Overview
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Besseggen hike overview
14,3 km
743 m
1100 m
6 to 8 hours
A to B hike
Easy - Moderate - Difficult - Expert
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General information
The Besseggen mountain ridge, located in Jotunheimen National Park, is one of Norway’s most famous hikes, alongside Trolltunga and Preikestolen. This dramatic ridge separates the calm Bessvatnet from the striking turquoise of Gjende Lake.
Hiking the Besseggen Ridge is not for the faint-hearted. It is a long and demanding hike with some steep sections, where you have to climb with your hands and feet. The hike over the mountain ridge is 14,3 kilometers, with a total elevation gain of around 1100 m.
Tip! On the other side of the Gjende Lake, you will find the little brother of the Bessegen Ridge: the Knutshoe. Another hike that is definitely worth it!
The ‘official’ Besseggen Ridge hike is a point-to-point hike between Memurubu and Gjendesheim. To get to Memurubu, you have to take a boat over Lake Gjende. This is what we did and it’s also the hike we describe further in this blog post.
You can also hike over Besseggen in the other direction from Gjendesheim and take the boat back from Memurubu. We recommend you take the boat first and start hiking in Memurubu. This way, you do the climbing parts uphill, which we think is safer. Also, if you hike from Gjendesheim to Memurubu, you have to finish your hike before the last return boat at 4.55 pm.
It is also possible to make it a loop hike and walk back along the Gjende lake. We heard that it is not recommended to do this in one day. If you want to do this whole loop hike, it is better to take a tent and stay the night along the trail.
There is another alternative loop hike, that does not require the boat either. This hike is 5 kilometers longer than the common Besseggen hike (19,3km) and takes you around the Bessvatnet. During this hike, you also get an impressive view of the two lakes separated by the ridge.
The Besseggen Ridge hike
If you want to hike in the direction from Memurubu to Gjendesheim, you first have to take the boat. Here, you start ascending a steep path between some little trees. During the first 3,5 km, you ascend around 500 m. It is a tough ascend but you can already enjoy some beautiful views of the surroundings and the Gjende Lake.
After this first steep part, ascending and descending start alternating, so you can catch your breath.
After hiking for around two hours, you start getting a good view of the Bessvatnet and the ridge. Before you get to the ridge, you first have to do a quite steep descent to the lake. This lake marks the halfway point of the hike.
Then it is time to start climbing up the real Besseggen Ridge. From afar, it really looks like a super steep and long climb, but we found it just a little less heavy than it looks. Know that the ridge becomes narrower, the higher you get, and that certain parts are really steep.
You need to use both hands and feet to climb to the top. But once you make it to the top and you turn around, you will see what you did it for. The views of the two lakes separated by the ridge are just truly amazing!
After you made it to the top of the ridge, you conquered the toughest part. From here, you walk further over the mountain plain of Veslfjellet. It’s a little bit more uphill until you come to a huge pile of stones. This is the highest point of the Besseggen Ridge hike.
From this point, it only goes downhill. Be careful because there are also some steep and technical parts on the way down. Follow the signs towards Gjendesheim to get back to the boat terminal.
Best time to visit
The best time to hike the Besseggen Ridge Hike is during summer and fall, from mid-June to mid-October. This is also the period the Gjende boats run.
During the high season in July and August and during the weekends, it can get really crowded along the trail. Also, the boat fills up quickly. We therefore recommend you hike in June or September, to really enjoy the beauty of these surroundings.
In winter, the ridge is filled with ice and snow, making it a dangerous place to hike. You can do the hike in the winter, but only during a guided tour with a specialized guide. There may be snow on the trail until early June.
As there are some steep sections and parts that require gripping both hands and feet, this hike is not recommended in bad weather conditions. This hike is best done on a sunny and clear day.
How to get there
The boat between Memurubu and Gjendesheim
If you want to hike the ‘regular’ Besseggen Ridge point-to-point hike, you have to take a boat to the start or end of your hike. We recommend you first take the boat in Gjendesheim and start your hike in Memurubu. This way, you do the climbing parts uphill.
You have to book your boat tickets at www.gjende.no. It is recommended to book your tickets well in advance, as the Besseggen Ridge hike is a very popular mountain hike and the boat fills up quickly.
Long term parking
If you are traveling with a car or campervan and want to do the complete hike, you have to park your car at Reinsvangen. It’s 1,7 km from the boat terminal, so you have to take the shuttle or walk an extra 1,7 km.
You can find more information and buy your parking and shuttle ticket at www.gjendepark.no. It is also possible to pay for your parking and shuttle ticket at the parking lot, but make sure you arrive in time so you won’t miss your boat.
In the morning, the shuttles drive regularly until the boat leaves. In the afternoon, the shuttle drives back from the boat terminal to the parking lot every half an hour between 3.00 pm and 8.00 pm.
Short term parking
At the Gjende Lake, there is also a parking lot, but this is only for short-term parking (max 2 hours). It is not possible to leave your car here if you want to hike Besseggen.
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Tips & Safety
Important hiking tips!
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
