Alpinia Travel

Welcome to this new blog post! The Besseggen hike is one of the most challenging – but also beautiful – hikes in Norway. In this blog post you will find out everything you need to know.

One of Norway’s most known hikes

The beautiful Gjende Lake is located at Jotunheimen National Park. One of Norway’s most famous hiking routes leads over the mountain ridge on the north side of the lake: the Besseggen hike.

As good as it all sounds at first, the hike is not easy. There are many steep and narrow places. In general, the hike is not for absolute hiking beginners.

The Besseggen hike

If you bring yourself to do the hike, you will be rewarded with a unique experience. The views you see during the hike are definitely worth the effort. The path stretches over 14 kilometers and is more than 1000 meters above sea level.

It is very important to have good equipment with you. The weather in Norway can change very quickly, so good rain and wind protection is important. You should also definitely have enough to drink (at least two liters of water) and food with you. Good hiking shoes are also a must. In some places you have to climb and without the right shoes it can be dangerous. The hike can take six to ten hours depending on your speed and breaks. It took me 8.5 hours to complete the hike with regular short breaks and one long break (one hour).

From Gjendesheim to Memurubu

The hike can be done from two directions. The more difficult option is to start in Gjendesheim and hike to Memurubu. The other option is to take the ferry from Gjendesheim to Memurubu and hike back over the ridge to Gjendesheim.

In Gjendesheim there is a cafe with food, parking and free toilets. The ferry leaves right next to the cafe. While you wait for the ferry you can admire the beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and take some great photos.

Waterfalls

On the way across the lake to Memurubu you can already discover several waterfalls. You can see them again and again during the hike. You even have to cross some waterfalls, but they are really small. Nevertheless, it is very adventurous.

The first part of the hike

The first part of the hike is often underestimated. In fact, it is very strenuous, even if you don’t have to climb here. Nevertheless, the path is relatively steep in order to get to the ridge as quickly as possible. Since the body is not yet warmed up here, but is immediately confronted with a great effort, this part of the route is relatively challenging.

But you have a wonderful view of the surrounding area. Further down there are a few trees and bushes, then grassland, until finally the vegetation comes to an end as the altitude increases.

On the mountain ridge

The higher you go, the further and more breathtaking the view becomes. You can see the other mountain peaks, glaciers and lakes that stretch down the valley. There are many beautiful photo spots along the way. You can also enjoy the great view during every break you take.

After the first part of the hike – which takes about an hour – you will already be on the mountain ridge. It then continues pretty flat for a few kilometers, where you can gather your strength again.

The climbing part

About halfway along the hike is the steepest part where you have to climb. You reach a narrow rocky ridge that separates Lake Gjende and the smaller lake Bessvatnet. In the latter you can cool down with a short swim before the climb. However, the water temperatures are very cool at this altitude of over 1000 meters.

When climbing, some rocks are so large that you sometimes have to pull yourself up with both hands. The mountain ridge is also relatively narrow. However, I personally imagined this part to be more challenging than it actually was. With increased attention and calm, this part can be managed without problems.

Arrived at the highest point

After the steep part you have to walk slightly uphill until you reach the highest point of the hike. Here it is as if you had landed on another planet. A stone desert stretches in front of your feet as far as the eye can see. And your eyes can see really far at this point. Kilometers of deserted landscape. It’s fascinating.

There is also a large cairn at the top. The Norwegian tradition is that once you get to the top, you take a stone from the surrounding area and place it on the stone pyramid.

Breathtaking views

From the cairn it goes downhill again for a few kilometers until you arrive back in Gjendesheim. This final part of the hike is pleasant and not particularly steep. So you can enjoy the view even better. This is breathtaking. A vast natural landscape, like something out of a picture book. It reminded me a lot of some of the landscapes in the southwestern United States.

As we all know, pictures are worth a thousand words, but you still have to see it with your own eyes!

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Thank you for reading this blog post! I wish you a nice day and see you soon!

Zsofia