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One of our top 10 day hikes in the world

Besseggen Ridge

In Norway’s most popular National Park – Jotunheimen

“Home of the Giants“.

AT A GLANCE

Jotunheimen National Park has most of the highest mountains in Norway
Besseggen … or Besseggi … in Jotunheimen, is a thrilling ridge walk with alpine lakes on either side: Gjende and Bessvatnet.
recommended from the end of June to mid-September
13.3km (8.25mi) plus one-way ferry
6-9 hours
950m elevation gain
highest point, Veslfjellet (1743m)
dogs on leash allowed
trail runners enjoy it

Why We Like This Hike

in good weather it’s stunning and unique. Unforgettable.
route is well signed. You won’t get lost.
Gjende lies almost 400 m lower than Bessvatnet. And the two lakes are different colour, depending on the light.

good chance to see reindeer in the wild
in 2005 the Norwegian government installed stepping stones in some sections to reduce erosion
the Norwegian Mountain Touring Association maintains a number of mountain lodges in the area, if you prefer. Some consider this one of the best developed hut hiking areas in Europe.

Considerations

very dangerous in wet or snowy conditions
very dangerous in low visibility
bring clothing for wet, cold and wind
Footing is rocky. Be careful when making steep, wet down climbs.
There is a chain assist at one point
more than 50,000 hikers each year. It’s crowded on a fine day.
check an interactive elevation map

Cost

Norway is a VERY expensive nation. Everything is costly.

The ferry ticket one-way costs 160 Norwegian krone (2019), about $18.

One of the few ways to save money is to camp for free. Norway has a freedom to roam law. You can camp at almost any unfenced area.

Trekking Guides

None needed. But if you really want one, click through to Gjendeguiden.

Logistics

make arrangements to get to Gjendesheim
- use rome2rio.com to find options

though costly, it’s nice to have your own vehicle in Norway

at the boat launch is expensive Gjendesheim lodge with 185 spaces in 1-, 2- or 4- bed rooms. They have dormitories in a separate house. (We camped for free.)
the restaurant is available for all
Besseggen is a loop with a ferry section.

You walk between Memurubu and Gjendesheim. Memurubu has a lodge and camping, as well. Independent hikers tend to camp outside the official areas at either end.

In Gjendesheim buy a one-way ticket on the Besseggen Boat. There’s no real reason to book in advance online.