Overview
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Knutshoe Hike Overview
12,6 km
718 m
718 m
4 to 5 hours
Loop
Easy - Moderate - Difficult - Expert
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Knutshøe or Besseggen
The Knutshøe is a less popular hike compared to the more famous Besseggen Ridge, but it is certainly no less spectacular. Originally, we wanted to hike Besseggen during our first visit to Jotunheimen Park, but the boat you need to take wasn’t running yet at that time. We heard that the Knutshøe hike was a great alternative, and we’re very glad we did it.
In the meantime, we visited Jotunheimen a second time and also completed the Besseggen hike.
We found both hikes very beautiful with similar views, though we found Besseggen to be more challenging. The major difference in view is that you have this unique view of the ridge that separates Lake Gjende from Lake Bessvatnet on the Besseggen hike.
Due to its popularity, Besseggen is obviously much busier, especially during the high season. You often start the hike in a large group because you arrive together with the boat. You don’t have that on the Knutshøe; this mountain is so unknown that there’s a good chance you’ll be almost completely alone.
Another difference is that, unlike Besseggen, Knutshøe is completely free!
Whether you should hike Besseggen or Knutshøe depends on which view you prefer, how much effort and money you want to put in, and whether you prefer to hike alone or in a crowd.
If you have the time, it is definitely worth doing both!
About the hike
The hike is quite challenging and there are two parts where you will have to climb with both hands and feet. The trail follows a narrow ridge and is therefore not suitable for people who are afraid of heights, or people who are not in good physical shape.
The trail is unmarked, so there are no signposts along the way. Most of the time the path is quite clear and easy to follow. There are some parts where you can’t see a proper path but just keep going in the same direction and try to find the path again. Try not to go too far from the path as you will find some exposed and dangerous areas.
The first part is the most demanding one with some steep sections. During this hike, you will have to cross several peaks, so the path regularly rises and then descends again or flattens out. This makes it pleasant because every time you can get a little bit of rest along the way.
The best advice we can give you is to do this hike counter-clockwise so that you can do the climbing parts uphill. We did it the other way around and we regretted it a few times.
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Knutshoe hike
The starting point of the Knutshoe hiking trail is at the Vargebakken parking lot. From here, there’s a little path that will take you towards the mountain. You have to cross a little bridge over the Varga River and keep following the path until you hit a crossroad. Here we recommend you go to the right first (hike counterclockwise). By doing so you will do the climbing parts uphill, which is more safe than have to climb those parts down.
After turning right, you will start ascending to the first peak. You first have to climb two parts with hands and feet. Once at the top, the walk starts over the ridge and you will hike up and down for a couple of times. The views you get from the ridge over the surrounding peaks, lakes, and fjords are really fantastic!
Once you’ve reached the highest point, you start descending to the other side of the mountain. Be careful as there are a few steep sections here as well.
The last part of the trail is an easy stroll along the mountainside back to a crossroad, where you went right first. Don’t forget to look up to your left side a few times during this stroll: Yes, you were really hiking up there.
Best time to visit
The best time to hike the Knutshøe trail is during summer/late summer, from Mid-June to the end of September.
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.
We did the hike at the end of May on a sunny day and there were still parts with snow along the trail.
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How to get there
The easiest way to get to the Knutshoe is by car or campervan. You can park your car at the Vargebakken parking. This is where the trail starts. It’s a small parking lot and it’s totally free. If it is full, you can also park along the side of the road nearby.
Good news for camper vans: it is allowed to stay overnight in this parking lot!
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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!
