My boyfriend and I decided to head to Islington’s Adventure Travel Show this past January, hoping to find some inspiration for off-the-beaten-track Nordic holidays. As cold-weather-loving, hiking and wild-swimming enthusiasts, the Nordics are our favourite place to travel. We never imagined we’d win a trip to Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park at the show! But, thanks to Magnetic North, we did and 183 days later, we landed in Oslo.

Touch Down in Oslo – Journey to Jotunheimen

From Oslo, we travelled by coach to Jotunheimen National Park. Our friendly coach driver greeted us with a welcome pack, which included a map of the area and even beeswax wraps for our packed lunches! We settled into our spacious, comfy seats and enjoyed the increasingly beautiful views as we left the city behind. A few hours later, we arrived at the cosy, chalet-style Bygdin Mountain Hotel. 

On the shores of a lake and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Bygdin Mountain Hotel is blissfully remote. We settled into our room and enjoyed the hotel’s complimentary tea and cinnamon buns, before heading out for an afternoon walk along the nearby Vinsteråne River. Amazingly, in less than half an hour, we were completely alone in nature, with no other people or buildings in sight! We couldn’t resist a chilly (but invigorating) dip in the river before returning to the hotel for a fantastic dinner overlooking the lake.

The food at Bygdin Mountain Hotel was a real highlight. The three course set menu changes every night and showcases local produce. We enjoyed cauliflower soup, focaccia with wild garlic butter, veal schnitzels (or cauliflower steaks for vegetarians) and lingonberry sorbet for pudding.

Climbing Bitihorn: A Classic Jotunheimen Hike

After enjoying a fabulous breakfast buffet and packing our lunches, we set off to hike Bitihorn, one of the many peaks surrounding the hotel. This challenging, but amazing hike starts and ends at the hotel! It took us around 3 hours to make it to the peak, where we we enjoyed our pack lunches surrounded by panoramic views. The descent took about two hours, after which we rewarded ourselves with another cinnamon bun. Before dinner, we strolled 15 minutes to a nearby Sámi souvenir shop, where we picked up some cosy wool hiking socks with a reindeer pattern. That night’s meal was just as delicious: tomato soup, roasted veal (or stuffed courgette), and rhubarb crumble.

A Cosy Stay in the Norwegian Wilderness

The following morning, we travelled to DNT Fondsbu. Although we went by coach, you can also get there by boat when the lake’s water levels are high enough. DNT Fondsbu is one of the most unique and charming hotels I’ve ever stayed in. Nestled on the shores of a crystal-clear lake and surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, it’s totally breathtaking!

After checking in to our simple, but very cosy room, we explored a nearby glacial waterfall before returning to the hotel for dinner. Dinner at Fondsbu is an unforgettable experience. Sitting on communal tables, and enjoying delicious local food and beer with other travellers from around the world. If that wasn’t enough, each night, between main course and dessert, the chef performs a song.

Exploring Lakes, Waterfalls and Suspension Bridges

The next day, we walked along the lake’s northern shore and then hiked into the surrounding mountains. This trail had it all! Glacial lakes, waterfalls, sweeping mountain-views and even a suspension bridge! We enjoyed lunch by the lake and were even brave enough to have another swim. Back at the hotel, we treated ourselves to a well-deserved ice cream in the sunshine and tucked into a second wonderful dinner at Fondsbu. 

Final Days in Oslo: Food, Views and Relaxation

On day five, we made our way back to Oslo via bus. A stopover in Tyinkrysset gave us the chance to have lunch at the elegant Filefjellstuene, where we shared a whole baked local trout. Once back in Oslo, we checked into the Radisson Blu, conveniently located just a few minutes from the bus terminal. This hotel is one of the tallest buildings in Oslo and from our room on the 24th floor, we had fantastic views of the Oslofjord. That evening, we walked to the trendy neighbourhood of Grünerløkka for Thai food at Restaurant Pao. On our final morning, we indulged in the Radisson’s impressive breakfast buffet and did some shopping along Karl Johans gate before catching a stress-free, 20-minute train to the airport.

Why a Hiking Holiday in Jotunheimen is Unforgettable

Magnetic North’s scenic hiking adventure in Jotunheim was spectacular! This unique region of Norway has it all! Delicious local food, fantastic hiking, crystal-clear wild swimming spots and cosy hotels. With smooth, reliable transport and thoughtful touches throughout, it was the perfect, stress-free break from the daily grind.

Tusen takk, Magnetic North!

We’re so pleased our prize went to such adventurous travellers — thank you to Alice and Rudy, for sharing your wonderful story. If you’d like to experience your own Norway hiking trip just like theirs, you can take a look at the Heart of Jotunheimen Hiking Tour  itinerary.