Where on earth
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- Region
- Norway
- Biome
- Norwegian alpine (400–1,743 m)
- Best season
- Late June – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Norwegian alpine (400–1,743 m)
- Best season: Late June – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Besseggen Ridge (Jotunheimen)
Topic summary
The classic 14-km ridge day-hike between two lakes in Norway's highest range.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: Late June – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Norwegian alpine (400–1,743 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 (Jotunheimen) trip tools
How to get there
Use Gjendesheim as the ferry-linked starting point for the crossing. Besseggen lies about 46 kilometres southwest of Vågåmo and about 30 kilometres northwest of Beitostølen; these are location references, not driving distances. From Gjendesheim, either begin the walk toward Memurubu or take the ferry to Memurubu and walk back. Confirm current ferry operating details before travel.
- Gjendesheim
Walking endpoint and ferry departure point. Start here to climb toward Veslfjellet before descending Besseggen, or take the ferry to Memurubu for the reverse crossing.
- Memurubu
Ferry-linked walking endpoint. Begin here after arriving from Gjendesheim to approach Besseggen via Bandet, or finish here and return by ferry.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Besseggen Ridge (Jotunheimen)
- 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 (Jotunheimen)
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 (Jotunheimen)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 (Jotunheimen)
Planning to fish Besseggen Ridge (Jotunheimen), 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 (Jotunheimen)?
- 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 (Jotunheimen)
Thinking about hunting Besseggen Ridge (Jotunheimen), 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 (Jotunheimen)?
- Confirm the land around Besseggen Ridge (Jotunheimen) 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 very different lakes
Besseggen runs between Gjende and Bessvatnet in Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park, in Vågå Municipality, Innlandet. The ridge reaches 1,634 metres, with Veslfjellet to the east and Besshøe to the northwest. Its defining view is the contrast between the two lakes: blue Bessvatnet sits almost 400 metres above green Gjende. Gjende’s colour comes from glacier runoff carrying fine rock flour, rather than from the lake’s depth alone. Looking toward Memurubu, the nearby Muru river can be seen feeding pale, sediment-rich water into the lake. These are useful landmarks for understanding the landscape as well as reasons to pause along the walk. Besseggen is also a busy mountain route, with about 30,000 walkers each year; plan for a shared trail rather than a solitary ridge crossing.
Choosing a direction and linking the ferry
The crossing connects Gjendesheim and Memurubu, with a regularly scheduled ferry linking the two endpoints. From Gjendesheim, the walking route climbs to Veslfjellet, the trail’s highest point at 1,743 metres, then descends Besseggen and continues across the relatively flat Bandet area at the foot of Besshøe before reaching Memurubu. A ferry can then return walkers to Gjendesheim. Many people reverse that arrangement: take the ferry from Gjendesheim to Memurubu first, then walk back over Bandet, up Besseggen and across Veslfjellet. The crossing is estimated at five to seven hours of walking, excluding rest stops. Allow extra time for breaks and photographs, and confirm ferry operating details before deciding which direction to walk. Starting with the ferry puts the boat journey before the hike rather than making it the final connection of the day.
Preparing for a mountain day
Treat Besseggen as a substantial mountain walk, not a short lakeside outing. The route reaches 1,743 metres on Veslfjellet, and its five-to-seven-hour walking estimate does not include stops. Proper boots and the fitness to keep moving through a long mountain day matter more than the route’s popularity. Carry weather protection, food and sufficient drinking water, and leave room in the day for slower progress if conditions deteriorate. Jotunheimen is an alpine mountain area, so check the forecast and assess conditions before committing to the crossing. The relatively flat ground at Bandet is only one part of a route that also climbs and descends high terrain. Choose the direction around your transport plan and comfort with ascent or descent on the ridge, rather than assuming that the more common ferry-first arrangement will suit everyone.
Route options
- Gjendesheim to Memurubu via Veslfjellet and Besseggen
Climb from Gjendesheim to Veslfjellet at 1,743 metres, descend Besseggen, then cross the relatively flat Bandet area below Besshøe to Memurubu. The crossing takes an estimated five to seven hours without rest stops. Link the finish with a ferry back to Gjendesheim.
- Memurubu to Gjendesheim via Besseggen and Veslfjellet
Take the ferry from Gjendesheim to Memurubu, then reverse the crossing: travel via Bandet, climb Besseggen and continue over Veslfjellet before descending to Gjendesheim. Many walkers choose this direction. Allow an estimated five to seven hours of walking, plus stops.
Sample itineraries
- Gjendesheim to Memurubu · 1 day
Walk from Gjendesheim to Veslfjellet, the route’s highest point at 1,743 metres. Descend Besseggen, cross the relatively flat Bandet below Besshøe, and finish at Memurubu. Allow 5–7 hours of walking, plus stops. Confirm the ferry schedule for the return to Gjendesheim.
- Memurubu to Gjendesheim · 1 day
Take the ferry from Gjendesheim to Memurubu, then hike the route in reverse across Bandet, up Besseggen and over Veslfjellet to Gjendesheim. This direction puts the ridge ascent before the high point. Allow 5–7 hours of walking, excluding stops and the ferry journey.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; assess snow conditions before departure
Jotunheimen supports back-country skiing in spring. Do not assume the Besseggen walking route is snow-free. Confirm ridge conditions locally and match equipment and experience to the terrain.
Summer
Summer; check for lingering snow in early summer
Back-country skiing can extend into early summer in Jotunheimen. Check Besseggen’s current footing rather than relying on the season alone. Carry mountain-weather layers and allow additional time beyond the estimated walking duration.
Fall
Fall; choose a suitable weather window
For this high mountain crossing, check weather, daylight and surface conditions before committing. If using the ferry, confirm its current schedule rather than assuming a departure will fit the hike.
Winter
Winter; late winter is a regional back-country skiing season
Jotunheimen is a back-country skiing area in late winter, but that does not establish Besseggen as a suitable winter walking route. Seek local advice on ridge conditions and required winter skills before planning a crossing.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; assess snow conditions before departure | Jotunheimen supports back-country skiing in spring. Do not assume the Besseggen walking route is snow-free. Confirm ridge conditions locally and match equipment and experience to the terrain. |
| Summer | Summer; check for lingering snow in early summer | Back-country skiing can extend into early summer in Jotunheimen. Check Besseggen’s current footing rather than relying on the season alone. Carry mountain-weather layers and allow additional time beyond the estimated walking duration. |
| Fall | Fall; choose a suitable weather window | For this high mountain crossing, check weather, daylight and surface conditions before committing. If using the ferry, confirm its current schedule rather than assuming a departure will fit the hike. |
| Winter | Winter; late winter is a regional back-country skiing season | Jotunheimen is a back-country skiing area in late winter, but that does not establish Besseggen as a suitable winter walking route. Seek local advice on ridge conditions and required winter skills before planning a crossing. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current access requirements with the agency managing Jotunheimen National Park.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Besseggen is a high mountain ridge between two lakes. Treat steep terrain seriously and turn back if footing or exposure exceeds the group’s comfort.
- Mountain weather and poor visibility can make a ridge crossing harder. Check the forecast and carry navigation tools.
- The estimated 5–7 hours excludes rest stops. Fatigue and a late start can leave too little margin for the crossing or a planned ferry connection.
- Snow or ice requires a different assessment from a dry walking route. Check current conditions before setting out.
- For any glacier travel elsewhere in Jotunheimen, use a guide and proper equipment.
What to pack for Besseggen Ridge (Jotunheimen)
- Proper hiking boots
- Waterproof outer layers
- Warm insulating layer
- Hat and gloves
- Route map and compass
- Charged phone
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Emergency shelter
- Water for a long mountain walk
- Food and extra snacks
- Current ferry schedule if using the boat
Besseggen Ridge (Jotunheimen) 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?
- The crossing is estimated at 5–7 hours of walking without rest stops. Add time for breaks and any ferry travel, and leave a margin for slower progress.
- Which direction can the route be walked?
- Walk from Gjendesheim over Veslfjellet and down Besseggen to Memurubu, then return by ferry. Many hikers instead take the ferry to Memurubu first and walk back to Gjendesheim, ascending Besseggen.
- Why are the lakes different colours?
- Bessvatnet is blue, while Gjende is green because glacier runoff carries clay-sized rock flour into the water. Gjende lies almost 400 metres below Bessvatnet. Near Memurubu, the river Muru contributes visibly lighter runoff.
- How high is the route?
- Besseggen reaches 1,634 metres, but the walking route’s highest point is Veslfjellet at 1,743 metres. Prepare for a high mountain outing rather than a lakeside walk.
- Is fitness important?
- Yes. Plan for several hours of mountain walking with substantial ascent and descent. Proper boots and fitness matter, and the group should be comfortable moving on ridge terrain.