This hike combines our popular Discover Jotunheimen Green Route with two days of hiking along the King's Road.
This tour is designed for hikers of average fitness levels, with some basic hiking and outdoor skills. You are not only interested in experiencing the impressive and untouched Jotunheimen National Park but also in the more cultural and mankind-influenced stretches along the King's Road.
Description
Experience the nature of the magical Jotunheimen National Park, by hiking through valleys to see some of Norway's highest peaks and sleeping at historical accommodations serving local food. The terrain in Jotunheimen is rockier than what you may be used to. But with day stretches at about 12 kilometers and 5-600 accent meters, this should be affordable for the trekkers in average shape and with some hiking experience. You will also get the chance to reach some of the easier peaks in the area. The last days at Kingsrad will be a travel back in time. Here there are a lot of history, and the hikes will be easier than the start of the trip.
Day 1
Transport: Take the Valdresekspressen from Oslo to Jotunheimen.
Activity: Hike Synshorn
Time: 1-2 hours, Distance: 5 kilometers, ↑ 450 meters
Synshorn is located at 1457 m.a.s.l. and offers a fantastic view of Jotunheimen. The trails are easy to walk and vary between some soft terrain and more rocky terrain near the top.
Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldshotel
Day 2
Activity: Hike Bitihorn
Time: 4-6 hours, Distance: 10 kilometers, ↑ 600 meters
Bitihorn is an iconic mountain at 1607 m.a.s.l. and is a classic route at Bygdin. It is one of the simpler peaks in the area and is well-suited for beginners and mountaineers. At the top, you get a fantastic panoramic view of large parts of Valdres.
Accommodation: Bygdin Høyfjellshotel
Day 3
Transport: Boat cruise. You will sail with historical M/B Bitihorn from Bygdin to Torfinnsbu, where your hike starts (45 min).
Activity: Hike Svartdalen (the Black Valley)
Time: 6-8 hours, Distance: 14 kilometers, ↑ 610 meters
Svartdalen is a very beautiful valley with views of many 2000-meter peaks and glaciers. However, it is not an easy hike since the trail is quite rocky and good surefootedness and poles are an advantage. In the end, a steep downhill awaits you – under wet conditions, this part can be quite slippery too. Take your time to come safely to the next cabin.
Accommodation: Gjendebu DNT-cabin
Day 4
Restday. This day you can enjoy a rest day in the beautiful environment at Gjendebu.
Alternative 1 is Hike Gjendetunga
Time: 3-5 hours, Distance: 10 km, ↑520 meters
Gjendetunga towers over the cabin Gjendebu and is a trip you will not want to miss if you are in this area. On a clear day, we enjoy lunch at the top with a 360-degree beautiful view of green Gjende, and the mountain massifs to the east and west. But be aware that there is a shorter steep section that can be a bit challenging especially when wet.
Alternative 2 is Hike Bukkelægre round tour
Time: 3-6 hours, Distance: 14 km, ↑550 meters
If you are up for something more challenging, this hike is beautiful and exciting. You start by the lake before climbing a steep hill up almost 500 meters to Bukkelægre. Up at the ridge you hike in easy terrain towards beautiful Storådalen. And then the last 4 kilometers you follow the river Storåa back to Gjendebu. Be aware, this hike has got an even steeper and longer steep section with changes to hold on to, than the hike to Gjendetunga.
Accommodation: Gjendebu DNT-cabin
Day 5
Activity: Hike Veslådalen
Time: 5-7 hours, Distance: 16 kilometers, ↑516 meters
The hike between Gjendebu and Eidsbugarden goes between the lakes Gjende and Bygdin in Jotunheimen National Park. From Gjendebu, the trip goes through Veslådalen before ending at Eidsbugarden.
Accommodation: Fondsbu DNT-cabin
Day 6
Transport: Bus Eidsbugarden–Tyinkrysset
Activity: Hike Kingsroad, Kyrkjestølen to Maristova
Time: 4 hours, Distance: 10.7 km, ↑350 meters
Between Kyrkjestølen and Maristova, you will cross the actual Filefjell and reach Kongevegen’s highest point with spectacular views of the Hurrungane peaks.
Here you can see what it meant to build a road according to «the French principle». It was as straight a line as possible, with great emphasis on drainage and foundation work, but without any particular consideration for the character of the terrain.
Pick up and transfer back to Filefjellstuene.
Accommodation: Filefjellstuene
Day 7
Activity: Hike the King's Road Vindhellavegen and Galdane
Time: 6,5 hours, Distance: appr. 10 km
Today you start your hike at the well-preserved stave church of Borgund (from 1180). Here you can find an exhibition and we recommend visiting the church (extra fee). From here you will go down the Vindhellavegen – the most spectacular and popular part of the Kingsroad. Depending on your hiking speed you can proceed further down along the Galdane Canyon and the spectacular Lærdals river.
Pick up along the road and transfer back to Filefjellstuene.
Accommodation: Filefjellstuene
Day 8
Departure
Bus: Tyinkrysset to Oslo
Add on
*Go to Bergen instead of Oslo:
You can choose to end your trip in Bergen instead of Oslo. Then you will skip the last cruise to Bygdin and take the bus from your last accommodation.
*Fjord cruise from Flåm to Bergen (5 hours):
When ending your trip to Bergen, you can travel the last bit by cruise boat from Fåm to Bergen. This is a perfect way to also experience Norway's beautiful and deep fjords.
*Extra night in Bergen:
Norway's second-largest city, surrounded by mountains and fjords. Well worth seeing.
*Extra night in Oslo
If you are interested in seeing the capital of Norway, or your flight is arriving late, you can add one extra night in Oslo, including breakfast. You can also add it at the end of the trip.
Important details:
To fully enjoy your hiking adventure in the mountainous areas, it's important to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and local temperatures. For a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend wearing warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy mountain hiking boots that provide ankle support, and sunscreen and sunglasses. It is not recommended to wear trail runners, everyday shoes, or sneakers. We also recommend bringing hiking poles in this type of terrain.
Luggage transport:
We will send your luggage from cabin to cabin, so you only need to bring a daypack.
Accommodation
At Bygdin and Filefjellstuene you will get a private bathroom with a toilet and shower. In the Dnt cabins, you will meet a traditional atmosphere where the rooms have bunk beds and bathrooms and showers are in the hall.
Bygdin Høyfjellshotell:
This hotel has a long tradition of hosting active mountain people who want to visit Jotunheimen. Even though many rooms were renovated you will get a historical atmosphere. The food is sure to be the highlight of your stay. Dinner is made from local ingredients and comes to taste great.
Gjendebu DNT-cabin:
At 990 m.a.s.l. at the west end of Gjende Lake, you will find Gjendebu totally remote except for access by hiking or boat. The DNT accommodation consists of several cabins and a main house with a beautiful dining room, with good local food – This is the oldest cabin of DNT, built in 1871.
Fondsbu DNT-cabin:
Fondsbu is located in beautiful Eidsbugarden. The cottage is widely known for its good atmosphere, hosts, and great location. A popular place for hikers.
Filefjellstuene:
Here you will get a cozy cabin feeling. Food is served in the main building close by. Once a traditional mountain farm, now a modern mountain lodge with comfortable rooms in cabins with en suite bathrooms, and a great restaurant in the main lodge.
Meals
All restaurants offer food based on local ingredients. For breakfast, there will be a buffet. Here you also need to make yourself a packed lunch that you bring for the day. At arrival, you will receive from us a food wrap you can use to pack your lunch. It is possible to fill a thermos. Dinner will be served in the afternoon/evening.
Route Our selected daily hikes are well-marked, and you will meet other hikers. The trails are narrow, often rocky, and sometimes you need to cross rivers and streams. Therefore, we recommend ankle-height mountain boots and hiking poles.
You will receive a physical map and gpx files from us on arrival and a detailed tour description for orientation.
Equipment list
When you book with us, we'll provide you with a packing list to ensure you have all the necessary clothing and gear.
Transport
Travel green by using public transport. Experience the convenience of choosing from various departure times and travel destinations along our express bus routes. Share your travel plans with us, and we'll take care of the arrangements, ensuring a stress-free experience for you.
Highlights:
Hiking in Jotunheimen National Park
Hiking along the King's Road
Delicious local food at historic accommodations
Included:
Bus transport from/to Oslo
Transport to the King's Road
Luggage transport
Accommodation incl. bedlinen, towels
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Detailed tour description
Map
Prices 2024:
Adult in double room NOK 17.495
Singedouble room suppl. NOK 4.760
Dates/Seesong:
June–August daily departures
First arrival day 26.06.2024
Last arrival day 28.08.2024
Duration: 8 days
Difficulty: Medium
Add on:
Leaving towards Bergen instead of Oslo: NOK 150
Fjord cruise from Flåm to Bergen (5 hours): NOK 1 485
Extra night in Oslo or Bergen:
-A person in a double room NOK 1.350
-Singel room suppl. Oslo NOK 495
-Singel room suppl. Bergen NOK 650
