Fondsbu - Gjendebu - Torfinnsbu Hiking Trail

This is one of the finest weekend trips for the whole family in Jotunheimen. September in good weather is unbeatable. Set aside two days and get yourself a hike you will remember. Day 1 From Eidsbugarden with the morning boat to Torfinnsbu, which is a great place in itself. Up green grass slopes full of flowers toward the opening of the Svartedalen valley. The gate is guarded by the majestic Torfinnstinder peaks. The valley is easy to walk in. The first 3 kilometers of trail go through grass covered moraine ground, followed by a portion along water on rocky ground, which is still good to walk on. On both sides there are 2000 meters peaks, a total of 12. They are putting their mark on this trip. After you get out of the valley towards Gjende, you can extend the trip by going by Nødre Svartdalspiggen; if your legs can still take it and 2,000 meters sound tempting. A weak path toward altitude 1625 meters above sea level, comes up just south of this. From here follow the north ridge to the summit. Back in Svartdalen, proceed towards Gjendebu. At the top you will find a stretch of slab, but it's fine if you take it easy and avoid stepping on the loose rocks which lie on top the mountain. Grønne Gjendevatnet lake, the tourist lodge and Storådalen smile at you from here. The trail continues along moraine backs before entering the mountain birch forests. There is a bridge over Vesleåe and Storåe and you get a nice flat stage towards the tourist lodge Gjendebu. This is a nice place to be.  Day 2 After breakfast you can take your coffee to a bench and enjoy the quiet morning as the sun begins to warm up the surroundings. It does not get better than this. Today's stretch goes up Veslådalen to Eidsbugarden. It's a good path of moraine-ground throughout. After a few kilometers you are over mountain birch forests, and you can feel the sun warming your neck. The landscape opens up once you gain height. You walk through beautiful mountain scenery and you just feel great when you walk to the south-west. At Høystakkane you can once again see Bygdin, and soon you're back on Eidsbugarden.