4.6
(1310)
8,749
hikers
20
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Gjende are situated within Norway's Jotunheimen National Park, a region defined by its glacial landscape. The area features the emerald-green Gjende Lake, surrounded by mountains exceeding 2,000 meters, U-shaped valleys, and rocky terrain. The distinctive color of Gjende Lake is due to glacial rock flour.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.0
(1)
21
hikers
22.1km
09:47
1,270m
1,270m
This difficult 13.7-mile summit hike to Besshøe in Jotunheimen National Park offers panoramic views over Besseggen and Gjende Lakes.
3.9
(22)
70
hikers
21.5km
06:39
430m
430m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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4
hikers
2.63km
00:42
20m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(200)
695
hikers
13.2km
04:32
500m
500m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(15)
64
hikers
15.3km
06:24
820m
820m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Popular around Gjende
The waterfall is a worthwhile destination for a hike.
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With luck you will meet them
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Above Gjendesheim. Starting point for a hike over the Besseggen ridge.
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A great lake in a sensational location. A great area for multi-day hikes if you like stones. I like stones!
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Beautiful road through a spectacular area
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An impressive area with really great views
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Impressive views on the way to Bessegengrat
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There are over 20 hiking trails accessible from bus stations around Gjende, offering a wide range of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has rated these trails highly, with an average score of 4.6 stars.
Yes, for those seeking a less strenuous walk, routes like the View of the Sjoa River – DNT Gjendesheim loop from Gjendesheim offer an easy experience. This particular trail is just over 2.5 km long and takes about 40 minutes, providing scenic views without significant elevation gain.
Gjende is renowned for its demanding trails. For a significant challenge, consider the Besshøe Summit Trail, which is over 22 km long with more than 1200 meters of elevation gain. This difficult route offers incredible panoramic views for experienced hikers.
Yes, many trails are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same bus stop. An example is the DNT Gjendesheim – View of Lake Gjende loop from Gjendesheim, a challenging 21.5 km route that offers extensive views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
The trails around Gjende offer stunning natural beauty. You can expect to see the iconic emerald-green Gjende Lake, shaped by glacial rock flour. Many routes provide views of the towering mountains of Jotunheimen National Park. The View of Lake Gjende – Bessa Waterfall loop from Reinsvangen, for instance, allows you to experience both the lake and the Bessa Waterfall.
Yes, key trailheads like Gjendesheim often have facilities. For example, near the Gjendesheim bus stop, you'll find the Gjendeheim Boat Dock, which is a hub for the Gjendebåten ferry service. There's also the Besseggen Kiosk Gjendeosen nearby, offering amenities and information.
While popular routes like Besseggen can be busy, there are options for a quieter experience. Exploring some of the moderate or easy loops, especially outside peak season or during weekdays, can offer a more tranquil hike. The View of the Sjoa River – DNT Gjendesheim loop from Gjendesheim is a shorter, easier trail that might be less frequented than the longer, more famous routes.
The best time for hiking in Gjende is typically from late June to early September, when the trails are generally free of snow and the weather is most stable. Outside of this period, conditions can be challenging, with snow and ice making many trails impassable or requiring specialized equipment. Always check local conditions before heading out.
Yes, several trails provide diverse water views. The region is famous for the contrast between the emerald-green Gjende Lake and the deep blue Bessvatnet Lake, visible from higher elevations. The View of Lake Gjende – Bessa Waterfall loop from Reinsvangen offers views of Gjende and a waterfall, showcasing the varied aquatic landscapes of the area.
The komoot community rates the bus-accessible trails around Gjende highly, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the stunning, dramatic scenery, the convenience of public transport access to trailheads, and the well-maintained paths that lead to iconic viewpoints and natural wonders like the vibrant Gjende Lake.


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