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The Jotunheimen National Park in Norway is indeed a natural treasure, offering some of Scandinavia's most spectacular landscapes. This tour provides an opportunity to explore this majestic massif, which boasts Norway's two highest peaks, Galdhopigen (2469 m) and Glittertind (2464 m).
The park is a hiker's paradise, with vast and pristine valleys inhabited by reindeer, ptarmigan, and of course, adventurous hikers trekking between refuges. The sense of isolation and wilderness here is truly extraordinary.
The high mountain terrain is awe-inspiring, with 11 peaks soaring above 2000 meters, often adorned with glaciers that extend down to relatively low elevations. It's a place where the raw beauty of nature takes center stage, offering an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
Itinerary
Subject to changes
We may have to modify the indicated itinerary: either at the level of the organization (problem of overload of the accommodations, duplication of the groups, modification of the state of the ground, landslides, degraded trails, etc.), or directly because of the guide (weather, group level, etc.). These modifications are always made in your interest, for your safety and for a better comfort!
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrive Oslo
Upon your arrival in Oslo, make your own way and check into your hotel located in the city center. Later, you'll have the opportunity to meet your guide and the rest of the group.
The evening is free for you to enjoy your dinner at own cost, and you'll spend the night at the hotel in Oslo.
Day 2
Oslo - Gjendesheim [Walk 1.5h]
You'll travel by bus, specifically the Bussekspress, on a journey of approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes to reach the Gjendesheim refuge, passing through Fagernes along the way. Upon arrival, you'll settle in at the Gjendesheim refuge, situated in the heart of one of Norway's most stunning valleys, overlooking Lake Gjende. This lake spans 20 kilometers between imposing mineral walls. It's worth noting that the name "Jo Gjende" originates from a renowned reindeer hunter from the Sjoa valley, lending his name to the lake.
You'll have dinner and spend the night at the Gjendesheim refuge, soaking in the tranquil ambiance and natural beauty of the area.
Note: You only carry a backpack with the picnic and your belongings for the day.
Day 3
Gjendesheim - Memurubu. Bessegen Hike [6-6.5 hrs, +1000m, -1000m]
The day's adventure begins with the hike from Gjendesheim to Memurubu, a route renowned as Norway's most popular hike, especially known for its stunning views along the Besseggen ridge. The journey commences with an ascent above the Vesifjellet refuge, reaching an elevation of 1743 meters. From this vantage point, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of the expansive Gjende lake, stretching 20 kilometers at an altitude of 984 meters, as well as the mesmerizing Bessvanet lake at 1373 meters, both adorned with hues ranging from turquoise to ultramarine.
Continuing along the Besseggen ridge, you'll traverse its undulating terrain, eventually descending before ascending towards the picturesque Bjornboltjonne lake, situated 100 meters higher. The stage concludes at Memurubu, where you'll have main luggage waiting for you, allowing you to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you.
Dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided at the Memurubu refuge, where you can relish the tranquility and serenity of this mountainous setting.
Note: You only carry a backpack with the picnic and your belongings for the day.
Day 4
Memurubu - Glitterheim [6.5h, +940m, -540m]
We ascend a small pass at 1400 meters to enter the heart of the National Park, where a serene descent leads us to Russvatnet lake. Nestled amidst the peaks of Bessoe and Surtnigssue, this location exudes untouched wilderness. Here, in an ambiance of boundless freedom, we'll follow the lake's shores for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes before crossing an easily navigable pass at 1685 meters. This pass unveils before us the distinctive silhouette of Glittertind, standing at 2465 meters, the second-highest peak in Norway after Galdhøpiggen at 2469 meters.
We'll then descend to the comfortable Glitterheim refuge, situated along the banks of the Veo river. During this stage, you'll be carrying your belongings for 2 nights, ensuring you have what you need for the journey.
Dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided at the Glitterheim refuge, offering a peaceful and rejuvenating experience in the heart of nature.
Day 5
Glitterheim - Spiterstulen, crossing Glittertind, 2465 m [7hrs, +1100m, -1360m]
The route we've planned is contingent on favorable weather conditions. In case of inclement weather, we have an alternative route available via the hanging valley of Veslgluptjonnen and its chain of small lakes.
Interestingly, the summit of Glittertind was historically believed to be the highest in Norway, but this was due to an optical illusion. In reality, the nearby Galdhøpiggen, located on the opposite side of the valley, surpasses Glittertind by 4 meters in height.
The crossing to Glittertind is an exhilarating experience, involving a steady ascent of 1100 meters in altitude to reach the summit. The descent leads us into the Spiterstulen valley, initially along an easy ridge with continuous views of Galdhøpiggen, and then through the moraine of the expansive Visdalen valley.
Throughout this stage, you'll be carrying your belongings for 2 nights, ensuring you're well-equipped for the journey.
Dinner and overnight accommodations await you at the welcoming Spiterstulen refuge, offering a cozy retreat amidst the stunning mountain scenery.
Day 6
Spiterstulen - Gjendebu [6.5-7.5 hrs, +550m, -700m]
We embark on the ascent of the Visdalen valley, making our way through the long Urdadalsbandet pass at 1663 meters. Along this pass, a series of picturesque lakes is scattered, adding to the natural beauty of the surroundings. After traversing the pass, we begin our descent through the Storadalen valley, eventually reaching the charming hamlet of Gjendebu located at the end of Lake Gjende.
At Gjendebu, you'll be reunited with all of your luggage, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided at the Gjendebu refuge, where you can unwind and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the mountainous landscape.
Day 7
Gjendebu - Memurubu - Gjendesheim [4.5-5hrs, +500m, -500m]
Our journey continues as we depart from the birch trees surrounding Gjendebu and make our way towards Memurubu. Along the way, we follow the shoreline of Lake Gjende before embarking on the final ascent of our week-long hiking adventure, leading us to the heights of Memurutunga. The crossing of the plateau between the lakes offers breathtaking views, followed by a descent via a scenic ridge line that brings us to the Memurubu refuge.
To conclude our hiking experience, we'll take a boat for the last 10 kilometers, returning us to the Gjendesheim refuge.
Dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided at the Gjendesheim refuge, offering a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere as you conclude your hiking adventure.
Note: You only carry a backpack with the picnic and your belongings for the day.
Day 8
Gjendesheim - Oslo
The final leg of our journey involves a 4.5-hour bus transfer via Bussekspress to Oslo Gardermoen airport. For those who prefer, there's an option to stay on the bus until it reaches the terminus at Oslo bus station. This marks the end of our memorable stay and hiking adventure.
- Accommodation for 7 nights (1 night hotel, 6 nights refuge)
- Food from breakfast on day 2 to lunch on day 8
- A French-Guide (who may or may not be able to speak English)
- Internal transfers indicated
- Baggage transport provided for in the program
- All airfare & taxes
- Personal gears
- Expenses of a personal nature like laundry, phone calls, alcohol, beverages, cigarettes
- Travel Insurance
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.
- Tips for guide, driver etc.
- Optional activities
- Visa and Visa application fees
- Dinner on day 1
- Any entrance fees
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