From Beitostølen: Self-guided Jotunheimen Black Valley Hike
- Hike from Torfinnsbu to Gjendebu through the scenic Svartdalen Black Valley
- Cross lake Bygdin and hike to Gjendebu, cross lake Gjende and catch the bus back to Beitostølen
- Return transfer from/to Beitostølen, boat tickets Bygdin lake and Gjende lake, detailed tour description and map included
Tour departs from
Duration
Available
Pick up / meeting point
Difficulty
Climate
Overview
Start your day with a short bus transfer from Beitostølen to Lake Bygdin. Continue by crossing lake Bygdin on the historic boat M/B Bithorn. Hike through the Black Valley. Sail across lake Gjende, and take the bus back to Beitostølen. Everything you need in one package. Optional overnight stay at the DNT mountain cabin at Gjende.
What's included?
Bus from Beitostølen to Bygdin lake
Boat ticket M/B Bitihorn (Bygdin lake)
Boat ticket Gjende (Gjende lake)
Bus from Gjende to Beitostølen
Detailed tour description
Map
Optional overnight stay at DNT mountain cabin
Optional dinner, breakfast, packed lunch and luggage transport
What to expect?
Discover the beauty of Svartdalen, also known as “The Black Valley”, as you hike from Torfinnsbu to Gjendebu in Jotunheimen. This valley is often called the most scenic one in the region!
Program:
Bus transfer from Beitostølen
08:45am: Bus from Beitostølen to Bygdin (15 min).
Lake Bygdin cruise
09:05am: Sail with historical M/B Bitihorn from Bygdin to Torfinnsbu, where your hike starts (45 min).
Hike through Svartdalen (the Black Valley)
Time: 5-6 hours, Distance: 14 kilometers, Elevation 610 meters
The trail through Svartdalen offers amazing sights of high peaks and glaciers, but it is also moderately challenging. You will need to navigate a rocky terrain that requires good balance and poles. The route is well-marked, and you will meet other hikers.
The trails are narrow, often rocky, and sometimes you need to cross rivers and streams. Therefore, we recommend ankle-height mountain boots and hiking poles. You will receive a physical map and gpx files from us on arrival and a detailed tour description for orientation.
The final descent is steep and can be slippery if it rains. Be careful and take your time to reach the next cabin safely.
Lake Gjende cruise
4:25pm: Sail on Lake Gjende to Gjendesheim (45 min)
Bus transfer back to Beitostølen
5:30pm: Bus from Gjendesheim to Beitostølen (40 min)
Please contact us by chat, e-mail or phone if you would like to add an overnight stay at the DNT cabin at lake Gjende, incl. dinner, breakfast, packed lunch and luggage transport (from NOK 1990 per person).
Good to know
Contact us if you need help with how to get to Beitostølen by bus from Oslo or Bergen
Wear warm waterproof clothing
Use sturdy mountain hiking boots that provide ankle support
Don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses
Hiking poles recommended
Not recommended to wear trail runners, everyday shoes, or sneakers