The Norway Trail

Arrive in Oslo and take the train to Dombås

Your adventure begins the moment you land at Oslo Gardermoen Airport. From the airport station, take the train north to Dombås, a small mountain village on the doorstep of Norway’s national parks. Along the way, forests and fields gradually give way to increasingly wild mountains, the perfect warm-up for your eyes.

In Dombås, drop your bags off at the hotel. Around 6:00 p.m., a local ranger will brief you on the route, the weather and mountain safety. It’s the perfect time to ask any questions you may have and meet your future hiking companions. Lunch and dinner are up to you today, so take the opportunity to explore the village and get into the spirit of the adventure.

Arriving early? Take the opportunity to explore Oslo!

If you arrive the day before, take some time to visit Oslo. All you need to do is book your own accommodation for that night. Trains to Dombås also leave from Oslo Central Station. You can find all the information about the train here.

Transfer to Spiterstulen and ascent of Galdhøpiggen

After breakfast at the hotel, our shuttle takes you from Dombås to the heart of Jotunheimen, to the Spiterstulen mountain lodge.

Leave any unnecessary belongings at the lodge, then set off with everything you need for the day to climb Galdhøpiggen (2 469 m), the highest peak in Norway and all of Northern Europe. The trail climbs steeply out of the Visdalen valley, followed by a long ascent over rocks and boulders, with patches of snow clinging to the slopes near the summit even in summer. After passing the subsidiary summit of Keilhaus topp, the ridge leads you to the top, where a small stone hut awaits. On a clear day, the whole of Jotunheimen stretches out below you.

You descend by the same route. It’s a long way down, so hiking poles really make a difference. Back at the lodge, a hearty meal and a warm bed are the perfect reward for your effort.

The summit attempt only goes ahead if conditions are good. If there’s fog, strong wind or fresh snow, we’ll opt for a shorter hike in the Visdalen valley instead.

From Spiterstulen to Leirvassbu: through the Visdalen valley

Today’s stage is gentler, giving your legs a chance to recover. The trail heads south up the Visdalen valley, following a glacial river with peaks well over 2,000 metres rising on either side.

The ascent is gradual and the terrain fairly easy, with a few rocky sections, boardwalks across wet ground and small streams to cross. After around 6 km, you leave the valley and head west towards Leirvassbu, where the landscape becomes wilder and rockier.

You arrive at  Leirvassbu (at around 1,400 m), beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Leirvatnet, facing the pointed peak of Kyrkja, meaning “the Church”. Still have some energy left? A short walk around the lodge offers even more views.

From Leirvassbu to Gjendebu: the highlight of the route, all the way to Lake Gjende

The longest day of the trail, and one of the most varied. You leave Leirvassbu, follow the shores of the small Høgvagltjønnane lakes and enter an isolated high-mountain landscape where you rarely come across other hikers.

You follow the rocky shores of Lake Langvatnet, pass Hellefossen waterfall, then descend into the broad Storådalen valley. Gradually, the rock gives way to greenery and the trail becomes gentler underfoot.

At the end of the valley, you reach the western tip of Lake Gjende, famous for its glacier-fed emerald water. Tonight’s refuge,  Gjendebu, is one of Norway’s oldest, set right on the lakeshore.

From Gjendebu to Memurubu: Bukkelægeret and views over Lake Gjende

A shorter stage, but one full of character. After a completely flat warm-up along the river and lake, the trail climbs steeply up Bukkelægeret, a rocky section equipped with chains and cables on the steepest parts. It requires concentration and sure footing, so take your time.

Once you reach the top, the reward is waiting: one of the most beautiful stretches of the trek, with kilometres of open plateau, small lakes, wildflowers in summer and breathtaking views over Lake Gjende, far below.

A steep, rocky descent brings you to Memurubu, a lively mountain lodge on the shores of Lake Gjende. Take in the view, relax and save some energy: tomorrow, it’s Besseggen.

From Memurubu to Gjendesheim: the legendary Besseggen Ridge

The grand finale! Today, you’ll hike Besseggen, one of Norway’s most famous mountain trails. Starting in Memurubu, you’ll cross the ridge in the classic direction, without taking a boat.

After a steep climb, you’ll cross a plateau with sweeping views over Lake Gjende. Then comes the iconic moment: the narrow ridge between two lakes in completely different colours, emerald-green Gjende on one side and deep-blue Bessvatnet, almost 400 metres higher, on the other.

The ridge itself involves a short scramble where you’ll sometimes use your hands. It’s exposed, but very popular and well marked. In bad weather, we’ll take the safer alternative: the boat across Lake Gjende from Memurubu to Gjendesheim.

After the ridge, a wide trail crosses the plateau before a long descent to Gjendesheim, at the eastern end of Lake Gjende. You’ve done it: from the roof of Norway to Besseggen, around 70 km through Jotunheimen! Treat yourself to a Norwegian waffle before our shuttle takes you back to Dombås, where you’ll spend the night at the hotel. Dinner is free this evening, the perfect chance to celebrate together in the village.

From Dombås to Oslo: back to the city

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll catch the train from Dombås to Oslo. Take one last look at the mountains as the landscape gradually changes.

The afternoon is yours to explore Norway’s capital at your own pace: stroll along the waterfront at Aker Brygge, walk across the Opera House roof or take a break in one of the city’s many cafés. Lunch and dinner are up to you today.

For your final night, the choice is yours: book your own accommodation in the city centre, or keep things simple and reserve a bed at an optional hostel.

Heading home feeling completely refreshed

All good things must come to an end. From Oslo Central Station, the airport express train (Flytoget) gets you to Oslo Gardermoen in around 20 minutes.

Time to head home with a clear mind and unforgettable memories of Jotunheimen.