From £1,191 per person (excluding flights)
This is based on two people sharing a room for 5 nights with breakfast, dinner and packed lunches, including return bus travel from Oslo, baggage transportation, tour description and maps.
This roughly converts to 1,417 EUR | 1,536 USD
Departure days: This is a set 5 night tour with flexible arrival days in July and August.
From Oslo bus station, take the NW161 (Valdresekspressen) to Bygdin, at the foot of the Jotunheimen mountain range (journey time approximately 4 hours 15 minutes). There are direct buses or some with a transfer at Fagernes depending on the day and time. Check-in to the accommodation at Bygdin Mountain Hotel, and if there’s time you can embark on your first hike to stretch the legs after your transfer. The hike takes you to Synshorn, located at 1,457 metres above sea level and offers fantastic views over Jotunheimen. The distance is about 5 kilometres. There are good paths, but as you ascend the path gets a little more rocky. In the evening, enjoy a wholesome meal prepared using local ingredients.
Bygdin Mountain HotelThis atmospheric mountain hotel has been welcoming guests for many years. Rooms are comfortable with a private bathroom and the hotel's restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. Lunch packs can be made from the breakfast table, which is very typical with hotel’s catering for hikers.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast to get you ready for the day’s hike. From the breakfast table you can pack your own lunch items and fill your flasks with hot drinks. Today’s hike is a classic route from the hotel, a distance of 10 km and is suitable for both casual hikers and those more experienced. It takes you to the top of Bitihorn at 1,607 metres above sea level. From the top you’ll get a fantastic panoramic view stretching over the Valdres region in all directions. It is well worth the effort!
Back at the hotel, relax with a delicious meal. The hotel offers two table settings, 18.45 and 20.15. The hotel also has two saunas, one outside and one inside. Private 1 hour sessions can be booked in advance or locally.
You start the day with a scenic boat trip on M/B Bitihorn, taking you across Lake Bygdinvannet from Bygdin to Torfinnsbu. From the lake you can see many of the region's mighty peaks and valleys. On arrival, get ready for another epic day of hiking, this time you’ll wander through Svartdalen, quite often referred to as Jotunheimen’s most beautiful valley. Stop to breathe in the crisp mountain air and enjoy the spectacular views. The hike takes you to Gjendebu DNT Cabin, the oldest tourist cabin in the area, originally dating back to 1871. The facilities are rustic but comfortable, including shared bathrooms.
Located at the end of Lake Gjende in the southern area of Jotunheimen National Park, Gjendebu is the oldest of Norway’s Tourist cabins, dating back to 1871. Over the years it has been refurbished and extended to provide modern facilities for its guests. Rooms quite often have bunk beds which is common in these mountain cabins, and bathroom facilities are shared.
With Gjendebu your base, you have the option of using today as a rest day to enjoy the tranquil setting next to the lake. Or for those wanting to continue hiking there are two options. A hike to Gjendetunga is 10 km and will take 3-5 hours, taking you to its peak with amazing panoramic views from the top. There are tricky sections, especially if wet. Alternatively there is a greater challenge with a hike to Bukkelaegre, a distance of 14 km and can take up to 6 hours. There are steep sections to negotiate before easier parts towards Storadalen and finally heading down to Gjendebu again.
Today you’ll leave Gjendebu behind and take an easier full-day hike, although the distance is 16 km, taking 5-7 hours. The journey takes you to Eidsbugarden and travels between lakes Gjende and Bygdin with lovely scenery in the national park.
Accommodation is based in another Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) Cabin at Fondsbu, located by Lake Bygdin. A hot and wholesome meal will be served in the evening with two table settings, using locally sourced food.Fondsbu DNT Cabin
Fondsbu Cabin is a true mountain hiker's highlight with a cosy and homely atmosphere. Situated at the end of Lake Bygdin, it is a great base to explore the region on good terrain and provides a warm welcome at the end of an active day. Enjoy warming up in front of the fireplace and the homely cooked meals. Accommodation is in bunk rooms with shared bathroom facilities.
The mountain adventure ends today with your final transportation by M/B Bitihorn, crossing the lake and taking you back to Bygdin. From here, you’ll take the bus transfer back to Oslo centre, taking approximately 4 hours.
