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

 DAY 1 | ARRIVAL VIA VALDRESEKSPRESSEN FROM OSLO

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

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

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

DAY 5 | VESLÅDALEN

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

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

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