Tour of the Jotunheimen Guided Trek

We run our Tour of the Jotunheimen guided trek during August, the summer trekking season in Scandinavia is fairly short, August is a great time to hike there and avoids any late or early snow.

Clothing and Equipment Essentials

The mountains of Norway are remote, wild and incredibly beautiful. Due to the country's northern latitude, summer is short and conditions can be challenging. It rarely becomes particularly warm, even in summer, so please come prepared.

In previous years, we have typically trekked in walking trousers, a long-sleeved merino base layer, a fleece and an insulated jacket, along with a good waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm hat and gloves (and spares).

Conditions can be very windy and wet in Jotunheimen, so proper preparation is essential. You will not see many people hiking in Norway wearing trail shoes. The terrain is often wet, with numerous river crossings and extensive boulder fields, so ankle support is important. Walking boots are a prerequisite. Gaiters are also essential.

Our accommodation will be warm and comfortable, so bring some relaxed clothing for the evenings, along with a pair of sliders or Crocs. Drying facilities are excellent and, if we get wet during the day, we should be able to dry our kit overnight.

Duvets and pillows are provided; however, you will need to bring a sleeping bag liner.

Accommodation during the trek will be in lodges and mountain cabins in private rooms. You will always have a hot shower and good food at the end of each day and a substantial breakfast to get you fueled up for the day ahead.

Additional Gear Tips

Trekking poles are strongly recommended. They provide extra stability on ascents, help reduce strain on your knees during long descents, and are invaluable on uneven or slippery terrain.

All your gear should be suitable for multi-day trekking in remote, unpredictable mountain environments. On the Tour of the Jotunheimen trek, it’s entirely possible to experience a range of conditions from sunny days to wind and rain. Preparation is essential.

For a detailed checklist, take a look at our Kit List below to help you plan and pack. And as always, feel free to get in touch if you need further guidance.

Trekking Kit List

Base Layers

Short sleeve: Lightweight, breathable base layer made out of a synthetic fabric that can be washed and dried quickly.

Long sleeve: Long sleeve merino wool layer is a great idea for use as an extra layer if needed over a t-shirt. It is also useful to wear in the evenings.

Mid Layer

Fleece or merino wool mid layer to go on top of the base layer this will give you a bit of warmth early mornings, on cooler days or when descending.

This could be with or without a hood, make sure it’s lightweight and packs down small.

Leg Layer

Shorts: The majority of the time trekking shorts would be the best option for those warm summer days in the mountains.

Trousers: Lightweight walking trousers are a good idea to wear if it is cold, or during the evenings. Another possibility would be trekking trousers that are adapatable & have zip off legs so they can be worn as shorts.

Warm Layer

There are many lightweight insulated layers available these days, this could be filled with down or synthetic material. Synthetic filled jackets tent to retain their thermal properties better if they get damp so we would recommend this option. This ultra-warm lightweight layer weighs no more than a fleece jumper and packs down even smaller! Great for cooler days, when taking a break or for refuge nights.

Waterproof Layer

This is the most essential bit of kit there should be no compromise here! Gortex (or similar) lightweight waterproof jacket with a good hood and rain pants that will pack-down small. It is essential that both layers are carried every day as the weather can change rapidly in the Alps. They will protect you from top to toe on the foulest of wet weather days and also can be worn to give extra warmth from a harsh wind.

Footware

Good sturdy walking boots that offer support to the ankle or trekking shoes if you are confident on difficult terrain. They don’t have to be leather as these days you can buy ight-weight fabric alternatives that dry quickely. Makes sure they have a good sole Vibram or similar. If you are purchasing new boots make sure they are comfortable and worn in beforehand. Blisters could ruin your trek!!

Hats & Gloves

Sun hat as the sun can be fairly intense at high altitude, neck protection is also recommended.

Warm hat, gloves and a scalf or buff are essential if you experience cold weather.

Hopefully the weather will be kind and the hats and gloves will stay at the bottom of the rucksack for the duration of your trek!

Food & Drink

It is important to get your nutrition right, as you will be burning lots of calories each day, food can be purchased from local supermarkets & bakeries when staying in villages or from the refuges if ordered on arrival for the following day. It is essential you carry enough water with you so you don’t get dehydrated during the day. On some days it may be possible replenish your water at certain places but this is not always the case.

Rucksacks

Day sack: A small sack will be required when opting for a baggage transfer. Approximately 20 litre, the bag must be large enough to carry warm and waterproof layers, essential kit, food and drink. You will need a rucksack liner to keep the contents dry and waterproof.

Multi-day sack: If you do not opt for the bag transfer service then a larger rucksack will be needed of approx. 28 - 35 litre. Rucksack liner will also be needed.

Refuge Nights

When staying in the mountain refuges you will need a few extra items as bag transfer would not be available in the remote locations. You will need travel towel, toiletries, head torch, ear plugs and a sleeping bag liner (if staying in dormitory, if in private rooms no liner required). The majority of the time you will be staying in good quality hotels therefore it is easy to wash and dry kit through before the next day. Hotels will provide towels and soap.