The Tour of the Jotunheimen - Hiking in Norway

Trek Itinerary

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  Day 1 Arrival in Bessheim Fjellstue

  Upon arrival at Otta train station, a minibus shuttle will transport you on a scenic 1 hour and 30-minute journey to Bessheim Fjellstue lodge. After settling in, we’ll gather for an early evening trek briefing, followed by a welcoming evening meal.

  If you need assistance planning your journey to Otta, please don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re happy to help with travel advice and options.

  Daily stats:

  Minibus transfer: 1hr 30mins

  Accommodation:

  Bessheim Fjellstue: Private en-suite rooms, dinner, breakfast and pack lunch (DBL)

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  Day 2 Bessheim to Glitterheim

  Our adventure begins with a hearty breakfast at the lodge. Fueled up and with packed lunches in hand, we set off directly from the lodge, ascending to the high plateau of Besstrondfjellet (1388m). From here, we’re treated to stunning views over Øvre Sjodalsvatnet lake. We then begin a gentle descent toward the head of Russvatnet lake (1200m), passing the charming Russvassbue lodge along the way. The trail hugs the lake for a while before climbing once again, this time to our second high point of the day, a mountain pass at 1685m, just below the summit of Vestre. Our final descent brings us to the beautiful Glitterheim DNT hut, where we’ll rest and recharge for the night.

  Daily stats:

  Distance 21.5k | Ascent 850m | Descent 450m

  Accommodation:

  Glitterheim DNT Hut: Private rooms, shared bathrooms, DBL

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  Day 3 Glitterheim to Spiterstulen

  We rise early, feeling refreshed and ready for today’s summit challenge: Glittertinden, Norway’s second highest peak. The trail becomes steeper as we gain altitude, eventually reaching the summit at 2452m. From the top, we’re rewarded with sweeping views—looking back on the ground we’ve covered and forward to the adventures still to come. Our descent takes us down to the pass at Skaukampen and then into the scenic Visdalen valley. Along the way, we catch impressive views of Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s highest peak. We end the day at Spiterstulen (1104m), where comfortable accommodations await. Option to take a lower route to Spiterstulen in poor weather.

  Daily stats:

  Distance 15.5k | Ascent 1145m | Descent 1430m

  Accommodation:

  Spiterstulen Hut: Private rooms, shared bathrooms, DBL

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  Day 4 Galdhøpiggen summit

  After a hearty breakfast, we set out on our summit bid for Galdhøpiggen, the highest peak in Norway! Our ascent begins with a steep climb in true alpine style, leading us to a small plateau at around 1900m. Here, we pause for a well-earned “elevenses” break before continuing upward toward the summit ridge. From there, we make our final push to the top of Galdhøpiggen (2469m), where we’re rewarded with breathtaking views stretching out toward Glittertinden and beyond. After soaking in the summit experience, we retrace our steps on the descent, arriving back at Spiterstulen by mid-afternoon. As this is a day hike and we’re staying at Spiterstulen for a second night, we can travel a little lighter today, leaving non-essentials behind for an easier ascent.

  Daily stats:

  Distance 12.5k | Ascent 1390m | Descent 1390m

  Accommodation:

  Spiterstulen Hut: Private rooms, shared bathrooms, DBL

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  Day 5 Spiterstulen to Leirvassbu

  A beautiful day awaits as we head south from Spiterstulen, following the trail through the broad Visdalen valley, surrounded by towering peaks. We begin a gradual ascent to the pass at 1,459 meters, flanked by the striking conical summits of Kyrkja (2,032 m) and Tverrbyttornet (2,035 m), an ideal spot to pause for a scenic picnic lunch. From there, an easy-angled descent leads us past a string of serene lakes and down to the Leirvassbu DNT hut, peacefully nestled on the shores of Lake Leirvatnet.

  Daily stats:

  Distance 16k | Ascent 425m | Descent 130m

  Accommodation:

  Leirvassbu DNT Hut: Private rooms, shared bathrooms, DBL

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  Day 6 Leirvassbu to Gjendebu

  Today we enjoy another beautiful valley hike, heading south and climbing gradually over the small Høgvaglen pass at 1,518 meters. After a short descent, the trail winds past a series of lakes, framed by glacial peaks. We stop for elevenses at the small, unmanned DNT hut at Langvassbu. Suitably refreshed, we continue along the shore of Lake Langvatnet before beginning our descent beside the Storåe river. The trail leads us into the heart of the dramatic Svartdalen, “the Black Valley”, a deep, glacially carved corridor flanked by steep, jagged peaks. By mid-afternoon, we arrive at the beautifully situated Gjendebu DNT hut, in time for tea and cake.

  Daily stats:

  Distance 19k | Ascent 200m | Descent 610m

  Accommodation:

  Gjendebu DNT Hut: Private rooms, shared bathrooms, DBL

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  Day 7 Gjendebu to Memurubu

  We begin our day heading northeast from Gjendebu, following the trail along the shore of Lake Gjende. After a gentle start, the path climbs steeply up toward Memurutunga, offering wide views back over the valley. Once on the plateau (1420m), the terrain levels out as we cross a mix of open ground and scattered lakes. After a refreshment break on the high ground, we continue across the shoulder of Sjugurdtinden before starting the descent. The trail drops steadily down to the lakeside once more, with fabulous views of the Besseggan and Lake Gjende. Arriving at the memorable Memurubu DNT hut by mid-afternoon.

  Daily stats:

  Distance 11k | Ascent 700m | Descent 450m

  Accommodation:

  Memurubu DNT Hut: Private rooms, shared bathrooms, DBL

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  Day 8 Memurubu to Bessheim

  Our final day begins with a steady climb from Memurubu, heading up from the lakeshore onto open ground before reaching the start of the Besseggen ridge. As we gain the ridge, the classic Besseggen view unfolds, turquoise Lake Gjende on one side, deep blue Bessvatnet on the other, divided by the narrow, rocky crest. The trail undulates along the ridge, with a few short scrambles and some exposed sections, before easing out onto the high plateau. We take a final break to soak in the views before beginning our descent toward Bessheim Fjellstue, our starting point just a week ago. A spectacular and fitting end to a fantastic trek through Jotunheimen National Park.

  Daily stats:

  Distance 14k | Ascent 965m | Descent 980m

  Accommodation:

  Bessheim Fjellstue: Private en-suite rooms, dinner, breakfast and pack lunch (DBL)

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  Day 9 Depart Bessheim Fjellstue

  We enjoy a final farewell breakfast together at Bessheim Fjellstue, with pack lunches provided for your onward journey. After saying our goodbyes, a minibus transfer will take you back to Otta train station.

  Daily stats:

  Minibus transfer to Otta: 1 hr 30mins