Character
A rocky high-mountain loop through the highest range in Scandinavia. Stages aren't extreme in length, but rocky terrain, exposure and secured sections (Bukkelægret, Besseggen) make it physically demanding.
Mountain Treks
JOT Jotunheimen Traverse
A multi-day hut-to-hut loop through Norway's highest mountains. Six stages between DNT huts pass the emerald Lake Gjende, cross rocky ridges and plateaus and culminate in the famous Besseggen ridge — one of Norway's finest hikes.
Overview
Jotunheimen ("home of the giants") is the highest range in Scandinavia, with over two hundred peaks above 2,000 m, including Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind. The loop links the historic huts of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) — Gjendesheim, Glitterheim, Spiterstulen, Leirvassbu, Gjendebu and Memurubu — across rocky ridges, glacier tongues and plateaus. It culminates in the Besseggen ridge between lakes Gjende and Bessvatnet, which National Geographic ranked among the world's twenty best hikes. The terrain is rocky and exposed; the Bukkelægret section is secured with chains.
- Distance
- 90 km
- Time
- 6-8 days
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Total elevation gain
- 5,000 m
Route & profile
Quick orientation of the route line, start, end and elevation profile.
Elevation profileHighest 1,405 m a.s.l. · Leirvassbu
Jotunheimen, Norsko
90 km · 6 stages · ↑ 5,000 m
Approximate point elevations derived from Copernicus DEM GLO-90 after geocoding stage locations via OSM; problematic points manually verified from map or trekking sources. Verify the specific GPX/map before your trip.
Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, displayed via Waymarked Trails.
Planning
From mid-July to the end of August, when huts are staffed and snowfields have melted. Snow lingers on higher sections early in the season; weather is changeable all summer.
What to expect
Who it's for
Fit hikers with sure footing who don't mind rock, fords and changeable Arctic weather. The route needs no climbing skills but a head for exposure.
Suggested pace
The classic loop takes 6 walking days; 7 to 8 days with ascents of Galdhøpiggen or Glittertind and a rest day.
Logistics
Access at Gjendesheim (bus from Otta via Maurvangen). A boat runs along Lake Gjende between the lakeside huts. Book the DNT huts; membership lowers prices.
Resupply & permits
Resupply
Supplies at the start in Gjendesheim; on the trail you eat and sleep at DNT huts (half board or self-service).
Permits & regulations
No permits required. DNT membership is recommended (hut bookings and discounts).
Why go
- A traverse of Scandinavia's highest range, with peaks above 2,000 m.
- The famous Besseggen ridge above emerald Lake Gjende.
- Classic DNT huts and the option to summit Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m).
Watch out for
- Rocky, exposed terrain — sure footing required.
- The Bukkelægret and Besseggen secured sections are steep.
- Arctic weather changes fast and fog hampers navigation.
- The hut season is short (mid-July to August).
Sources
Official
Guides & blogs
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for Jotunheimen Traverse?
From mid-July to the end of August, when huts are staffed and snowfields have melted. Snow lingers on higher sections early in the season; weather is changeable all summer.
How hard is Jotunheimen Traverse?
Jotunheimen Traverse is rated as Hard. A rocky high-mountain loop through the highest range in Scandinavia. Stages aren't extreme in length, but rocky terrain, exposure and secured sections (Bukkelægret, Besseggen) make it physically demanding.
How many days does Jotunheimen Traverse take?
Jotunheimen Traverse usually takes 6–8 days. The classic loop takes 6 walking days; 7 to 8 days with ascents of Galdhøpiggen or Glittertind and a rest day.
Do I need a permit for Jotunheimen Traverse?
No permits required. DNT membership is recommended (hut bookings and discounts).
What about resupply on Jotunheimen Traverse?
Supplies at the start in Gjendesheim; on the trail you eat and sleep at DNT huts (half board or self-service).
Similar treks
POBMountain Treks
Peaks of the Balkans
Kosovo, Albánie, Černá Hora
- Distance
- 192 km
- Time
- 10-13 days
- Difficulty
- Hard
BHW
CWT
HRP
PW
SNTMountain Treks
Scottish National Trail
Skotsko, Velká Británie
- Distance
- 864 km
- Time
- 35-50 days
- Difficulty
- Hard