Classic Norway: Jotunheimen National Park
- Classic hikes in the “Land of the Giants”
- Immerse yourself in wild nature - high peaks, waterfalls and glaciers
- Scenic ferry ride across the majestic fjords
- Explore the vibrant cities of Oslo and Bergen
- Revive your senses with the crisp mountain air and fresh water from streams
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in OsloArrive in Oslo where your hotel is located in the city centre, near the central bus station. If you arrive early, take some time to explore this exciting capital city. There are many fascinating museums and parks to visit, and plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can start sampling Scandinavian cuisine.
Modern hotel, centrally located just off the main shopping street, Karl Johan and Oslo Central Station, the Thon Hotel Astoria offers comfortable room and friendly service.
Make your way to the bus station, where you catch your transfer to the Jotunheimen National Park. The drive is approximately 4.5 hours long, taking you straight from the buzzing city to the heart of Norway. Upon arrival, you may have some time to explore and perhaps go for a walk. We recommend walking to Synshorn, from where you will get wonderful views of Jotunheimen.
Optional walk to Synshorn - Ascent/Descent: 400m/400m
First set up in the late 1800's, the hotel has a long history of welcoming walkers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Jotunheimen. Offering simple yet comfortable rooms (recently renovated) and delicious meals with locally sourced ingredients, it is a perfect place for an authentically Norwegian stay.
Today's walk takes you to the summit of Bitihorn, at 1607 meters. This classic hike in the Jotunheimen National Park offers striking panoramic views of the northern region of Valdres.
Ascent/Descent: 545m/545m
First set up in the late 1800's, the hotel has a long history of welcoming walkers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Jotunheimen. Offering simple yet comfortable rooms (recently renovated) and delicious meals with locally sourced ingredients, it is a perfect place for an authentically Norwegian stay.
Today starts from Bygdin, where you'll catch the historic Bitihorn boat to Torfinnsbu. From here, the walk starts uphill, towards Svartdalen. Walk along lakes and streams, before catching views of Knutsholstind; this staggering 2342-metre giant, also known as the king of the Gjende Alps, was thought to be Norway's highest mountain. Leaving this scenic valley behind, you descend to the beautiful Gjende Lake, to your accommodation.
Ascent/Descent: 474m/544m
At 990 metres, on the edge of the Gjendevannet, you will find the small settlement of Gjendebu with the Gjendebu hut. This is the oldest hut of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT), built in 1871.
A shorter hike with majestic views, today's walk takes you to the summit of Gjendetunga, high above your accommodation in Gjendebu.
Ascent/Descent: 509m/509m
At 990 metres, on the edge of the Gjendevannet, you will find the small settlement of Gjendebu with the Gjendebu hut. This is the oldest hut of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT), built in 1871.
This morning, you leave the shore of Lake Gjende and walk through the picturesque Vesladalen back to Lake Bygdin. Once again, you are surrounded by craggy rock faces and glaciers in the distance. The last day in Jotunheimen National Park invites you to experience this unique region with all your senses so that you can remember it for a long time.
Ascent/Descent: 397m/325m
The Fondsbu hut is one of the most popular huts in the Jotunheimen region due to its location and is widely known for its exceptionally good cuisine.
Take the bus to Flam (1 change in Tyinkrysset). Your ferry to Bergen is booked for 3.30 pm. Enjoy the stunning views as you sail through the Sognefjord before reaching Bergen.
This historic hotel is located just a stone's throw from Bergen's picturesque harbour and all public transport.
Your tour ends this morning in Bergen from where you can journey home.
Other Information
Is it for me?If you'd like to explore one of the most legendary places in Norway, the place where the giants dwell, this is the perfect tour for you. Graded moderate, the walks go over sometimes steep and rough terrain, through stunning valleys and peaks. In Oslo and Bergen, you stay in comfortable city hotels. While in Jotunheimen National Park, the accommodation is in traditional DNT huts - renovated historic lodge cabins with private rooms and shared bathroom facilities. Enjoy the experience of walking from hut to hut without having to carry a heavy bag, as we take care of your luggage each day.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Hut to Hut Walking | Walk from hut to hut, changing accommodation each night
National Parks
The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years
We grade this tour as moderate. You will be walking for between 4 and 7 hours per day, and the maximum ascent in one day is about 650m. This trip is suited to keen walkers who are used to walking in hillier terrain.
The comfort rating of this tour is "Various", as you stay in a mix of hotels and huts.
In Oslo and Bergen, you stay in comfortable city hotels, where breakfast is included.
In the Jotunheimen National Park, you will be accommodated in one mountain hotel and 2 DNT Huts. These lodges are a staple of outdoor adventures in Norway: managed by the tourist board, these huts are open to all. The DNT (Norwegian Tourism Association) works to promote the preservation of nature and local cultural values. Very popular with Norwegians, the DNT huts are a perfect base for everyone looking to explore the Norwegian outdoors and a great place to exchange with fellow hikers and cyclists. The huts are basic but comfortable. Whilst there are dormitories, we will be booking private rooms for you. Please note that facilities (showers and toilets) are shared.
Meals
Breakfast is included throughout. When in Jotunheimen, you will also have dinners at your accommodation. These will include a lot of locally sourced ingredients such as deer, trout, salmon and even edible flowers... A great opportunity to try delicious Scandinavian dishes while refuelling after a day in the outdoors.
Lunches are included while in the National Park too: during your transfer to Bygdin, you will be provided with a beeswax wrap, which you'll be able to use each day when making your pack lunch from the breakfast buffet. Don't forget your thermos if you wish to take some tea or coffee too (leave it the night before and it will be ready for you the next morning).
Norway has an excellent system for trail-marking and all of the paths you will be following will be well way-marked. We provide comprehensive route notes and maps as well as GPX tracks and access to our navigation based smartphone app, so you will have no problem finding your way.
- 5 nights accommodation in mountain huts in private rooms with shared facilities
- 2 nights accommodation in hotels in Oslo and Bergen
- 8 breakfasts, 5 pack lunches and 5 dinners
- Bus transfer from Oslo to Jotunheimen
- Bus transfer from Jotunheimen to Flam
- Fjord cruise from Flam to Bergen
- Luggage transfers from hut to hut
- Detailed maps, information pack, route notes, GPX tracks and access to the Macs navigation app
- 24/7 telephone support from our UK office
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to Oslo and from Bergen
- Lunches and dinners in Oslo and Bergen
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
You can start your adventure on any day between the end of June and the beginning of September (except Mondays). The weather in Norway can be changeable, and one should be prepared for 4 seasons in one day, at any time of the year. Generally speaking though, the summer is the most pleasant time of year for hiking as there are plenty hours of daylight and warm daytime temperatures.
Your tour begins in Olso. Fly into Oslo International Airport which can be reached from various European and Worldwide destinations. Example flight times are London-Oslo (2h), New York-Oslo (7.5h), Rome-Oslo (3h). The airport is about 45km from the city centre. From the airport, the easiest way to the city is by 'Flytoget’ train which takes 20 minutes.
Oslo can also be reached by ferry from Copenhagen (Denmark) and Kiel (Germany). Check here for more info.
By Air - You can fly direct from Bergen to a number of central destinations in Europe like Amsterdam (1h 30m), Copenhagen (1h 30m) London (2h), and Paris (2h). You can also fly via Oslo (55m), with up to 20 flights per day between Oslo and Bergen.
By Ferry - There are a couple of different ways to travel to Bergen by ferry or boat. The famous Hurtigruten cruise line stops there. You can also arrive by one of the high-speed ferries which travel up and down the Norwegian coast with Norled. Or you can catch the ferry from Stavanger with Fjord Line.
By Train: If you are flying back from Oslo, we can book a return ticket on the train for you. Please select this as an option when making your booking. The total train journey from Bergen back to Oslo takes approx. 7 hours.
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