Welcome to your Jotunheimen adventure!
This 8-day tour starts and ends in Oslo, taking you deep into Norway’s stunning landscapes for 4 days of guided hikes in Jotunheimen National Park. Known as the “Giant’s Home,” this park boasts some of Norway’s highest peaks, serene glaciers, and glistening lakes, offering the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable hiking experience.
If you have just arrived in Europe a night in Oslo to get over your jetlag is a great way to get into the holiday feels. After a restful night’s sleep take do as the Norwegians would and be more sustainable and use public transport to get to or farm accommodation in the mountains.
Each day, we’ll be guided on carefully selected hikes, where towering mountains and sweeping vistas surround you at every turn. Highlights include the famous Besseggen Ridge, where the shimmering blue-green waters of Lake Gjende and Lake Bessvatnet stretch out below. You’ll also summit other mountains and discover hidden gems along lesser-known trails.
Relax in cozy mountain lodges with warm meals and good company in the evenings, sharing stories of the day’s adventures. Our journey concludes with a scenic return to Oslo, where you’ll leave with not just sore legs but a camera full of jaw-dropping photos and a heart full of memories!
Let the adventure begin!
Oslo, Norway
5 – 12 July 2025
Welcome to Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital! Discover a perfect blend of urban life, lush parks, cutting-edge architecture, and rich history. Your gateway to Scandinavian beauty and adventure starts here! This is your pre-tour night, you will meet the group tomorrow on arrival at Gronolen Fjellgard O/N Oslo
Today board the public coach transfer to Grønolen Fjellgard for our farm stay by Jotunheimen National Park. This area is a skier’s paradise in winter and a hiker’s haven in summer. Grønolen Fjellgard is a family-run accommodation, and the family has been welcoming guests since 1784. Join us for dinner tonight to learn about the area, meet with the locals and go over the program for the following days’ guided hikes.
After a hearty breakfast we start at the foot of the mountain on the south side. We go up towards the pass, Velumskaret where we get to see old hunting graves for reindeer and a newer one for wolverines. From there it goes steeper towards the top of Bitihorn, where we eat our lunch pack. After lunch, we go down the stairs ‘Bitihødntrøppe’ on the steep side of Bitihorn. Classed (by Norweigens) as medium / easy. The rest of the day is for taking it easy!
Knutshøe is one of their self claimed finest mountain hikes. It is varied and exciting. We start with a short walk on the marked path from the parking area before we reach the ascent to the mountain. Some paths are a bit narrow and people sensitive to heights should mentally prepare for a challenge. Fortunately, you are looked after by experienced local guides. The tour follows the entire mountain ridge and returns along the foot of the mountain, to the south. Classed medium/demanding. If this is too much for you, an alternative self guided hike will be offered.
From the mountain summer farm Hålistølen, we start by following a sandy moraine. It’s a ‘little steep’ in the beginning. We take short breaks and enjoy the view. Eventually, we reach the summit of Synshorn and enjoy splendid views towards Lake Bygdin with the peaks in Jotunheimen National Park in the distance. We head down through the Fagerdalen Valley, then at their old mountain summer farm, we are treated to a traditional dish of sour cream porridge and cured meat.
Jostigen is an old shortcut to get up to the famous Besseggen Ridge. As with all hikes, this is weather permitting.
Today we say farewell to Grønolen Fjellgard. After spending 5 days with them we will feel like locals and part of the family, so it will be adjø, until we meet again. We’ll take public transport for the journey south to Oslo arriving mid-afternoon. Your time is free to explore Oslo. O/N Oslo
Depart any time after breakfast. As today is Saturday, you may like to join in on a Parkrun with the locals at 9.30am. You may like to spend more time in Oslo, or perhaps join us in Scotland for our rail and hiking tour. Ask us for more details.
As a former police officer and part-time ICON tea lady (a job she took way too seriously as those who know her will know that tea is something of an obsession), Suzanne took over ICON Adventures in 2015, since then has been curating organised tours and bespoke travel arrangements to far-flung corners of the globe.
With a penchant for off-the-beaten-track destinations Suzanne also fearlessly leads her own unique hiking and cultural tours across the globe. She brings not only a can-do attitude but also a bloody-well-will-do attitude as she leads the ICON team and her tours. Her attention to detail and dedication to her clients means you want her planning your trip!
With Suzanne in charge of a tour or helping to organise independent travel for you, you can be rest-assured it will be like her tea, done to the highest and most meticulous standard.