Trip Guide: Hiking Adventure in Jotunheimen, Norway

Hike deep into Jotunheimen National Park, summit two peaks above 2,000m, walk a stretch of Norway’s ancient King’s Road, and cross a live glacier, all in just four days. This isn’t a gentle week in the hills, this is proper mountain hiking. The terrain is rocky and exposed and the elevation gains are real, but the routes are spectacular, the hotel is comfortable, and the three-course dinners are exactly what tired legs need. If your usual walks aren’t cutting it anymore, read on to find out more about this adventure.

Women hiking with backpacks on a trail, with mountain and lake scenery in the background

Norway mountain lodge and cabins in a valley with autumn trees and surrounding peaks

Getting There

Fly into Oslo Gardermoen or Bergen airport and take the bus to Tyinkrysset, approximately 4.5 hours from Oslo Gardermoen. We’ll then collect you from Tyinkrysset bus station on arrival day for the five minute transfer to the hotel to properly start your adventure.

Which airport should I fly into?

Oslo Gardermoen is the easiest option as there’s one direct bus a day that runs from the airport to Tyinkrysset, or you can pick up a more frequent service from Oslo Central bus station. Bergen airport also works if it suits your flights better but the bus station is a little way from the airport. Your exact transfer times will be in your customer portal after booking.

Suggested Flights

Book a flight to Oslo Airport, then take the bus to Tyinkrysset.

Group Transfers

Arrival Day: We will pick you up at Tyinkrysset when your bus departs Oslo at 17:00 and arrives at Tyinkrysset at 21:15.
Departure Day: We will transfer you from your hotel to Tyinkrysset in time for your 10:00 bus to Oslo. Pick-up from the hotel is at 09:45.

How long is the journey from Oslo Gardermoen to Tyinkrysset?

The bus from Oslo Gardermoen takes approximately 4.5 hours. Once the bus drops you at Tyinkrysset, it’s about five minutes to the hotel.

What are the transfer times on arrival and departure days?

There’s a group transfer included on both arrival and departure days, running at fixed times so your travel needs to match. It’s a late evening pick up from Tyinkrysset bus station on arrival day and a mid-morning drop off back on departure day. The transfer is included in your trip price, but there’s no discount if you don’t use it.

How do I book my bus tickets?

Book through the Vy website – it’s in English vy.no/en.

What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

The group transfer runs on time and can’t wait. If you miss it, you’ll need to sort your own way to the hotel. Your host can help with local options on the day, and our Bookings Team is available Monday to Friday if you need support. Private transfers are possible in some locations but can be expensive in remote areas, which is exactly why travel insurance covering delays and missed connections isn’t optional.

Can I arrange a private transfer if I can’t make the scheduled transfer times?

Yes, at an additional cost of approximately NOK 80 (£6/€7) per person per way between the bus station and the hotel. Contact our Bookings Team in advance to arrange it.

When should I buy travel insurance?

We recommend booking travel insurance the day you book, not the week before you fly. Early purchase means you’re covered if anything happens before departure, not just while you’re away. Your policy needs to cover travel delays and missed connections, trip cancellation, medical emergencies and evacuation, baggage and equipment loss, and all the activities on this trip.

Women hiking across rocky mountains with snowy peaks in Jotunheimen, Norway

Fitness & Skill Level

This trip is rated challenging. It’s designed for experienced hikers who want bigger days, higher summits and wilder terrain than their usual routes. You’ll hike four consecutive days covering 9–18km with up to 1,100m of elevation gain in a single route, summit two peaks above 2,000m, and cross a live glacier. You need solid hiking experience, a strong base fitness, and the self-awareness to know the difference between a challenge you’re ready for and one you’re not.

- Four days of hiking across various terrains
- Routes that run from 9km to 18km over rock, ridgelines and glaciers
- Daily ascents of 500m–1100m
- Long days, but a chance to recuperate each night in a comfy hotel

Fitness Requirements

Hiking-specific prep: Get out on varied terrain with a daypack and hike in the hills. The more time you spend on your feet beforehand, the more you’ll enjoy it out there. Also make sure to strengthen your legs with weights, squats, lunges and step ups.

Cardio and endurance: Alongside hiking-specific prep, build your cardio base with running, cycling or anything that keeps your heart rate elevated for sustained periods – arriving fit isn’t optional.

Heights: Several sections are exposed with significant drops. You need to be genuinely comfortable with heights, not just think you probably will be.

How fit do I need to be?

Fit enough to handle rocky ridgelines, exposed mountain paths and a glacier crossing across four back-to-back days. If you hike regularly with real elevation on varied terrain and do cardio exercise several times a week, you’ll be fine.

Do I need previous hiking experience?

Yes. This trip is designed for experienced hikers who want to step things up, not as an introduction to the mountains. You need to be comfortable navigating rocky and exposed terrain, confident at altitude, and used to carrying a daypack over long distances.

What does the hiking actually involve?

Four days of mountain hiking covering 9–18km per route with elevation gains of up to 1,100m. You’ll walk a ridge across three peaks, summit two mountains, hike Norway’s historic King’s Road mountain pass, and cross a live glacier on the final day. Routes are on rocky and exposed terrain, not maintained footpaths and the difficulty builds throughout the week.

Do I need to be comfortable with heights?

Yes, genuinely. Several sections involve exposed ridges. There’s no way to avoid the exposure on these routes so if heights affect you at all, be honest about it before you book.

Woman hiking on a rocky ridge with fjord and snowy peaks in Jotunheimen, Norway

Sleep & Eat

A newly renovated mountain hotel right on the edge of the trails. Stay in comfortable rooms, enjoy a restaurant serving three-course dinners made with local ingredients, and relax at the end of the long days in the riverside sauna beside the Begna river. All meals from arrival dinner to departure breakfast are included.

What are the rooms like?

Newly renovated, comfortable and tidy with proper beds, private en-suite bathroom and mountain views from large windows.

Do I have to share a room?

No, you can choose between a private room or a twin that you’ll share with another Gutsy Girl on your trip. All rooms come with an en suite bathroom. Please note that we only have limited availability of each room type so book soon to avoid missing out.

Do I need to bring towels or a hairdryer?

Towels are provided at the hotel and hairdryers can be borrowed from reception.

Is there laundry?

There are no laundry facilities at the hotel. Pack travel wash if you need to hand-wash anything during the week.

What's the food like?

The kitchen uses local ingredients from the region. There’s a breakfast buffet to set you up, packed lunch for the trail, and a three-course dinner built around hearty Norwegian mountain cooking. Drinks with dinner are not included.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Most dietary requirements can be accommodated, but we need advance notice – sourcing specialist ingredients in the mountains takes planning.

Can I use the sauna?

There’s a riverside sauna beside the Begna river that you’ll use at least twice to ease out achy muscles.

Norway mountain valley with wooden cabins and autumn trees, overlooking Jotunheimen hiking scenery

Cozy wooden cabin bedroom with unmade bed and large window overlooking mountain landscape in Norway

Weather

Summer in our region of Norway typically means 10–20°C in the valleys, but cooler at altitude, especially on early starts and exposed ridges. Norwegian mountain weather means you can have sunshine and a cold rain storm in the same afternoon, so packing for both isn’t pessimism, it’s just sense.

A waterproof jacket, warm layers and windproof kit are non-negotiable every single day regardless of the forecast. Your guide also makes the call on conditions – if something needs to change for safety, it changes.

Is the itinerary flexible?

Yes. Guides read the conditions daily and occasionally swap routes around to make sure you get the best and safest experience. Nothing is fixed, so we always ask that you’re flexible.

What’s the worst-case weather scenario?

Heavy rain, wind or poor visibility on the higher routes. If conditions make a planned route unsafe, the guides have alternatives ready. The trip won’t be cancelled for rain, but exposed sections may be swapped out or a different route chosen instead.

Where can I find the weather forecast?

Your customer portal has an up to date forecast after booking. You can also check yr.no directly for Tyin.

Woman hiking on a snowy mountain ridge above a lake in Jotunheimen, Norway

Good to Know

Money: Cards are accepted at the hotel and almost everywhere else, so you won’t need much cash. A small amount of Norwegian krone might be useful if you want to buy anything personal in town.

Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory on our adventures, but if you’ve had a great trip and brilliant service, a tip for your guide or host is always appreciated. We recommend giving 200-300 NOK, or whatever you can or feel is the right amount.

Communication: Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel.

Why aren't all guides and instructors female?

We work with the best guides available, male or female. There are fewer women in outdoor guiding roles, so we prioritise expertise and guest experience. We vet every guide carefully and monitor feedback closely to ensure all guides align with our ethos and standards. We also hope more trips like ours encourage more women to find new activities and become guides themselves.

How many guests will be on this trip?

Max 11 guests.

When should I buy travel insurance?

As soon as you book. Your policy must cover all activities on this trip – hiking, glacier hiking, eBiking and kayaking – as well as medical emergencies, evacuation, travel delays and lost luggage.

Are there shops nearby?

Not really — Tyinkrysset is a remote mountain location, so don’t rely on picking up anything you’ve forgotten once you arrive.

Women hiking along a grassy mountainside with a fjord view in Norway

Sauna cabin with mountain views in Jotunheimen, Norway, surrounded by autumn forest.

Packing List

Detailed Packing Notes

Boots: Ankle boots with good grip are mandatory for the glacier and recommended for the whole week. Trail shoes aren’t enough. Make sure your boots are also worn in properly before you arrive, so that blisters on day one are avoided.

Layering system: The mountains in summer can swing between warm and cold in the same day, especially at altitude. Start with thin wool base layers, add a fleece or warm mid-layer, and top with a breathable, waterproof and windproof shell jacket. A light packable insulated jacket is worth bringing for summit stops. You’ll be shedding and adding layers throughout every day.

Waterproofs: Bring your shell jacket every day, no exceptions. Waterproof trousers are optional but can be a game changer if it rains.

Daypack: Roughly 20/25 litres with a waterproof cover or liner, or lightweight dry bags inside to keep your essentials dry when necessary

Water: At least 2 litres, either a bottle or a hydration pack. These are long days at altitude and you’ll feel it if you underestimate your intake.

Sun protection: UV exposure is stronger at altitude than it feels, even if it seems overcast. High-factor sunscreen and lip balm, sunglasses, and a hat are essential as sunburn will make the rest of the week miserable.

Evenings: The hotel is relaxed, not fancy so pack casual clothes, nightwear and slippers for the lounge and sauna. You’ll also need your swimsuit for the sauna sessions too.

Packing List

What We Provide

- All glacier equipment

What You Need to Bring

Hiking kit:

- Hiking boots with ankle support (mandatory for the glacier hike)
- 20–30 litre backpack with waterproof cover (or waterproof backpack liner)
- Base layers (wool or synthetic)
- Quick dry t-shirts
- Long sleeve lightweight t-shirts for sun protection
  Fleece or warm mid-layer
- A breathable, waterproof and windproof shell jacket
- Summer hiking trousers or leggings
- Hiking shorts
- A selection of hiking socks
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat / cap
- Warm hat and gloves – hopefully not required but worth bringing
- Buff
- Waterproof trousers — optional but very useful in case of rain
- A light packable insulated / down jacket for stops at altitude if cold

Evenings:

- Casual evening clothes
- Nightwear
- Slippers / shoes for the hotel and sauna
- Swimsuit (for the sauna)

Other essentials:

- Water bottle or hydration pack (at least 2 litres total)
- Toiletries
- Any prescription medication
- Compeed or moleskin for blisters, just in case
- Sunscreen (high factor) and lip balm
- Camera
- Snacks
- Bite cream
- Bug spray
- Binoculars (optional but useful if you like wildlife)
- Dry bags for inside your daypack (optional)
- Lunch box (optional)

Are hiking boots mandatory?

Yes, ankle support and good grip are non-negotiable on this terrain, and they must be well broken-in before you arrive. Blisters on day one are avoidable. Trail shoes won’t cut it on the rocky sections, and boots are mandatory for the glacier crossing.

What size daypack do I need?

20–30 litres with a waterproof cover or liner. You can also use lightweight dry bags inside your bag to keep your essentials dry if you get caught in the rain.

What should I prioritise in hand luggage?

Your hiking boots and any prescription medication. Our base is remote, so if you check in luggage and it’s delayed, replacing specialist kit locally is really tricky.

Hiking trail through a rocky valley in Norway, with stone walls and fenced paths by a stream

Women hiking on snow-covered mountains with trekking poles against steep rocky peaks

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Holiday trips

Hiking

Hiking Adventure in Jotunheimen Norway

Hike deep into Norway's Jotunheimen National Park, through dramatic mountain terrain, along historical ridgelines, up to rocky summits and across a live glacier.

Norway Adventure Holidays

Aug - Aug