Jotunheimen - Galdhøpiggen

August 12

We drove for about 1.5 hours from Gjendesheim to Juvasshytta where the start of the hike to Galdhøpiggen begins. We were first greeted by a nice toll payment and then hairpin bends up to the tourist hut. It was to be a 3 hour hike up and 2.5 hours down.

This was the sight that we were greeted by when we got to Juvasshytta. Looked way more amazing than my picture gave credit for.

And then here goes. We hiked through 400m of a plain of loose rocks.

Then started a slight uphill of ice.

After conquering the first little climb. This was about 30 min.

Another climb this time up loose rocks.

And then we took a break. The view from our breakpoint.

And this was what was in for us next. Walking along the glacier chained to each other on ropes.

After conquering the glacier.

The climb ahead to the tourist hut atop Galdøpiggen. 

The view from the peak. A range of snowcapped moutains. 

On our way down we saw reindeers. We just had some one month ago. These adorable little things are super yummy. *guilty grin* 

Almos there. Getting to the rocky bits again. 

And back. Had to show this side of the view as it is just as breathtaking.

Final Remarks

Endurance: *

Difficulty: **

Scenery: **

Interesting to go across glaciers. (in a safe manner)

Jotunheimen Nature Park - Bessegen

Date: 10 August 2012 - 12 August 2012

Most people started the 7hr hike from Memurubu to Gjendesheim but we decided to start our hike from Gjendesheim. We started at 6am in the morning.

This view was taken at the start of our hike probably 15 minutes away from Gjendeshytta.

This was the first scramble. There were chains provided at certain parts and it was a complete vertical climb. Small footholds and slightly slippery as there were small streams of water running down the rocks. But still manageable.

Halfway there to Bessegen.

Huge Cairne atop Veslefjell.

Almost there. 

We had to scramble up and down this.

                                  

Finally, the postcard view of the Bessegen Ridge which lies between Gjende and Bessvanet which are 390m apart in elevation. This view (probably from the other direction) inspired the poem by Peer Gynt who went down the ridge on a reindeer buck.

Bessvatnet. Said to be the cleanest lake in Norway with a visibility to a depth of 30m.

After a short hike to the bottom by the bank of Bessvatnet, we had quick lunch and took the chance to take in the view of the beautiful sight.

On our way again. Came by a permafrost and people coming from the other side were gliding down the ice.

Bjørnbøl. A little pond. On our way towards Memurubu. 

Bjørnbøl is a great filling point. From this point onwards the hike to Memurubu is about 2 hours. 

Finally, the end in sight! 

View of the Gjende from Memurubu. We waited here for the ferry which was not very frequent and occasionally changes. 

Final Remarks

Endurance: ***

Difficulty: ***

Sights: ****