A Journey Through Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park: Trekking in the Land of Giants 

There are trips that change the way you see the world, and for us, trekking through Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park was one of those experiences. We’ve always loved exploring the great outdoors, but this adventure in the “Land of Giants” took things to another level. The towering mountains, clear-blue lakes, and peaceful valleys felt like stepping into a world untouched by time. If you’re dreaming of a trek that will challenge you and leave you in awe, let us walk you through our unforgettable week in Jotunheimen with Macs Adventure. 

Day 1: Arriving in Oslo 

Our journey started in Oslo Norway’s capital city. We arrived with a few hours to spare, so we decided to explore. First, we visited the Munch Museum, where we stood in front of The Scream - a painting I’d only seen in textbooks. Seeing it up close was surreal. Then, we wandered to the Oslo Opera House. Its rooftop offers incredible views over the harbour, and it was the perfect spot to sit and soak in the moment. 

Oslo is a blend of modern energy and laid-back charm, and it’s a great place to ease into the adventure. We could’ve spent days here, but the mountains were calling. 

Day 2: From Oslo to Jotunheimen National Park 

The next morning, it was an easy walk to the bus station in Oslo, where we hopped on a bus for the 4.5-hour journey to Jotunheimen National Park. The drive itself was stunning, with rolling hills and postcard-perfect farmhouses dotting the landscape. The excitement built as we got closer to Bygdin, our base for the next couple of days. 

When we arrived, the scenery took our breath away. Towering peaks surrounded us, and Lake Bygdin shimmered in the afternoon light. We checked into Bygdin Høyfjellshotell, a mountain lodge that has been welcoming adventurers and hikers for well over a century and we received a warm welcome and a lovely, comfortable room.  

We decided to stretch our legs and hike up to Synshorn. It’s a short hike, but the views from the top were fantastic. From there, we could see Bitihorn, the mountain we’d be summiting the next day and we started to feel the excitement of what was to come. 

Day 3: Climbing Bitihorn 

Our first big hike of the trip was Bitihorn, a mountain that stands at 1,607 meters. Every morning of the trek, we were encouraged to make our own packed lunches from the breakfast buffet, which was perfect for fuelling our hikes – and of course, I would have a slice or two of the Norwegian speciality of brown cheese, the characteristic colour and sweet taste result from milk sugars being caramelised after boiling, you must give it a try! The beeswax wrap that came with our Macs Adventure pack came in particularly handy for wrapping up our sandwiches and snacks. We quickly realised how useful and environmentally friendly it was to have this sustainable packing option for the trails.  

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we set off. The trail started out easy, winding through grassy meadows before getting steeper as we ascended. The higher we climbed, the more incredible the views became.  

Reaching the summit felt like a huge achievement. From the top, we could see the vast northern region of Valdres and the surrounding peaks. The fresh mountain air, the quiet—there was something deeply peaceful about being up there, and we sat and ate our packed lunch, watching the other hikers successfully reach the peak. After soaking in the views, we made our way back down to Bygdin for a well-earned dinner. It was only the third day, and already we were falling in love with Norway’s rugged beauty. 

Day 4: Exploring the Svartdalen Valley 

On day four, we took a historic boat ride across Lake Bygdin. The boat has been ferrying people across the lake for decades. As we glided across the water, the mountains reflected perfectly in the lake’s surface. It was so peaceful, we could’ve stayed on that boat all day. 

But the real adventure started when we got off the boat and began our hike through Svartdalen, also known as the “Black Valley.” The hike started with a bit of a climb, but once we reached the valley, it was like stepping into another world. Jagged peaks rose on either side of us, and sparkling streams wound their way through the rocky terrain that looked so pure, we couldn’t resist stopping for a drink of the cold, fresh water. 

It was a challenging final descent to our mountain hut, nestled by Gjende Lake. Gjendebu DNT Hut, is not just any mountain refuge—it's the oldest hut operated by the Norwegian Trekking Association, dating back to 1871. There’s a timeless charm to the place—no Wi-Fi, or phone signal, simply no distractions—just the sound of the wind and water outside and the warmth inside. 

That night, we gathered with fellow trekkers for a communal dinner, the highlight being venison served with lingonberry sauce, a classic Nordic pairing. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming as hikers from all over the world exchanged tales of their travels. It was the perfect end to a challenging day, made even better by the sense of community that the Gjendebu DNT Hut fosters.  

Day 5: Hiking to Gjendetunga 

Today's walk was shorter in distance but packed with adventure and challenge. We set out from Gjendebu early in the morning with the goal of summiting Gjendetunga, which stands at 1,517 meters. The trail began innocently enough, winding through grassy slopes but soon turned into a much tougher climb. We found ourselves scrambling over rocky sections, using our hands to pull ourselves up. The further we went, the path climbed higher, with narrow ledges and sheer drops that forced us to focus on every step. 

At times, the trail skirted dangerously close to the edge, and we could feel the thrill—and a touch of fear—as we looked down at the vast drop into the valley below! But every step, no matter how difficult, was rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and the shimmering waters of Gjende Lake far below.  

When we finally reached the summit, it was like standing on the roof of the world. The panoramic views were absolutely jaw-dropping. Jagged mountains stretched out in every direction, and the turquoise waters of shimmered like a jewel far below. We stood there, catching our breath, soaking in the stillness and beauty. 

Day 6: Through Vesladalen to Eidsbugarden 

Day six began as always with leaving our bags to be collected and taken to our next accommodation. It brought us through the picturesque Vesladalen Valley, a trail that was a little less intense than the previous day's adventure but no less beautiful. It was the perfect way to unwind after the challenges of Gjendetunga. As we hiked, craggy rock faces lined the valley, and in the distance, we could see glaciers shimmering in the sunlight. Every turn in the trail revealed a new, stunning view, and the peacefulness of the valley made it feel like we were walking through a painting. 

That evening, we gathered in the dining hall at Fondsbu for what turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of the trip. Not only were we treated to a delicious, hearty meal prepared with local ingredients, but the chef, welcomed us with a special treat—a traditional song from the region. Her voice filled the room, and for a few magical minutes, it felt like we were being serenaded by the spirit of Jotunheimen itself 

As we sat around the long wooden tables, we made new friends from all over—locals from Norway and Sweden, and even hikers who had come from as far away as Canada to experience the beauty of this place. There was a wonderful sense of comradery, and by the end of the night, we were sharing stories and laughter like old friends. 

It was moments like these that made this trek so special—not just the incredible landscapes, but the connections made along the way.  

Day 7: From the Mountains to the Fjords 

Leaving Jotunheimen behind was bittersweet. We’d grown attached to the mountains, the lakes, and the quiet moments along the trails. But the next leg of the journey was equally exciting. We caught a bus to Flam, where we boarded a ferry that would take us through the famous Sognefjord. 

Sailing for five hours through the fjords was an experience we’ll never forget. The sheer cliffs rising out of the water and waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides—it felt like something out of a dream. As we sailed into Bergen, this felt like the perfect ending to our hike. 

Day 8: Exploring Bergen 

Our final day was spent in Bergen, a lively city known for its colourful wooden houses. After days in the mountains, it was nice to relax and enjoy a stroll through the cobbled streets. Bergen has its own kind of beauty, with its charming waterfront and surrounding hills, and it was the perfect way to end the trip. 

Looking back, this trek through Jotunheimen was one of the most rewarding trips we’ve ever taken. Yes, it was physically challenging at times, but the rewards far outweighed the effort. The sense of accomplishment, the connection to nature, and the moments of pure wonder made it all worthwhile. 

If you love the outdoors and are looking for a trek that will push you just enough while immersing you in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, we can’t recommend Jotunheimen enough.