Gjendesheim

Gjendesheim

Departure day

Included

Full travel guide

Accommodation

Full-board

Navigation support

Excluded

Traveling to and from

Transfers

Travel Insurance

Personal expenses

FAQ

How to Get To the Starting Point of the Jotunheimen Trek

End point: Gjendesheim

What if the dates I want are not available?

If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

How do I know if this trek is right for me?

Can meals be adapted to my dietary requirements?

How to Book

Booking

Availability

Cancellation policy

Just for You

Jotunheimen Experience - Accommodation Before and After Included

Families

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