Join NOLS Alumni for another fantastic trip to the Scandinavian wilderness! The sublime snow capped peaks of Norway’s Jotunheimen mountains are one of Europe’s most impressive natural backdrops. This trip traverses glacial valleys filled with alpine lakes, meadows and rocky paths that immerse you in exquisite northern wilderness.
Photo Credit: Simon Beames
The trip begins in Oslo. This vibrant city sits on the Oslofjord and is well worth a couple extra days visit if you can extend your trip. We will kick things off with an evening orientation at a hotel provided by NOLS in Oslo’s lively downtown. Instructors will review our route, check participant gear and answer any last questions.
The next morning begins with a shuttle to the trailhead at Gjende Lake. Gjende Lake is famous for its turquoise color, a result of sediment suspended in glacial melt from the surrounding peaks. This lake is a popular trekking destination for Norwegians and the jumping off point for our hike into the mountains.
Photo Credit: Simon Beames
From Gjende Lake we will trek towards our first hut along the Besseggen Ridge. The trail follows the thin edge of this fin-like feature giving us a taste of exposure and crisp mountain air. This day is a highlight, with panoramic views of Lake Gjende, Lake Bessvatnet and the rugged mountains that fill the horizon.
Hiking days on this trip range from 5 - 11 miles on well marked, rocky trails. Most days on this trip are an intermediate level of hiking, but a couple days at the beginning and end of the trip will be more challenging with significant elevation changes and exposed trail hiking.
Photo Credit: Simon Beames
We will arrive at our designated hut around mid to late afternoon each day. All the huts on this trip except one are fully staffed and include excellent meals. The sleeping quarters are bunk room style with the rooms varying in size and capacity. Cozy fireplaces, down duvets, and showers are standard in these Norwegian huts and are welcome comforts on this early fall trip.
Visiting the Jotunheimen in early fall helps us avoid the summer crowds, but we can still expect to mingle with other travelers from Norway, Europe and around the world. This is part of the lively experience of trekking between mountain huts.
Mid-trip, we will stay a night at Olavsbu, the only non-serviced hut along the route. Charming and comfortable in its own right, Olavsbu has a stocked pantry and hut kitchen where we will cook our meals together in NOLS expedition style.
Photo Credit: Simon Beames
The highest mountain range in Norway, Jotunheimen Mountains are full of character and lore. The name“Jotunheimen” comes from Norse mythology that believes that “Jötunn” or giants made their home among these mountains.
Photo Credit: Simon Beames
This grand backstory fits the Jotunheimen’s grand profile. Gabbro, an erosion-resistant igneous rock gives the mountains their distinct appearance. Jagged glaciated peaks hover over verdant valleys and alpine lakes making the terrain on this trip varied and ever changing.
Nearing the end of our trip, we will stay at Fannaråkhytta, the highest hut in Norway. We will hike almost 1200 meters or slightly less than 4,000 feet up in elevation on this day, making it the most challenging of the trip. However, the surrounding snowy peaks and picturesque views from this exceptional hut make it worth the effort.
Our last day of hiking will bring us out of the mountains and down to the Turtagrø Hotel just outside of the Jotunheimen National park. The next morning, we will take a shuttle back to Oslo where we will celebrate our trek together with a final dinner out in Oslo.
This trip is an excellent way to reconnect with NOLS and meet other outdoor minded alumni in a beautiful mountain setting. As always, a good dose of humor and Expedition Behavior is necessary for confronting the unexpected on any pilot trip.
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