The Legendary Ridges of Jotunheimen: from Besseggen to the Svartdalen Valley

This journey entails demanding, lengthy days of hiking, covering distances up to 16km/9.9mi (20.9km/13mi optional), and navigating challenging terrain with significant elevation gains of up to 1040 meters (3410 feet). Due to Norway's rugged landscape and trail conditions, as well as exposure to substantial heights, this trip is classified as Level 4 difficulty. Trails are characterized by ruggedness, often involving scrambling, and encountering loose rocks along the way.

Daypack to carry; you only need to carry a small backpack with your picnic and daily essentials, except for 1 overnight pack to carry to Fondsbu Day 4 and Day 5. Your luggage will be stored safely for you at Gjendebu until you collect them upon your return on evening of Day 5. Having a water-resistant duffel bag or backpack that is easily transportable on your back or shoulder is highly recommended for your transferred bag. Luggage may be left on docks for you to retrieve upon arrival in all weather and trails are too rocky for rolling bags. You may need to collect your luggage from the boat landing near your accommodation, on Day 6 at Gjendesheim dock upon arrival.

Transfers on Day 1 and Day 7 are by public bus from/to Oslo, to/from Gjendesheim.

Lake Gjende is crossed by boat between Gjendesheim and Memurubu on Day 2; from Gjendesheim to Gjendebu on Day 3, and from Memurubu to Gjendesheim on Day 6.

Crossing Lake Bygdin from Fondsbu to Torfinnsbu on Day 5.

7 days / 6 nights / 6 days of hiking

Departure dates available from end of June through early September.

Self-guided tour, without a human guide. A digital travel packet (documents available in English, French & German) will be sent by email that includes access to our smartphone travel application for navigating hikes and accessing local maps (available in English only), the list of booked accommodations, any included travel vouchers and all the detailed information needed for a successful trip.

There is no welcome meeting at the arrival hotel or general orientation meeting for this tour. We take care of hotel bookings and the transport of your luggage. We provide you with a detailed map of the itinerary and a step-by-step guide.

Accommodation & Meals

All nights are planned full-board. This means dinner is included at your lodging on the day of arrival and breakfast/packed lunch is provided the following morning.

Gjendesheim – Tradition meets trailhead at Besseggen’s door (3 Nights)
Perched at the gateway to one of Norway’s most iconic hikes, the Besseggen ridge, Gjendesheim combines historic charm with direct trail access. First opened in 1878, this DNT lodge has been welcoming hikers for generations. Here, you'll find hearty meals, warm hospitality, and panoramic views of the Gjende lake.

Gjendesheim - Adventures in Norway's Heartland - DNT

Gjendebu – Norway’s oldest lodge, nestled deep in the heart of Jotunheimen (2 Nights)
Gjendebu offers a truly remote alpine experience, accessible only by hiking or boat. As the oldest DNT cabin (established in 1871), it radiates rustic charm and authenticity. Set at the western end of Lake Gjende, it’s a peaceful haven surrounded by towering peaks and tranquil trails. Staying here means disconnecting from the bustle and connecting with nature—perfect for anyone seeking solitude, scenery, and real mountain spirit.

Welcome to Gjendebu - DNT

Fondsbu – Friendly, scenic, and full of soul (1 Night)
Known for its welcoming atmosphere and stunning location by Lake Bygdin, Fondsbu is where comfort meets classic mountain hospitality. Hostess Solbjørg and her team create a homely, upbeat vibe that draws both seasoned trekkers and first-time hikers. With easy access to iconic routes, Fondsbu is a fantastic base for high-mountain adventures—or for simply enjoying a lakeside view with a warm drink in hand.

Welcome to Fondsbu - DNT

Start

On Day 1, at bus departure in Oslo, Norway.

End

On Day 7, after breakfast and bus ride in Oslo, Norway.

Extend your trip

We are happy to book additional nights in Oslo for you before or after your tour or extending stays at lodges in Jotunheimen during your trip. Please contact our sales team for further details.

Trip Starting Destination

This tour starts in Oslo, Norway

Trip Ending Destination

This tour ends in Oslo, Norway

We recommend flying in and out of Oslo, Norway International airport.
Oslo Airport (OSL): Oslo Airport - Gardermoen

A bus ticket from Oslo to Gjendesheim is included in the morning on Day 1 and included from Gjendesheim to Oslo in the morning of Day 7.

It is possible to leave a car parked for the duration of your tour in the Gjendesheim area if arriving with a rental car, but transportation is included in the tour from Oslo by bus.

Acting for Responsible Tourism - ATR label

Since 2012, Grand Angle has been a member of ATR, the leading association for more responsible tourism. We design our trips—on foot, by bike, or on snow—to invite everyone to discover the world differently: with curiosity, respect, and kindness.

Active on the board of directors since 2018, we contribute to advancing industry practices toward greater purpose. Specifically, we ensure:

• Transparency in our practices and pricing
• Respect for our partners and local communities
• Environmental preservation on each of our trips

We also share the values of the Traveler’s Ethical Charter, which encourages simple actions to protect the places visited and foster meaningful encounters.

For more information on the ATR association: www.tourisme-responsable.org

Travelife Partner

Since 2025, Grand Angle has been recognized as a Travelife Partner, an international label that certifies our responsible practices regarding the environment, ethics, and sustainable management—both within our company and with our partners, as well as in the organization of our trips.

This label, the second level of a rigorous international certification, confirms our concrete actions in favor of responsible tourism. We are actively working toward the next level, Travelife Certified, in line with our Sustainable Development Policy.

It is the client’s responsibility to arrive prepared with the items listed below to help insure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Clothing checklist

The following items are required for this trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

• Hiking Boots/Shoes – waterproof, sturdy molded sole, deep tread and ideally well broken in (Note: buy boots/shoes 1/2 size to 1 size larger than street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks)
• Hiking Socks – one pair for every day or two days of the trip. Hiking/Sport specific padded socks, no cotton please!
• Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
• Warm Hat & Gloves – lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves
• Hiking Shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
• Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
• Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket
• Hiking Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings
• Base Layer/Long Underwear – 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, etc.
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear.
• Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking/cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.

Gear checklist

• Backpack – a 30-45 Liter sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover for use day-to-day while hiking.
• Personal Luggage – 1 water-resistant duffel bag or backpack, 60-90L in size recommended for extra hiking clothes, casual clothes and personal items. Should be easily transportable by yourself, up to a half mile, when fully loaded — on your back or shoulder as some areas are too rocky to wheel.
• Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle
• Trekking Poles – telescopic/adjustable poles to help reduce the impact on joints and support hikers in steep and/or rocky terrain. (Note: strongly recommended)
• Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Note: always test headlamp before trips and travel/pack without batteries in device)
• Picnic/Lunch Kit – knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
• Phone & Charger – local sim card or international plan may be needed. Consider bringing a small power bank to use to recharge devices during trip activities.
• Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm
• First Aid Kit – see first aid kit suggestions below*
• Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of lodging will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with a personal toilet paper kit to potentially use during portions of this tour.
• Toiletries
• Contact Lenses & Glasses – if wearing contact lenses, please also bring back-up pair of glasses and contacts.
• Prescription Medication – with emergency back-up supply.
• Money – It is good to have some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use.

Optional items

• Face Masks; Over-the-counter Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests (Note: recommended but optional)
• Travel Power Adapter – Electric power voltage in Norway is 230 V / 50 Hz and the most common plugs are F type
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc.)
• Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
• Bug Repellent
• Quick Drying Towel or Bandana(s)
• Swimsuit

First aid kit suggestions

After years of experience planning adventure travel around the world, we've learned that anything can happen, and every traveler should carry a basic personal first aid kit. We want to ensure our guests are well-prepared and make smart informed travel decisions. In many of the places we operate trips, it may be challenging to find certain medications and/or first aid supplies, and sometimes common items you desire may not be available in the destination you are travelling. That's why it's good to be prepared and carry a small supply of first aid supplies, any prescription medication, and/or over-the-counter medications you may require during your travels.

We recommend discussing your travel plans, vaccination requirements, and any medication usage with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on our trips. This helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Here is a basic list of what we think makes a good personal travel first aid kit:

• Medications – Brands of your choice, all medications should be either prescribed directly by your doctor or discussed with a doctor prior to use.
• Electrolyte Replacement/Drink Mix – brand of choice
• Creams – Antibiotic ointment, Anti-Itch: Hydrocortisone, Arnica
• Eye Problems: Dry/Itchy – Eye drops
• Feminine Hygiene – Tampons
• Wound Care – a various pack of bandages, antiseptic swabs
• Blister Care – blister kit made up of items of your choice
• Sun Protection – sunscreen, SPF lip balm
• Various Items – Athletic tape/”KT Tape”, Nail clippers, Tweezers, Small bottle of hand sanitizer, Sewing kit (clothing/button repairs), Disposable surgical gloves (1-2 pairs)

Packing for travel

It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip.

“Carry-on Bag(s)” - This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. We recommend all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (hiking footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items becomes lost or delayed.

“Checked Bag(s)” - This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).

Important Note: Again, it is recommended to either wear or pack in your “Carry-on Bag” the main gear items you need for this trip vs. putting them in your checked “Travel Bag” (in case luggage is delayed). Hiking footwear is probably the hardest item to replace last minute if items become lost or delayed past the intended start date of the trip. Lost or delayed luggage has become more and more common in major airports for international travel since the global pandemic.

Luggage management during trip

During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.

Transported Luggage - “Checked Bag(s)” & ”Carry-on Bag(s)”: This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip and have transferred on nights that is included in your itinerary. Having a water-resistant duffel bag or backpack that is easily transportable on your back or shoulder is highly recommended for your transferred bag. Luggage may be left on docks for you to retrieve upon arrival in all weather and trails are too rocky for rolling bags. Especially, you may need to collect your luggage from the boat landing near your accommodation, on D6 at Gjendesheim dock upon arrival.

Day Backpack: All guests will need a backpack, which they will be responsible for carrying during trip activities. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip. (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.). It should be large enough to carry an overnight pack on Day 4 & 5.

Extra Luggage: Is not easily stored on this trip. Possibly a hotel in Oslo would be able to keep your extra luggage, but you would have to contact them directly for that information. Limit to 1 bag per person to be transported during the tour.

Norway

Capital: Oslo

Documents

Travellers from the European Union, including children, need a valid identity card or passport. Check with the authorities in your home country for the conditions of entering this destination.

Health/Insurance

Do not forget your card and/or policy details for your health insurance and/or travel insurance.

European Emergency Number: 112

Tourism Office in Norway
Visit: Visit Norway | Official travel guide to Norway

Tourism Office in Oslo
Visit: Oslo Visitor Centre – Tourist information centre

Jotunheimen Information
Visit: Welcome to Jotunheimen National Park

Calling Norway: + 47

Central European Time (CET/UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST/UTC+2) during daylight saving time.

Norwegian. Tourist area employees are always able to speak some English.

Norway is not a member state of the European Union (EU). However, it is associated with the Union through its membership in the European Economic Area (EEA). Their currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). There are a total of 4 different coins (1 NOK, 5 NOK, 10 NOK and 20 NOK) and 5 different bank notes (50 NOK, 100 NOK, 200 NOK, 500 NOK and 1,000 NOK) that are all used. Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. Banks are normally open for the public from 9:00 to 16:00 Monday to Friday. They are closed on Public Holidays. Kroners can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies. Norway more than other EU destinations, prefer card or electronic payment in most settings.