Daily Itinerary

Arrive in Oslo. Our group will meet group at 5:00 p.m. We will meet our Norwegian guide after dinner. Hikers often have some time earlier in the day to sightsee. Dinner is not covered, but we get together near the hotel this first night.       

We travel from Oslo to Gjendeheim in the Jotenheimen National Park by bus, then by boat to the other end of the 18 km. glacial Lake Gjende. Stay at DNT hut Gjendebu. Breakfast and dinner provided. Lunch en route is not covered.

We will hike 6-7 hrs. from Gjendebu to Memurubu lodge on the high route along the lake with spectacular 360 degree views of peaks and glaciers. We can send part of our backpack weight by boat if we wish. Memurubu is a very nice private lodge.

We will take what many consider Norway’s most popular hike from Memurubu to Gjendesheim along the Besseggen ridge, a high narrow route made famous in Peer Gynt by author Henrik Ibsen. A 6-7 hr. hike. Those who don’t like high edge trails can opt to take a boat instead for a small cost, and again, part of our backpack weight can be sent by boat if we wish. Gjendesheim hut is one of DNT’s oldest mountain lodges.

We will take an early boat back to Gjendebu, and then hike up the river valley to DNT hut at Leirvassbu, a 6 hr hike. May see reindeer! 

We will hike from Leirvassbu SW to Skogadalsbøen. The first part of the hike follows an old transport road, now closed to any motorized vehicle, which make this part easy. Further down in the valley we’ll pass many beautiful small waterfalls. Skogadalsbøen, a DNT hut, sits high up in the hillside with a magnificent view. There is no road access, so a helicopter is used to bring in food and goods. A 7 hr. hike.

Hike from Skogadalsbøen to Hjelle, and continue by van to Aurlandsdal’s Steinbergsdals hut. A 7-8 hr hike descending the valley gradually. This is a very cozy hut with enough antiques to make it a little museum.

Start down Norway’s famous Aurlandsdalen east-west historic trade route, hiking from Steinbergsdalshytte to Østerbø.  An easy 4-5 hr hike.

A 7 hr. hike along the last stretch of this valley, from Østerbø to Vassbygdi. Stunning views of gorges, waterfalls and old summer farm buildings. Some steep gravely pitches. Take bus to Heimly Pensjionat, a small private hotel close to the fjord in Flåm.  A 7 hr hike

Breakfast at Pension. Tour Aurlandsdal fjord by special ferry from Flåm to Gudvangen. Minivan to tiny village of Undredal; guided tour of oldest, continuous-functioning church in Norway; lunch is provided. Take the van back to Flåm to catch the famous Flåmsbanen train that connects with the train to Bergen. Evening meal not covered.

Spend the day in Bergen sightseeing on our own with many choices: Historic Bryggen District, museums, the waterfront and the funicular to Mt. Fløyen. Visit to Grieg‘s summer home and a concert are possible. Breakfast provided at hotel, but other meals not included in cost. Second night in Hotel Bristol.

Take 7 hr. train ride from Bergen to Olso, ranked as one of the world’s most scenic rail trips. Breakfast provided at hotel; other meals not covered. Stay again in Olso’s Hotel Spectum. Gather for our last meal in Oslo if time permits.

Final breakfast at the hotel. Departure for home. Transportation and meals beyond breakfast today are not covered.