Besseggen Ridge | Norway, 2009

Distance:  9.3 miles (15 km)

Avg.Time:  5 to 6 hours

Start / Finish:

• Gjendesheim – Memurubu

• Gjendesheim is accessible by regular public transport. See VisitNorway.com for details.

• From Memurubu you can catch a ferry boat back to Gjendesheim.

Season:  June to September

Maps / Info:

• Map: The excellent 1:100,000 Jotunheimen published by Ugland IT is all you need for navigation. It is widely available in bookshops and outdoor stores throughout Norway.

• GPS: See the Hiking Project for a GPX file of the trail.

• Water: Fill up your bottles before leaving Gjendesheim; there is no water to be found until about halfway through the walk.

• Literary History: Outside of the hiking world, Besseggen is perhaps best known for being referenced in Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, Peer Gynt.

Route / Conditions:

• The route is well marked by intermittent cairns. The hike is not technically difficult, although care must be taken on the steep and rocky descent to Memurubu.

• The walk is completely exposed. In fine weather, this makes for incredible views. When conditions are not so great, you will definitely want to have a good rain jacket, an insulating layer and a sense of humour.

• If you have the time and energy, I recommend making your hike a round trip by returning to Gjendesheim by way of the trail along the northern shore of Lake Gjende.

Sleeping:

• Accommodation is available at Gjendesheim Lodge. See the Scandinavian Mountains website for details. Alternatively, start late afternoon and camp up on the ridge. Sunset views are incredible. Note: It can be windy. Be sure to pitch your shelter as tautly as possible.

Overview:

• Justifiably Norway’s most popular day hike. Gorgeous vistas from start to finish.

• Avoid the crowds by overnighting at or near Gjendesheim and making an early start the following day.