Plan your arrival in Oslo where you will proceed further to the shores of Lake Bygdin (bus ride). Enjoy your first overnight in a nice and cozy hotel, surrounded by snowy peaks and the blue waters of the Lake. The bus leaves Oslo around noon (also in the morning in busy periods) and the ride takes some 4hrs (most people prefer to book a pre-tour night in Oslo in order to be on time for the bus journey).  It is also possible to start earlier from Oslo and get a short walk above Lake Bygdin later in the day (1,30-2hrs, 5km, +450m/-450m). *Changes may occur but in general you can choose from the following tentative departure times for the bus from Oslo: 08.30; 10:20; 12:20; 15:00. This timetable is not final, but you can declare your wish for a certain bus departure already at the time of booking. 

A warm up hike will mark the beginning of your independent walking trek across Central Norway - a trek to Bitihorn Peak 1,607 m. a.s.l.  The trail is pleasant and as you gain elevation, you will be able to see more and more from the sea of jagged peaks and numerous glacier lakes. The last stage before the peak is a bit steep but your efforts will be rewarded with great panorama towards the whole Jotunheimen Park and the calm waters of Lake Bygdin.

Today’s trek will take you on a walking journey to the most beautiful part of Jotunheimen National park - the Black Valley or also known among Norse people as Svartdalen. The first part of your adventure will start with a trip on the historic Bitihorn boat that crosses the Lake and drops you off at Torfinnsbu (appr. 45min boat ride). You will ascend steeply on the first stage of the trail until you reach a stunning waterfall, followed by a rocky path which takes you through a small peak to totally 3 lakes in the Valley Svartdalen. From here the terrain gets more flat and easy and the rest of the hike will be a pleasant stroll between the hilly landscape until you reach your final destination - Gjendebu. You will have many excuses to stop for short picnics and in clear weather the panorama is spectacular! The highlight of today’s trek will be the majestic pyramid of Knutsholstind known as the King of the Gjende Alps.

During the free day you can relax at your accommodation, take some short strolls around or simply skip the lazy part and do one of the below options: OPTION 1) a circular trek to Gjendetunga (10km; 3,30-4,30hrs; +/-550m). Easier than Option 2 (though not an easy one!), this trek is meant for people who like enjoy another bunch of splendid panoramic views! Considered as a “must do hike” in the area, this independent walk will take you to a heights where you can have lunch, overlooking the calm waters of Lake Gjende; OPTION 2) a more challenging roundtrip trek to Bukkelægre Lake (involving steeper stages as compared to the first option (14km; 3-6hrs; +/-550m).

Early in the morning take the boat to Memurubu, where your trail will start rising steeply until you reach a nice plateau. Later on, there will be more flat areas and several options to fill your bottles with fresh water. The route will pass through a ridge that separates Lake Bessvatnet with Lake Gjende. The higher altitude makes this stage of today’s trek one of the most spectacular ones - having both majestic lakes from left and right! Mind that the last meters of the ridge, as you are getting closer to the Besseggen Peak, is steep and narrow, so you have to be kind and respectful to all of the hikers coming from the opposite direction or walking in yours. Though no special equipment or previous experience is needed. From Besseggen you will be able to take the same famous postcard pictures that every tourist is taking here! The final part of the trekking is pleasant, almost on a flat area.

Enjoy your strong breakfast before setting off for the next self-guided walk, starting with a boat cruise from Gjendesheim to Gjendebu. The path starts crossing the Veslåe River over two bridges, revealing nice views of the area. A nice birch forest will add some fairy-tale feeling that you are passing through the kingdom of mythology creatures. Leaving the forest behind, you will start hiking through a vast rocky valley, passing through some small peaks with wonderful views. Soon the Bygdin Lake will appear at sight and you will end by its shores, this time at the opposite side of where you independent trekking had started. The trip ends in Eidsbugarden, where you catch a bus for a short ride to your accommodation.

STANDARD OPTION: Every big adventure deserves a remarkable end. So it would be the trek to the majestic Uranostind (2,157 m). In the morning you will meet your guide before taking the transfer to the trail head at Koldedalen (pick up from your property will be around 9:00am but exact details will be mentioned in your tour documents; appr. 1hr drive to the trailhead). Since the trek is considered as demanding, you will be accompanied by a qualified mountain guide. Sharply rising peaks will caress the sky and accompany you throughout the whole trek. With varied and exciting climbs, including some glacier crossing, this final route will leave you breathless, especially when you reach your target - the iconic Uranostind. At the end of the long and tiring hiking day, pamper yourself with some of the local specialities and be proud that you successfully finished your self-guided walking tour in Norway! For the guided trek on the last day of hiking you will be provided with all the necessary alpine equipment such as helmet, harness, crampons and ice axe (you must have space for all these in your backpack!; the ice axe is carried on the backpack). From your side, we will expect you to bring comfortable hard trekking boots, an insulation jacket – down or fleece, long underwear – preferably wool; hat and gloves. Gaiters are recommended but not obligatory. Previous hiking experience is a must, especially needed is experience in mountain hiking and adverse weather conditions, where snow storms may occur even during summer. On the previous evening you will receive a call from the guide. He/she will inform you about the next day and will make sure you are up to the challenge (the groups normally comprise appr. 8 participants per guide). Be aware that based on how challenging you found the hikes on the previous days, or if the weather conditions are too challenging, you will be given an alternative hiking option (no refund in this case!). EASIER OPTION: If the standard option above looks too demanding for you, and if you are a group of at least 5 pax travelling together (!), already at the time of booking (not possible on spot!) you can opt for a shorter and easier glacier hike to Falkebreen (7km, 6hrs, +300m/-300m). This experience will show you the great power of nature. You will hike on ice in different shapes of blue that is thousands of years old and is at all times moving and making beautiful shapes and crevasses. Surrounded by the impressive summit of Falketinden, you will explore the glacier together with an experienced guide, who will teach you how to use the special equipment you will need. A glacier hike that fits average hikers and even families. As per above crampons and ice axe will be provided by the guide, so please make sure you have enough room in your backpack for the additional equipment.

Take a short ride to the bus stop at Tyinkrysset where you will board the bus to Oslo (you should arrive there late in the evening (appr. 20:30; subject to timetable).

It is also possible to proceed for Bergen instead of Oslo: By bus: 1) extra fee of 30 Euros/person applies; please advise at the time of booking!; 2) you will need to take a taxi from Eidsbugarden to Tyinkrysset and from there take a bus to Bergen (arriving in Bergen around 18:00). By speedboat from Flåm along scenic fjords (take the bus for Bergen as per above and get off in Flåm; Once in Flåm you will have appr. 25min to get to the pier and catch the speedboat, which travels appr. 5,30hrs and reaches Bergen around 21:00 (several stops on the way). If you wish to book this ride, this should be advised at the time of booking and will cost 195 Euros per person (snacks and drinks can be purchased on board, but not real dinner).