norvege jotunheimen randonnee voie royale paysage vue spectaculaire randonneurs ete o-nord

Discovery Hike of Jotunheimen: The Green Route, the Royal Route from Oslo

REGION
Norway
THEME
Adventure, Hiking, Trek
ACTIVITIES
Hiking
DURATION
8 days
DIFFICULTY
Moderate

This hike combines our popular green route “Discovery of Jotunheimen” with two days of hiking along the Royal Route.

It is designed for hikers with average fitness levels, possessing some basic hiking and outdoor skills.

You’re not only interested in exploring the impressive and pristine Jotunheimen National Park but also the more culturally influenced stretches along the Royal Route.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Hiking in Jotunheimen National Park Hiking along the Royal Route Delicious local cuisine in historic accommodations

LEVEL:
Intermediate Up to 14km of daily hiking and 600m of ascent

Detailed program

 DAY 1 | ARRIVAL VIA VALDRESEKSPRESSEN FROM OSLO

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Various departure times available. Enjoy the journey from the bustling city to Valdres and Jotunheimen! The express buses take you directly from the capital to the heart of Norway. Along the way, you’ll pass mountains, valleys, rivers, and beautiful farms. The buses feature free Wi-Fi, power outlets with USB chargers, and toilets.

Early Arrival
Hiking Opportunity Synshorn is located at 1457 meters above sea level and offers fantastic views of Jotunheimen. The trails are easy to navigate and range from soft terrain to rockier terrain near the summit. Duration: 1-2 hours, Distance: 5 kilometers, Elevation Gain: 450 meters

Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldshotell
Just next to Bygdinvannet and the M/B Bitihorn pier, you’ll find Bygdin Høifieldshotell. The hotel offers a traditional and historic atmosphere, along with good local cuisine.

DAY 2 | BITIHORN HIKE

norvege jotunheimen randonnee paysage spectaculaire randonneurs ete croisiere bitihorn o-nord

Bitihorn (1607 meters above sea level) is a classic route near Bygdin. It’s one of the simpler peaks in the region and is suitable for both beginners and more experienced climbers alike. At the summit, you’ll get a fantastic panoramic view of large parts of Valdres. Duration: 5-8 hours, Distance: 10 kilometers, Elevation Gain: 600 meters

Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldhotell

DAY 3 | SVARTDALEN

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Boat Cruise: You will sail with the M/B Bitihorn from Bygdin to Torfinnsbu, where your hike begins (45 min).

Hiking
Svartdalen is a beautiful valley with views of numerous peaks and glaciers over 2000 meters high. However, it’s not an easy hike as it involves crossing streams, and the trail is quite rocky; having good footing is advantageous. Towards the end, a steep descent awaits you – in wet conditions, this part can also be quite slippery. Take your time to arrive safely at the next cabin. Duration: 6-8 hours, Distance: 14 kilometers, Elevation Gain: 610 meters

Accommodation: Gjendebu DNT At 990 meters above sea level at the western end of Gjendevannet, you’ll find Gjendebu. The DNT cabin offers a traditional and historic atmosphere, along with good local cuisine – and it’s the oldest DNT cabin, built in 1871.

DAY 4 | GJENDETUNGA

Hiking
Gjendetunga is the journey where you enjoy a shorter distance but without missing out on majestic views. Gjendetunga towers above the Gjendebu cabin, and it’s a trip you won’t want to miss if you’re in this region. On a clear day, you’ll have lunch at the top with a beautiful 360-degree view of the green Gjende and the mountain ranges to the east and west. Duration: 3-5 hours, Distance: 10 km, Elevation Gain: 520 meters

Accommodation: Gjendebu DNT

norvege jotunheimen randonnee paysage vue spectaculaire randonneurs ete sommet chalet gjendines interieur gjendebu o-nord

DAY 5 | VESLÅDALEN

norvege jotunheimen randonnee paysage vue spectaculaire randonneurs ete sommet chalet gjendines exterieur gjendebu o-nord

Hiking from Gjendebu to Eidsbugarden
The hike between Gjendebu and Eidsbugarden traverses between the lakes Gjende and Bygdin in the Jotunheimen National Park. Starting from Gjendebu, the hike passes through Veslådalen before reaching Eidsbugarden. Duration: 5-7 hours, Distance: 16 kilometers, Elevation Gain: 516 meters

Accommodation: Fondsbu DNT Fondsbu is located on the beautiful Eidsbugarden. The cabin is widely known for its great atmosphere, hosts, and perfect location. A cherished spot for hikers.

DAY 6 | THE ROYAL ROUTE

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Bus: Eidsbugarden – Tyinkrysset Transfer from Eidsbugarden to Tyinkrysset (30 min) where we will pick you up. You can store your luggage, and after another short transfer, you can start your hike along the Royal Route.

Hiking: Kyrkjestølen – Maristova
Between Kyrkjestølen and Maristova, you will cross the present-day Filefjell and reach the highest point of the Kongevegen with spectacular views of the Hurrungane peaks. Here, you can see what it meant to build a road according to “the French principle.” It was a line as straight as possible, with a strong emphasis on drainage and foundation work, but without any particular consideration for the terrain’s character. Duration: 4 hours, Distance: 10.7 km, Elevation Gain: 350 meters Pick up and transfer to Filefjellstuene.

Accommodation: Filefjellstuene
Once a traditional mountain farm, now a modern mountain lodge with comfortable rooms in cabins with private bathrooms and an excellent restaurant in the main lodge.

 DAY 7 | THE ROYAL ROUTE

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Hiking: Borgund – Vindhellavegen/Seltun
Today, you start your hike at the well-preserved stave church of Borgund (from 1180). Here you can find an exhibition, and we recommend visiting the church (entrance fee). From there, you will descend the Vindhellavegen – the most spectacular and popular part of the Royal Route. Depending on your walking pace, you can descend further along the Galdane Canyon and the spectacular Lærdals River.

Duration: 6.5 hours, Distance: approx. 10 kilometers
Pick-up along the route and return to Filefjellstuene. Accommodation: Filefjellstuene

DAY 8 | DEPARTURE

Bus: Tyinkrysset → Oslo
Enjoy the return journey. The express buses take you directly from Jotunheimen and Valdres to the city. Along the way, you’ll pass mountains, valleys, rivers, and beautiful farms. The buses feature free Wi-Fi, power outlets with USB chargers, and toilets.

Alternative:
You can choose to depart for Bergen from Tyinkrysset.
Various departure/arrival times available.

End of our services

Daily Departures
From June 28th to August 23rd, 2023, from August 30th to September 6th, 2023, from September 6th to September 13th, 2023

Option: Departure to Bergen instead of Oslo: at no extra charge. It is possible to leave the bus at Flåm on the way to Bergen and participate in: Cruise on the Flåm fjord to Bergen (5 hours): €170 per person

Travel periods

Departures from 28/06/2023 to 30/09/2023

Prices

From 1,795€
Ask for a quote

Pricing information

Daily Departures

Price per person
In Euros In double room

OUR RATES INCLUDE:

  • Bus transportation to/from Oslo
  • Transportation to the Royal Route
  • Luggage transportation
  • Accommodation incl. bed linens, towels Breakfast,
    packed lunch, and dinner
  • Detailed hike description Map

OUR RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:

  • Beverages
  • Multirisk cancellation insurance “PREMIUM” (please inquire)

Good to know

Luggage Transportation

We will transport your luggage (1 piece per person) from chalet to chalet, so you can walk with just a light bag for the day.

Accommodation
Hotel Oslo : You will stay at the Thon Hotel Astoria or similar in the center of Oslo near the Oslo Bus Station. Jotunheimen: At Bygdin and Tyinkrysset, you will have a private bathroom. In all DNT cabins, there is a shared bathroom.

Meals
All accommodations prioritize local cuisine. At breakfast, you will prepare your own packed lunch. Upon request, you can also get hot tea to take with you during the hike. Dinner is a two to three-course meal.

Trails/Orientation
The selected daily hikes are marked, and you will encounter other hikers. Trails are narrow, often rocky, and sometimes require crossing rivers and streams. For orientation, you will receive a physical map and a detailed hike description. GPX files for all trails are also available upon request.

Royal Route
On the day of your arrival, you will be informed by staff where to go and the location and date of luggage pickup.