Hiking Tour of Jotunheimen in Norway

Explore Norway’s wild heart on our Tour of Jotunheimen, a spectacular 5-day hiking adventure through one of Scandinavia’s most iconic mountain regions. Trek past crystal-clear lakes, vast glaciers, and 2,500-meter peaks, stay in classic Norwegian mountain huts, and finish with the legendary Besseggen ridge.

Group

7 Days

Aug

High

Advanced

Description

We’re excited to finally launch our first trips in Scandinavia with the Tour of Jotunheimen, a region we’ve been eager to explore for some time.

The Norwegian mountains are among the most breathtaking landscapes we've encountered, and Jotunheimen, the home of giants in Norse mythology, truly lives up to its legendary name. As you look out over the vast scenery, it’s easy to imagine the ancient battles between the gods of Asgard and the giants of myth.

The region is reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, but on a much grander scale, with 2,500-meter peaks and enormous glaciers. Long, scenic valleys carved between these towering mountains offer more accessible hiking routes, while Norway’s excellent network of mountain huts makes it a trekkers’ paradise.

Our five-day trek takes you on a stunning journey from the eastern end of Lake Gjende, passing beautiful lakes and reaching Glitterheim. On Day 2, we cross the Veslglupen pass, winding between high peaks as we make our way to Spiterstulen.

The third day offers a remote trek through Urdadalen and Storadalen valleys, bringing us to the far end of Lake Gjende.

The final two days follow the northern mountainside of the lake, with an overnight in Memurubu before the dramatic Besseggen ridge provides a thrilling finale to this unforgettable adventure.

Join our Tour of Jotunheimen and experience breathtaking landscapes, epic hikes, and the legendary Besseggen ridge. Don’t miss out – secure your spot on our next open group departure today and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

Price includes

Price details

Included:
* Bus travel from Oslo to Gjendesheim
* Five days of guided hiking
* Six nights of accommodation in shared dormitories
* Breakfast, evening meals, and packed lunches
Not Included:
* Flights or travel to Oslo
* Drinks and snacks
* Insurance

Meeting point

Our meeting point is in Oslo, where we'll provide a bus ticket to Gjendesheim.

Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival Day: Oslo to Gjendesheim

We will provide a bus ticket from Oslo to Gjendesheim. As participants will be arriving at different times, we won’t be able to accompany you, but we’ll provide clear instructions for your journey. Upon arrival, you can relax and enjoy the long Nordic summer evening, taking in the beautiful scenery from Gjendesheim Lodge, located at the end of Gjende Lake.

Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

Day 1: Gjendesheim to Glitterheim

We begin with a climb over the eastern slopes of Veslfjellet, offering stunning views over Gjende. To the left, we catch our first glimpse of the Besseggen, a preview of day five’s challenge. The climb takes us to the shore of Bessvatnet, and from there, we descend to Russvatnet. Following the edge of the lake, we enjoy remote, breathtaking scenery before climbing the Hestlægerhøe pass to reach Glitterheim Lodge.

Distance: 23km | Ascent: 900m | Descent: 500m | Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

Day 2: Glitterheim to Spiterstule

We cross the Veslglupen pass, located just south of Glittertinden, once the highest peak in Norway but now second to Galdhøpiggen due to its melting glacier. As we descend into Visdalen, we catch sight of Galdhøpiggen, the current highest mountain. Swinging left, the path leads us down to Spiterstulen Lodge.

Distance: 16km | Ascent: 300m | Descent: 600m | Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

Day 3: Spiterstulen to Gjendebu

Leaving Spiterstulen, we continue along Visdalen and into Urdalen. Passing small lakes, we reach the watershed at Urdalsbandet before descending gently into Storådalen. The valley guides us all the way down to Gjendebu Lodge, located at the far end of Gjende Lake, where we started on Day 1.

Distance: 24km | Ascent: 600m | Descent: 700m | Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

Day 4: Gjendebu to Memurubu

We begin by following a path along the lakeshore before tackling a steep climb at Bukkelægret, which leads us to the Lågtunga plateau. We wind between small lakes, reaching the ridge of Sjugerdtinden. The sharp arete brings us down to Memurubu Lodge, located on the shore of Gjende Lake.

Distance: 11km | Ascent: 600m | Descent: 600m | Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

Day 5: Memurubu to Gjendesheim

Leaving Memurubu, we climb steeply to a high path above Gjende. The trail, sometimes narrow and steep, passes Bjørnbøltjønne tarn, winding through rocks until we reach the start of the Besseggen ridge. This iconic ridge forms a narrow edge between two lakes and is the most technically challenging section of the trek. The ridge leads us to the summit of Veslfjellet and a technical descent back to Gjendesheim.

If the weather does not permit a safe traverse of the ridge, we will take a lakeside trail from Memurubu to Gjendesheim.

Distance: 14km | Ascent: 1000m | Descent: 1000m | Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

Details

Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided in mountain lodges with dormitory-style rooms, unless you opt for an upgrade package. The price includes all breakfasts and dinners, as well as a packed lunch that you can prepare yourself each morning at breakfast.

More info

The Jotunheimen Tour is a challenging hike for fit walkers, with up to 9 hours of walking per day, covering up to 25km and 1100m of ascent (not both on the same day). It’s not suitable for children under 16, and 16-17 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. This is one of our most demanding trips, so reach out if you're unsure if it’s right for you.

Equipment you will need to bring

Since we'll be staying in mountain lodges overnight, you can travel light on this trip. You’ll be able to refill your water bottles and prepare packed lunches each morning. However, you’ll still need to carry enough gear for four days of hiking, keeping the total weight around seven to eight kilos, plus water.

Essential items include a 30-litre backpack, waterproof jacket and trousers, warm jacket, base layers, jumpers, long trousers, spare underwear and socks, a cotton or silk sleeping bag liner, travel towel, water bottles (1-2 litres), sunscreen, toothbrush, soap, personal medication, sunglasses, hat, sun cap, trekking poles (optional), phone, charger, and a Euro-adaptor if needed.

If you have any questions about equipment, feel free to ask, and we’ll be happy to help.

About the guide

Ian

5.0

(2)

Mountain Leader

Living in the mountains was a childhood dream for me, and for the last twenty years I’ve been making that dream happen. I live in Chamonix, at the foot of Mont-Blanc, and can’t think of anywhere I’d rather call home.

I’m an International Mountain Leader and a qualified ski instructor. This combination lets me help people explore the beautiful mountains we live in almost year-round. In the summer and autumn, I run hiking trips around the world-renowned Tour du Mont Blanc circuit as well as provide navigation courses to help you gain the confidence and skills to venture into the hills alone. In the winter and spring, I teach skiing and ski touring.

Please get in touch to book a group trekking holiday or a navigation course.

Languages

English | French | Spanish

Certificates

UIMLA

What people are saying about Ian

Mahirah

Had a great family hiking tour with Ian as our guide. Ian is very friendly and approachable, patient when we were slow and always shared whatever information or snippets with us regarding the trail. When my husband had bad cramps Ian even helped carry his bagpack for him tq so much Ian! Had a lot of fun on the hike.

We had 4 days trekking with Ian on the Tour De Mont Blanc, the booking and communication from the start was excellent with the whole package being first class. The pick up and drop off to the airport was super helpful and not rushed in any way, Ian met us all at the airport. The route was fantastic, every day was different, some really good stops for lunch, coffee and cake (really worth it), the huts at night gave you a real alpine experience finishing in Chamonix with pizza and beer, what more could you want! Well recommended thank you Ian.