Beitostølen: Self-guided Jotunheimen Black Valley Hike

This tour takes you to the iconic Svartdalen valley in the heart of Jotunheimen. Start your journey at Beitostølen with a short bus ride to Bygdin before enjoying a scenic boat trip to Torfinnsbu, where the hike begins.

The route takes you through Svartdalen, often described as one of Jotunheimen’s most remarkable and dramatic valleys. Towering peaks surround the valley, creating an atmosphere that could have been taken from a Norwegian folk tale. The hike is demanding but very rewarding, and offers magnificent views of the mighty nature. When you reach Gjendebu, the adventure continues with a boat trip over Gjende, where the legendary Besseggen dominates the landscape.

This is an unforgettable day trip that gives you some of the best that Jotunheimen's wild nature has to offer. Recommended for hikers with some previous mountain experience, as the terrain may be more technical than you are used to.

Day 1

Transport: Bus from Beitostølen to Bygdin (approx. 15 minutes), departure at 8:45 a.m. From Bygdin you continue with the historic M/B Bitihorn to Torfinnsbu, where the tour starts (45 min).

Activity: hiking Svartdalen
Time: 5-6 hours, Distance: 14 km, ↑ 610 meters

Svartdalen is a very beautiful valley with views of many 2000-meter peaks and glaciers. However, it is not an easy hike as the path is quite rocky and poles are an advantage. Finally, a steep downhill awaits – in wet conditions this part can also be quite slippery. Take your time to get safely down to the pier at Gjendebu.

Transport: After the trip, take the boat from Gjendebu to Gjendesheim (approx. 45 minutes), departure at 4:25 p.m. When you arrive at Gjendesheim, take the bus to Beitostølen (approx. 40 minutes).

(Day 2 - Possible night at Gjendebu)

If you don't want to think about reaching the boat from Gjendebu, where you have to walk for 6 hours and 30 minutes, you are welcome to stay one night in Gjendebu before taking the boat and bus back to Beitostølen on day 2.

Please note:

To fully enjoy your hiking adventure in the mountains, it is important to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and local temperatures. For a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend wearing warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots that provide ankle support, sunscreen, and sunglasses. It is not recommended to wear everyday shoes. We also recommend bringing poles for this type of terrain.

The route is well marked and you will meet other hikers. The paths are narrow, often rocky, and sometimes you have to cross rivers and streams. Therefore, we recommend hiking boots and ankle-length hiking poles.

You will receive a tour description and a gpx file from us before departure for orientation.

Supplement

Overnight stay at Gjendebu DNT cabin, incl. full board*, bedding and luggage transport
Person in double room: NOK 2,200
Single room supplement: NOK 1,000
You are welcome to stay one night at Gjendebu. The DNT cabin consists of several smaller buildings and a main house with a beautiful dining room and good local food – this is the oldest DNT cabin, built in 1871. 

Single rooms: During the high season it is difficult to get a single room at Gjendebu, and usually solo travelers have to share a room with other guests. This is common practice at DNT cabins. We can still try to arrange a single room if you are not comfortable sharing a room.

*breakfast, packed lunch and dinner