With only 4 million people living in an area roughly the size of California, Norway is a country filled with pure wilderness. Some of the most dramatic mountain country is found in Jotunheimen National Park and Rondane National Park, which serve as the settings for these exceptional adventures. Our Heart of Norway Treks take in the best of the best of Jotunheimen and Rondane. These trips are made more special as the result of our American and Scandinavian guides who have spent years adventuring throughout this fascinating country and who guide with safety, camaraderie and your desires at heart! These trips feature some of the best mountain hiking in all of Europe. We explore towering sawtooth peaks, trek in the spray of powerful waterfalls,traverse glacier-spangled hillsides and ice-carved valleys, reflect on sparkling alpine lakes, and enjoy the unique culture and warm hospitality of classic Norwegian backcountry lodges. At times on this trip you find yourself feeling on top of the world in a landscape of incredible raw beauty.
We offer trips in both Rondane and Jotunheimen National Parks, two of the finest and most spectacular regions in all of northern Europe. Our Rondane trips take place in the earlier part of summer. This national park sits in the eastern central part of Norway and is host to expansive open space, forever alpine vistas, absolute solitude, colorful wildflowers, rugged mountain peaks, shimmering lakes, and gorgeous valleys and streams. In addition, one of the last purely wild reindeer herds calls Rondane home, as it has for thousands of years. Jotunheimen National Park is northern Europe's largest national park and is home to Scandinavia's tallest peaks. The park is host to rich blue glaciers, razor back ridges, above-the-clouds vistas, lunar landscapes, deep distant fjords, and possible reindeer herd viewing. The isolation of Jotunheimen makes it a nature lover's paradise.
For both trips, after meeting in the small central Norwegian town of Otta the night before the trip departure date, we travel to either Rondane or Jotunheimen. Here, we spend six days exploring regions that are almost indescribably beautiful and raw. We overnight in remote, trail-side mountain lodges, replete with comfortable beds, delicious meals, and classic Norwegian charm.The hikes each day vary in length and difficulty, with some regarded as strenuous and others moderate. Each day is a sensory experience of the undisturbed natural world. Some days we hike from lodge to lodge and others we dayhike and return to a lodge for a second night. Since these cottages are fully furnished your pack need only hold clothes, a lightweight sleeping bag, rain gear and accessories for the trip. The unmatched scenery and solitude of Rondane and Jotunheimen, our knowledgeable and caring Norwegian and American guides, the immaculate accommodations, and seamless logistics render an unforgettably enjoyable trip.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: After a hearty breakfast, we begin the hike from the western edge of Jotunheimen. We hike uphill approximately six miles to Fannaråhytta, a lodge with basic amenities located high atop Fannaraken peak (6800 feet), the tallest mountain in western Jotunheimen. Although the miles covered are few, this is a challenging day of hiking. We gain substantial elevation, walk across a glacier guided by a local expert, and trek deep into the park. Fannaråhytta is famous for its above-the-clouds panoramic views
Day 2 - Day 3: After a leisurely morning and filling breakfast we embark on a predominantly downhill seven-mile hike. This hike winds down among stoney crags. We descend into an amazing valley basin where tributary rivers drop as terraced waterfalls and run through unbelievable green meadows before merging and becoming the Stor Utla river. The beauty of this place prompts us to pause often in order to soak it all in. After stopping mid-trail for lunch we arrive at Skagadalsboen, a remote, helicopter-served lodge that features panoramic views and its own home brew. This venerable lodge is located in a rich alpine forest. We spend the night comfortably settled in the heart of these Norwegian woods. We spend day three in this area, and have a choice of several different day hikes to enjoy. Or, you can simply relax in the rustic comfort of Skagadalsboen. We spend night three here as well.
Day 4: On day four we hike to Olavsbu, another charming hut that is surrounded by lakes and glaciers. This hike, approximately twelve miles long, wends its way along a beautiful green valley from which we gradually ascend to a higher valley surrounded by hogback mountains. We hike along lakes and and through rock formations in a starkly beautiful high alpine landscape. Olavsbu is located virtually in the center of Jotunheimen and is known for the solitude it offers to those who overnight here.
Day 5: After spending the night at Olavsbu we depart for the dramatic high mountain fjord Bygdin. This day begins with a generally downhill hike of approximately nine miles. We hike in the morning to Fondsbu where we enjoy lunch on the banks of fingerlike Bygdin fjord. We then head south and east around Bygdin fjord, as the trail passes an alpine lake, and climbs and traverses a ridge that offers views of the fjord and beyond. This night we sleep at Yksendalsbu lodge with panoramas of dramatic cliffs and alpine meadows.
Day 6: Following a leisurely breakfast we begin the hike out of the park. We leave Yksendalsbu and hike past another beautiful lake. After the four hour hike we meet our shuttle van at the east end of Bygdin and head east out of the park. On this drive we stop at Ridderspranget, a spot on the powerful upper Sjoa river where the canyon walls constrict to less than ten feet apart. From there we head to the town of Heidal where we toast a great adventure and new friends, and enjoy a Jotunheimen explorers celebration dinner. After dinner a shuttle will be ready to return to the train station for the evening trip to your next Norwegian destination, filled with memories of your classic Europe hiking tour.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The minimum age is 16. 6-Day Trip (Price based on five or fewer total participants; Adult: $2800;
6-Day Trip (Price based on six or more total participants; Adult: $2400.
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Norway
Hiking & Trekking
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