Writing this post about my Besseggen Ridge hike flooded my memory with a combination of adventure, adrenaline, turmoil and exciting inflated terror. In my mind, I can recall the winding path while climbing the mountain, a path that was sometimes pleasant, and sometimes formidable. Knowing that if you step on a wrong rock or go down a wrong trail you could easily fall or get very lost. Simply put, it was one of the best mountain trips I have ever had.
Hiking in Norway is very popular during the summer, so when I was asked to join a group in this Besseggen ridge hike, I just said yes without even knowing what I was getting into.
Jotunheimen National Park, Norway
Besseggen Ridge has certainly the marvelous mountains and lake views in Jotunheimen National Park, Norway. “Jotunheimen” means “home of the giants”, as it is the home to the 29 highest mountains in Norway. That is why going on Besseggen ridge hike shouldn’t be underestimated like I did.
Lost in the “Home of the Giants”
The first part of the hike could be summed up in four little words - “a piece of cake”! Who would feel intimidated with a little stroll on a little mountainside path surrounded by nature? Well, the same person that had not yet realized we had not even approached the sheer rock face of Besseggen ridge, which was quite a distance away.
Taking photos of this magnificent nature I told my friends to just go ahead, I wanted to take several photos, I would catch up. I didn't really 100% mean this, of course, it was more like 60%, and when I turned to join them they were already gone!
I tried to catch up with my two friends, but they had walked too far too fast. Then I thought I would just wait for my other friends, but they hadn't gotten too far and walked too slow! Now I had friends somewhere in front and somewhere behind me, but the most important “somewhere” was just not here! I start to feel a little panicked when I realized I was lost and alone in the “home of the giants”.
Surviving Besseggen Ridge Hike
Hiking alone along the rocky fjord side path through Besseggen ridge taught me many things. One is that trolls really do exist (kidding), and two sometimes things just happen because I am not really kidding about the trolls!!
This winding endless 8-hour one-way path, up to a freaking mountain from the icy pits of hell, makes you realize the immediate reality that one thing is for sure - you’re on your own!
Firstly, be not afraid, because you are never alone (I am of course lying, you really are alone and should be afraid). Secondly, it makes one realize that though the world can sometimes be rude, rough, tough and slightly obnoxious, there is always some miracle person(s) who is awesome, and genuinely nice enough to offer help if they see you struggle. As was the case, when I was trying to navigate across one of Besseggen Ridges many rock faces. On several of these difficult occasions, hikers would always offer a supporting hand when needed. Remember that a universal rule when hiking is to stop and help.
Enjoying the Besseggen Ridge Hike and sceneries
I was able to hike at my own pace while taking pictures, where I met other like-minded picture taking hikers, who gladly offered to take some photos for me and vice versa. Meanwhile, the rest of the group were also having so much fun that I actually missed watching them with their costumes on upon reaching the Besseggen ridge.
The glorious view of Besseggen Ridge.
Do you know that she wears this fairy costume every time she reaches the peak of every mountain she climbs?
How to get to Besseggen Ridge from Oslo?
Before starting your Besseggen ridge hike, your starting point is from Gjendesheim. My group rented an 8 seater car which cost around 8000 NOK for 3 days (about 1021.32 USD, I know it was quite expensive, this is actually more expensive than my round-trip ticket to the Philippines or USA). We drove from Oslo to Gjendesheim and sleepover for the night at Gjendesheim DNT.
Tip: If you’re not traveling in a big group, the cheapest way to get to Gjendesheim is taking the Nor-way bus, which only cost about 405 NOK - 415 NOK per adult one-way.
Stopover for food after a long long drive.
Magnificent view from Gjendesheim DNT.
What to expect when hiking in Besseggen ridge?
A very long 8-mile hike, that is approx 6-8 hours one-way, plus breaks.
Hiking on steep cliffs and giant rocks.
When I climbed on this rocky mountain, I really thought I was gonna die! 😉
Unending mountains to climb.
Walking trails with snow or ice.
And of course, the reward for all risks and challenges is lots and lots of spectacular sceneries of both mountains and lakes.
Thank you for reading! What do you think about my Besseggen ridge hike? Would you dare to climb? If you´d been to Besseggen ridge or the Jotunheimen National Park in Norway, I would be excited to hear about your experience in the comment section below. Read more about summer in Norway in my previous post "A beautiful Norwegian summer in Sandsøya".
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