Discovery hike of Jotunheimen: the red route starting from Oslo

DAY 1 | ARRIVAL VIA VALDRESEKSPRESSEN FROM OSLO

Different 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 restrooms.

Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldshotell Located right by Bygdinvannet and the M/B Bitihorn pier, you’ll find Bygdin Høifieldshotell. The hotel offers a traditional and historic atmosphere, with excellent local cuisine.

DAY 2 | BITIHORN HIKE 

Bitihorn (1607m altitude) is a classic route near Bygdin. It’s one of the simpler peaks in the area and is suitable for both beginners and more experienced climbers. 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 

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

Hike
Svartdalen is a beautiful valley with views of numerous peaks and glaciers reaching 2000 meters. However, it’s not an easy hike as it involves crossing streams, and the trail is quite rocky, requiring good footing. At 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 an altitude of 990 meters at the western end of Gjendevannet, you’ll find Gjendebu. The DNT cabin offers a traditional and historic atmosphere, with good local cuisine – and it’s the oldest DNT cabin, built in 1871.

DAY 4 | GJENDETUNGA 

Hike
Gjendetunga is the journey where you enjoy a shorter distance, but without missing out on majestic views. Gjendetunga overlooks the Gjendebu cabin, and it’s a trip you won’t want to miss if you’re in this area. On a clear day, you’ll have lunch at the summit 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

DAY 5 | BESSEGEN

Hike
Besseggen is one of the most popular hikes in Norway. Throughout the hike, you’ll have fantastic views of the green Gjende Lake, glaciers, and towering mountains. The Besseggen Ridge itself may appear steep and impossible to climb, but it’s feasible for everyone without fearing heights. This hike is long and includes many ascents and descents but will leave you with lasting memories. Duration: 7-9 hours, Distance: 13 kilometers, Elevation gain: 1300 meters

Accommodation
Gjendesheim DNT Gjendesheim Turisthytte has a history dating back to 1878. The cabin is managed by DNT and is located in the heart of the Norwegian mountains, with Besseggen as its neighbor. Here, you’ll discover delicious local and eco-friendly cuisine in a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

DAY 6 | VESLÅDALEN

Croisière en bateau
Aujourd’hui, vous reprendrez le bateau Gjende à Gjendebu (45 min) pour commencer votre randonnée vers Eidsbugarden.

Randonnée de Gjendebu à Eidsbugarden
La randonnée entre Gjendebu et Eidsbugarden passe entre les lacs Gjende et Bygdin dans le parc national dU Jotunheimen. Depuis Gjendebu, La randonnée passe par Veslådalen avant de se terminer à Eidsbugarden.
Durée : 5-7 heures, Distance : 16 kilomètres, Dénivelé : 516 mètres

Hébergement : Fondsbu DNT
Fondsbu est situé sur le magnifique Eidsbugarden. Le chalet est largement connu pour sa bonne ambiance, ses hôtes et son emplacement idéal. Un lieu apprécié des randonneurs.

Boat Cruise
Today, you’ll take the Gjende boat to Gjendebu (45 min) to start your hike towards Eidsbugarden.

Hike from Gjendebu to Eidsbugarden
The hike between Gjendebu and Eidsbugarden passes between the Gjende and Bygdin lakes in Jotunheimen National Park. From Gjendebu, the hike goes through Veslådalen before ending at 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 good atmosphere, hosts, and ideal location. A beloved place for hikers.

DAY 7 | GLACIER HIKE & URANOSTINDEN

Hike
Uranostind (2,157 m.a.s.l.) is an iconic peak in Jotunheimen that you can see from afar. You’ll cross a glacier, engage in easy climbing, then scramble onto the upper ridge and admire the spectacular view from the summit. This hike is a guided tour and includes glacier safety equipment.

Distance: 17 kilometers, Elevation gain: 1050 meters Accommodation: Fondsbu DNT

DAY 8 | DEPARTURE

Boat Cruise to Bygdin:
11:30 AM – 1:15 PM
Your mountain adventure concludes with a beautiful journey across Bygdinvannet aboard the historic M/B Bitihorn. On board the “Bygdinbåten,” you’ll see numerous majestic peaks of Jotunheimen towering over the water.

Bus: Bygdin Høifjellshotel → 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 restrooms.

Alternative:
You can choose to travel to Bergen. From there, you’ll take a taxi from Eidsbugarden to Tyinkrysset and then the bus to Bergen. Departure time from Eidsbugarden: 11:25 AM Arrival time in Bergen: 6:00 PM

End of our services

Daily Departures
From June 28th to August 20th, 2023

Option: Departure to Bergen instead of Oslo: €20 per person It is possible to leave the bus at Flåm on the way to Bergen and participate in: Flåm Fjord Cruise to Bergen (5 hours): rates on request. Add an extra night before/after in Oslo/Bergen – rates on request.