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- Region
- Norway
- Country
- Worldwide
- Biome
- Alpine (900–1,700 m)
- Best season
- June – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Alpine (900–1,700 m)
- Best season: June – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Besseggen Ridge (Norway)
Topic summary
The 14-km ridge between Bessvatnet and Gjende in Jotunheimen NP.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: June – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Alpine (900–1,700 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Besseggen Ridge (Norway) trip tools
How to get there
Besseggen lies in Jotunheimen National Park, about 46 kilometres southwest of Vågåmo and about 30 kilometres northwest of Beitostølen. Gjendesheim is an endpoint of the walk and the ferry departure point for those starting on foot at Memurubu. Confirm current transport arrangements and ferry schedules before travelling.
- Gjendesheim
Start here to climb towards Veslfjellet before descending Besseggen towards Memurubu, or take the ferry to Memurubu and walk back.
- Memurubu
The opposite endpoint of the ridge walk, linked to Gjendesheim by a regularly scheduled ferry. Starting here puts the Besseggen ridge section in the uphill direction.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Besseggen Ridge (Norway)
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
Animals around Besseggen Ridge (Norway)
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Besseggen Ridge (Norway)Amazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Besseggen Ridge (Norway)
Planning to fish Besseggen Ridge (Norway)? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Norway are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Besseggen Ridge (Norway)?
- A Norway fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Norway fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Besseggen Ridge (Norway)
Thinking about hunting Besseggen Ridge (Norway)? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Norway are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Besseggen Ridge (Norway)?
- Confirm the land around Besseggen Ridge (Norway) is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Norway?
- A Norway hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A ridge between two lakes
Besseggen is a 1,634-metre mountain ridge in Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park, in Vågå Municipality, Innlandet. Its defining feature is the position between Gjende and Bessvatnet: two lakes separated by almost 400 metres of elevation and noticeably different in colour. Bessvatnet is blue, while Gjende’s green water comes from glacier runoff carrying fine clay, or rock flour. Looking towards Memurubu, the nearby Muru river can be seen bringing pale runoff into the lake. Veslfjellet lies to the east and Besshøe to the northwest, placing the ridge within a larger alpine landscape rather than on an isolated summit. The walk’s highest point is not Besseggen itself but Veslfjellet, at 1,743 metres. That distinction matters when judging the scale of the day.
Choosing the direction of the walk
The Besseggen walk connects Gjendesheim and Memurubu, with a regularly scheduled ferry providing the lake connection between the two. From Gjendesheim, the route climbs to Veslfjellet, descends Besseggen, crosses the relatively flat Bandet area at the foot of Besshøe, and finishes at Memurubu. The ferry can then return walkers to Gjendesheim. Many people reverse that arrangement, taking the ferry to Memurubu first and walking back towards Gjendesheim. In that direction, the Besseggen section is climbed rather than descended. Allow about five to seven hours of walking, excluding rest stops, whichever direction is chosen. Build additional time into the day for breaks and checking conditions, and confirm the ferry timetable before committing to a plan that depends on a sailing.
Planning for an alpine day
Besseggen is one of Norway’s most popular mountain hikes, with about 30,000 people making the trip each year. Popularity should not be mistaken for a short or casual outing: the stated walking time alone is five to seven hours, and the route reaches 1,743 metres at Veslfjellet. Proper boots and fitness are important for hiking in Jotunheimen, and this ridge deserves a full mountain-day plan. Carry food, water and layers suited to changing alpine weather, and assess conditions before setting out. The relatively flat crossing of Bandet is only one part of a route that also includes climbing and descending. Choose the direction with both the terrain sequence and ferry connection in mind, rather than treating transport as an afterthought.
Route options
- Gjendesheim to Memurubu via Besseggen
Climb from Gjendesheim to Veslfjellet at 1,743 metres, descend Besseggen and continue across the relatively flat Bandet area to Memurubu. Estimated walking time is five to seven hours without rest stops. A ferry provides the return connection to Gjendesheim; confirm its timetable before departure.
- Memurubu to Gjendesheim via Besseggen
Take the ferry from Gjendesheim to Memurubu, then reverse the ridge route across Bandet, up Besseggen and over Veslfjellet to Gjendesheim. This is a commonly chosen direction and places the ferry journey before the walk. Allow five to seven hours of walking, excluding stops.
Sample itineraries
- Gjendesheim to Memurubu · 1 day
Start at Gjendesheim, climb to Veslfjellet at 1,743 metres, descend Besseggen and cross the relatively flat Bandet to Memurubu. Return by ferry after confirming service. Allow 5–7 hours of walking, plus rest stops and time for the boat connection.
- Memurubu to Gjendesheim · 1 day
Take the ferry from Gjendesheim to Memurubu, then walk the route in reverse across Bandet, up Besseggen and over Veslfjellet to Gjendesheim. This direction puts the ridge section on the ascent. Allow 5–7 hours without rest stops; confirm ferry service before setting out.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Conditions-dependent
Spring is a back-country skiing season in the wider Jotunheimen mountains. Do not assume the Besseggen walking route is ready for hiking; check current mountain conditions before committing.
Summer
Conditions-dependent
Back-country skiing in Jotunheimen can extend into early summer. Check the ridge's current footing and weather rather than relying on the calendar. Confirm ferry service for either walking direction.
Fall
Conditions-dependent
Plan around current alpine weather and available daylight. The estimated 5–7 hours excludes breaks, so leave additional time and verify ferry service before choosing a direction.
Winter
Conditions-dependent
Jotunheimen is a back-country skiing area in late winter. That regional skiing context does not establish Besseggen as a suitable winter route. Seek current local advice rather than treating the walking itinerary as a winter plan.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Conditions-dependent | Spring is a back-country skiing season in the wider Jotunheimen mountains. Do not assume the Besseggen walking route is ready for hiking; check current mountain conditions before committing. |
| Summer | Conditions-dependent | Back-country skiing in Jotunheimen can extend into early summer. Check the ridge's current footing and weather rather than relying on the calendar. Confirm ferry service for either walking direction. |
| Fall | Conditions-dependent | Plan around current alpine weather and available daylight. The estimated 5–7 hours excludes breaks, so leave additional time and verify ferry service before choosing a direction. |
| Winter | Conditions-dependent | Jotunheimen is a back-country skiing area in late winter. That regional skiing context does not establish Besseggen as a suitable winter route. Seek current local advice rather than treating the walking itinerary as a winter plan. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current access requirements and any permit rules with the Jotunheimen National Park managing agency.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Mountain-ridge footing requires care, particularly when descending Besseggen. Choose a direction that suits the group's ability.
- The walk takes an estimated 5–7 hours without rest stops. Insufficient fitness or a late start can leave too little margin.
- Alpine weather can affect comfort and safe progress. Carry protective layers and reassess plans when conditions are unsuitable.
- Glaciers elsewhere in Jotunheimen require a guide and proper equipment; do not extend this hike onto glacier terrain without them.
What to pack for Besseggen Ridge (Norway)
- Proper hiking boots
- Warm insulating layer
- Windproof and waterproof outer layers
- Water for a long mountain walk
- Food for 5–7 hours of walking plus breaks
- Extra snacks for delays
- Route map and navigation tools
- Charged phone
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp
- Confirmed ferry information
Besseggen Ridge (Norway) FAQ
- Where is Besseggen?
- Besseggen is in Vågå Municipality in Innlandet, Norway, within Jotunheimen National Park. The ridge runs between Gjende and Bessvatnet, with Veslfjellet to the east and Besshøe to the northwest.
- How long does the hike take?
- Allow approximately 5–7 hours of walking without rest stops. Add time for breaks and ferry connections. This is a substantial mountain day, not a short viewpoint walk.
- Which direction can the route be walked?
- Both directions are described. From Gjendesheim, the route climbs Veslfjellet and descends Besseggen toward Memurubu. Many hikers instead take the ferry to Memurubu first, then walk back to Gjendesheim, ascending the ridge.
- Is Besseggen the highest point on the walk?
- No. Besseggen reaches 1,634 metres, while the route's highest point is Veslfjellet at 1,743 metres.
- Why do the two lakes look different?
- Bessvatnet is blue, while Gjende is green from glacier runoff carrying rock flour. Gjende lies almost 400 metres below Bessvatnet. Looking toward Memurubu, the Muru river's pale runoff is also visible entering the lake.
- Does the hike require a ferry?
- The described point-to-point itineraries pair the walk with a ferry between Gjendesheim and Memurubu. Take it before the hike when starting at Memurubu, or afterward when finishing there. Confirm current service before planning the connection.