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.
Please Note: Hotel and Room Types subject to change – contact our team for further information.
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.
Located at the eastern edge of Lake Bygdin at the foot of the Jotunheimen mountains, Bygdin Høifieldshotell is a historic mountain retreat that offers a step back into Norway’s golden age of alpine exploration. Established in 1897, this charming hotel has maintained its traditional character for over 125 years, featuring wood-paneled lounges and original 1930s furniture. It serves as a welcoming base for hikers and skiers, run with a personal touch by the Oxhovd/Svalesen family, who provide a warm atmosphere complete with a crackling fireplace and local mountain hospitality.
The hotel is a premier gateway to the “Gjende Alps,” situated over 1,000 metres above sea level and ideally placed for exploring famous trails like Bitihorn. In summer, the historic M/B Bitihorn boat departs from the hotel’s doorstep to ferry adventurers across the lake, while winter transforms the landscape into a cross-country skiing paradise with trails connecting to nearby Beitostølen. After a day in the wilderness, guests can enjoy hearty three-course dinners and famous homemade cinnamon rolls, making it a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and traditional comfort.
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.
Located at the eastern edge of Lake Bygdin at the foot of the Jotunheimen mountains, Bygdin Høifieldshotell is a historic mountain retreat that offers a step back into Norway’s golden age of alpine exploration. Established in 1897, this charming hotel has maintained its traditional character for over 125 years, featuring wood-paneled lounges and original 1930s furniture. It serves as a welcoming base for hikers and skiers, run with a personal touch by the Oxhovd/Svalesen family, who provide a warm atmosphere complete with a crackling fireplace and local mountain hospitality.
The hotel is a premier gateway to the “Gjende Alps,” situated over 1,000 metres above sea level and ideally placed for exploring famous trails like Bitihorn. In summer, the historic M/B Bitihorn boat departs from the hotel’s doorstep to ferry adventurers across the lake, while winter transforms the landscape into a cross-country skiing paradise with trails connecting to nearby Beitostølen. After a day in the wilderness, guests can enjoy hearty three-course dinners and famous homemade cinnamon rolls, making it a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and traditional comfort.
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 eastern edge of Lake Bygdin at the foot of the Jotunheimen mountains, Bygdin Høifieldshotell is a historic mountain retreat that offers a step back into Norway’s golden age of alpine exploration. Established in 1897, this charming hotel has maintained its traditional character for over 125 years, featuring wood-paneled lounges and original 1930s furniture. It serves as a welcoming base for hikers and skiers, run with a personal touch by the Oxhovd/Svalesen family, who provide a warm atmosphere complete with a crackling fireplace and local mountain hospitality.
The hotel is a premier gateway to the “Gjende Alps,” situated over 1,000 metres above sea level and ideally placed for exploring famous trails like Bitihorn. In summer, the historic M/B Bitihorn boat departs from the hotel’s doorstep to ferry adventurers across the lake, while winter transforms the landscape into a cross-country skiing paradise with trails connecting to nearby Beitostølen. After a day in the wilderness, guests can enjoy hearty three-course dinners and famous homemade cinnamon rolls, making it a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and traditional comfort.
Gjendebu is the oldest lodge in the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) network, established in 1871. Located at the secluded western end of Lake Gjende in Jotunheimen National Park, it serves as a historic and central hub for hikers. The property is a staffed lodge during the summer and Easter seasons, offering a blend of traditional mountain charm and modern amenities, while operating as a self-service cabin during the off-season.
The accommodation follows a high “DNT standard,” focusing on a communal and authentic atmosphere. With 119 beds, the lodge offers a variety of staying options, from small 1-3 person rooms and 4-6 bed family rooms to larger dormitories. For a more unique experience, guests can stay in a traditional lavvo (Sami tent) or a restored historic summer barn. Regardless of the room type, facilities such as toilets and showers are shared and located in the corridors of the sleeping quarters.
A stay at Gjendebu is rooted in mountain tradition, meaning guests must use a personal liner/sleep sack or rent bed linen rather than using sleeping bags. The experience is highly social, centred around shared meals in the dining room and relaxing in cozy communal lounges. It is a place where the standard is defined by its proximity to nature and the shared camaraderie of the hiking community.
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.
Gjendebu is the oldest lodge in the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) network, established in 1871. Located at the secluded western end of Lake Gjende in Jotunheimen National Park, it serves as a historic and central hub for hikers. The property is a staffed lodge during the summer and Easter seasons, offering a blend of traditional mountain charm and modern amenities, while operating as a self-service cabin during the off-season.
The accommodation follows a high “DNT standard,” focusing on a communal and authentic atmosphere. With 119 beds, the lodge offers a variety of staying options, from small 1-3 person rooms and 4-6 bed family rooms to larger dormitories. For a more unique experience, guests can stay in a traditional lavvo (Sami tent) or a restored historic summer barn. Regardless of the room type, facilities such as toilets and showers are shared and located in the corridors of the sleeping quarters.
A stay at Gjendebu is rooted in mountain tradition, meaning guests must use a personal liner/sleep sack or rent bed linen rather than using sleeping bags. The experience is highly social, centred around shared meals in the dining room and relaxing in cozy communal lounges. It is a place where the standard is defined by its proximity to nature and the shared camaraderie of the hiking community.
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.
Gjendebu is the oldest lodge in the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) network, established in 1871. Located at the secluded western end of Lake Gjende in Jotunheimen National Park, it serves as a historic and central hub for hikers. The property is a staffed lodge during the summer and Easter seasons, offering a blend of traditional mountain charm and modern amenities, while operating as a self-service cabin during the off-season.
The accommodation follows a high “DNT standard,” focusing on a communal and authentic atmosphere. With 119 beds, the lodge offers a variety of staying options, from small 1-3 person rooms and 4-6 bed family rooms to larger dormitories. For a more unique experience, guests can stay in a traditional lavvo (Sami tent) or a restored historic summer barn. Regardless of the room type, facilities such as toilets and showers are shared and located in the corridors of the sleeping quarters.
A stay at Gjendebu is rooted in mountain tradition, meaning guests must use a personal liner/sleep sack or rent bed linen rather than using sleeping bags. The experience is highly social, centred around shared meals in the dining room and relaxing in cozy communal lounges. It is a place where the standard is defined by its proximity to nature and the shared camaraderie of the hiking community.
Fondsbu is a vibrant and highly popular lodge situated at Eidsbugarden, on the western shore of Lake Bygdin in the Jotunheimen mountains. Known for its lively and “homey” atmosphere, the lodge is run by the legendary host Solbjørg Kvålshaugen, who has infused the property with a reputation for exceptional local food, music, and a warm, social heartbeat. It is a key destination both in summer, when it is accessible by road or boat (M/S Bitihorn), and in winter, when guests arrive by iconic snow coaches from Tyin.
The lodge offers 100 beds distributed between a renovated main building and a modern annex. Accommodation varies from 2-bed and 4-bed rooms to a dormitory. A notable upgrade in the main building’s 12 twin rooms is the inclusion of private sinks with hot and cold water, providing a slightly higher level of convenience than many other DNT cabins. However, consistent with the standard mountain lodge experience, all toilets and showers are shared and located in the corridors of both buildings.
Life at Fondsbu centers around the cosy fireplace in the lounge, the attic library, and the dining room, where meals are prepared from scratch using local produce. Guests follow the standard DNT protocol of using a personal liner or renting bed linen. Whether you are there for a single night or a longer stay, the focus is on “relaxed coexistence” with fellow travellers from around the world, making it one of the most social and beloved hubs in the Norwegian mountains.
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.
Fondsbu is a vibrant and highly popular lodge situated at Eidsbugarden, on the western shore of Lake Bygdin in the Jotunheimen mountains. Known for its lively and “homey” atmosphere, the lodge is run by the legendary host Solbjørg Kvålshaugen, who has infused the property with a reputation for exceptional local food, music, and a warm, social heartbeat. It is a key destination both in summer, when it is accessible by road or boat (M/S Bitihorn), and in winter, when guests arrive by iconic snow coaches from Tyin.
The lodge offers 100 beds distributed between a renovated main building and a modern annex. Accommodation varies from 2-bed and 4-bed rooms to a dormitory. A notable upgrade in the main building’s 12 twin rooms is the inclusion of private sinks with hot and cold water, providing a slightly higher level of convenience than many other DNT cabins. However, consistent with the standard mountain lodge experience, all toilets and showers are shared and located in the corridors of both buildings.
Life at Fondsbu centers around the cosy fireplace in the lounge, the attic library, and the dining room, where meals are prepared from scratch using local produce. Guests follow the standard DNT protocol of using a personal liner or renting bed linen. Whether you are there for a single night or a longer stay, the focus is on “relaxed coexistence” with fellow travellers from around the world, making it one of the most social and beloved hubs in the Norwegian mountains.
