Gjendehøe Hiking
Enjoy the short hike and great view over Besseggen and Gjende Lake
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Photo: Kari Sveen
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Photo: Svein Bekkum
Essential info
- Destination: Jotunheimen
- Season: January–November
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.3 kilometers (out‑and‑back)
- Elevation Gain: 280 meters
- Duration: 2–2.5 hours
About Gjendehøe
The short hike up to Gjendehøe is a quick adventure with lovely views over Gjende Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Getting there
Bus
From Oslo, take the NW161 Valdresekspressen route to the stop: “Gjendesheim”.
Note: the Nor-way Valdresekspressen route between Bygdin and Leirvassbu only runs from late June through late September.
Car
From Oslo, head north on E16, towards Bergen, for 185 kilometers. When you reach Fagernes, follow signs to road 51, towards Vågå/Beitostølen. Follow road 51 for another 70 kilometers until you reach the signs for Gjendesheim lodge on your left. Follow the road to the very end where you will find parking next to the lake.
Note: road 51, "Valdresflya", is typically open from the end of April through December. You can see the road status at Vegvesen.no or you can call for road updates (in English): +47 815 48 991.
Trail description
The hike starts off with a small boat ride across Gjendeosen to the beginning of the trail. From the pier on the other side of the water, head straight south for a few minutes until you pass all of the marshland and then head west towards the northern ridge of the small mountain directly in front of you. Start the climb up the northern side of the mountain and continue until you reach the top.
Facts
- This is a nice walk for younger children or for stretching your legs after a long drive.
Where to stay
Gjendesheim Turisthytte is a great place to stay in this area and is located at the start of the trail.
