Jotunheimen Hut to Hut: Walking Through the Land of the Giants

Jotunheimen — “home of the giants” — is Norway’s great mountain playground. It holds the country’s highest summits, including Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m), and a web of marked trails linking mountain huts run by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). You can design a route to suit your fitness, weather and appetite for adventure.

Why hut to hut?

Norway’s hut system is one of the best in the world. Staffed huts serve hearty dinners and breakfasts; self-service huts have stocked pantries and an honesty payment system; no-service huts give you a bed and a stove. It means you can walk for a week carrying a daypack-sized load — or mix huts with wild camping, which Norway’s allemannsretten (right to roam) generally permits.

A classic loop

A popular five-to-seven-day loop starts at Gjendesheim and threads together some of the park’s highlights:

• Besseggen ridge — the famous airy walk between the deep green Gjende lake and the blue Bessvatnet. Busy in summer, but iconic for good reason.
• Memurubu and Gjendebu — lakeside huts reachable by boat if the weather turns.
• Olavsbu — a small, remote self-service hut in wild, rocky country.
• Spiterstulen — a base for climbing Glittertind or Galdhøpiggen.

Practical notes

• Membership pays: DNT membership gives discounts on hut stays and a key for self-service huts.
• Weather changes fast: Snow can linger well into July on high passes, and summer storms are common. Pack full waterproofs and warm layers.
• Follow the red T: Trails are marked with painted red Ts on rocks and cairns — easy to follow in good visibility, harder in fog.
• Bring cash or card: Most huts take cards; self-service huts rely on payment forms.

Who is it for?

If you’ve done a few long day hikes and want to try multi-day walking without a heavy pack, Jotunheimen is an ideal step up. Experienced hikers will find plenty of scope for long days and off-trail summits.