About This Hike
Besseggen is Norway's best-known ridge hike, crossing high ground in Jotunheimen National Park between turquoise Gjende and deep-blue Bessvatnet. The practical classic is a point-to-point day: book the Gjende boat from Gjendesheim to Memurubu, then hike roughly 13.7 km back to Gjendesheim with about 1,020 metres of ascent. This direction puts the steepest ridge passage on the climb rather than the descent, but it still involves hands-on scrambling, sustained effort and exposed views to both lakes. Most hikers need around eight hours after leaving the boat. Transport is part of the route plan: the quay-side parking is limited to two hours, while the long-stay car park is approximately 1.7 km away and connects to the quay by shuttle. Save the boat ticket offline because mobile coverage can be weak, arrive early enough for the correct Memurubu queue and never assume a later sailing has space. Once on the trail, there is no simple shortcut around poor ridge conditions. Strong wind, wet rock, fog, thunder or discomfort with heights are reasons to turn back before committing to the exposed section.
Highlights
- ✓ The narrow ridge between turquoise Gjende and deep-blue Bessvatnet
- ✓ A Gjende boat journey from Gjendesheim to the Memurubu trailhead
- ✓ Hands-on scrambling on the steep central ridge section
- ✓ A point-to-point mountain day that finishes back at Gjendesheim
Getting There
Use the long-term car park about 1.7 km from the Gjendesheim quay and take the Visit Gjende shuttle to the boat; the quay-side car park is free but limited to 2 hours. Reserve long-term parking and the boat ahead in busy periods.
Before You Go
For the classic day, take the boat from Gjendesheim to Memurubu and walk back. That direction places the steep Besseggen ridge on the ascent and lets you finish at your own car or accommodation, but it also means a missed outbound boat changes the whole plan. Gjendebåtene can run up to seven daily departures, but frequency and availability are date-specific: reserve the boat and long-term parking first, save the ticket offline, and turn back before the ridge if wind, rain, fog or confidence makes the route unsuitable.
Information checked: September 2026, against Gjendebåten's current sailing information
⚠️ Safety Notes
- The ridge involves hands-on scrambling with steep drops toward Gjende and Bessvatnet on both sides.
- It is not suitable for anyone with a fear of heights.
- Rock is slippery when wet, so avoid the ridge in heavy rain, strong wind, fog or thunder.
- From Memurubu, the usual direction climbs the ridge. If conditions or confidence deteriorate, turn back rather than continuing; check route alternatives before setting out.
- Book the boat before travelling and save a screenshot or printout of your ticket. If walking from Gjendesheim to Memurubu, check the final return sailing for your date.
- It is a long, demanding mountain day: bring warm and waterproof layers, enough food and water, navigation backup and a fully charged phone.