🏔️🎿 Fjellski Safari: a five-day hut-to-hut trek in Jotunheimen
Get ready for the most incredible adventures in Norway, where the well-trodden trails meet the unknown! Jotunheimen, the "land of giants," is a must-visit for fans of fjellski (mountain cross-country skiing) as it offers some of the most impressive routes around! The five-day trek through this region is an incredible challenge for experienced travellers and one of the best opportunities to feel part of the harsh and pristine nature of Scandinavia.
Our comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about organising this incredible route, where to stay, how to protect yourself from avalanches and all the other essential information you could possibly need before you set off.
📍 Day 1: Start of the route — Gjendesheim ➜ Glitterheim (22 km)
The route starts at the popular Gjendesheim hut. You will cross snow-covered valleys and frozen lakes to reach the famous Glitterheim hut.
Highlights of the day:
● Distance: 22 km, duration: approximately 6–8 hours.
● Glitterheim is a cosy cabin known for its stunning panoramic views of the Glittertinn mountain.
🎯 Tip:
Book your cabin in advance through the Norwegian Tourist Association website (DNT.no). The cost of an overnight stay is around NOK 500 for DNT members (NOK 700 for non-members).
📍 Day 2: Glitterheim ➜ Spiterstulen (17 km)
The second day of the route takes you over a mountain pass at an altitude of 1,400 metres to the legendary Spiterstulen hut. This is a difficult but incredibly beautiful section of the trail.
Highlights of the day:
● The route is of medium difficulty, with ascents and descents requiring good physical fitness.
● Spiterstulen offers comfortable accommodation and a delicious dinner (average price around 250 NOK).
🎯 Avalanche safety:
Check the latest avalanche danger information on Varsom.no. Be sure to bring an avalanche kit (beacon, shovel, probe) and follow the route markings.
📍 Day 3: Spiterstulen ➜ Leirvassbu (15 km)
The third day of the route is the most picturesque. The route passes famous peaks and glacial lakes to the cosy mountain hut Leirvassbu.
Highlights of the day:
● The route is not technically difficult, but the wind can be strong, so good equipment is important.
● Leirvassbu is a popular meeting point for experienced skiers from all over the world.
🎯 Tip:
Check the weather conditions before setting out. If the weather deteriorates, Leirvassbu is an excellent place to wait.
📍 Day 4: Leirvassbu ➜ Gjendebu (20 km)
The road to Gjendebu is a real challenge, with the chance to see herds of wild reindeer and breathtaking views of the Gjende fjord.
Highlights of the day:
● One of the most beautiful and wildest parts of the route.
● Gjendebu is the oldest DNT hut, known for its unique location by the fjord.
🎯 Evacuation points:
In case of emergency, contact the hut staff. Each hut has radio communication and telephones to call for rescue.
📍 Day 5: Gjendebu ➜ Gjendesheim (15 km)
The last day of the route leads along the famous Lake Gjende back to the Gjendesheim hut. The views along the way are simply mesmerising.
Highlights of the day:
● A simple and relaxing route along the lake.
● The trip ends in Gjendesheim, where you can relax and have dinner in comfortable surroundings.
🛌 DNT huts: how to book and what to expect?
● Book in advance, especially during high season (February–March).
● Membership in DNT (750 NOK per year) significantly reduces the cost of overnight stays.
● The huts always have hot food, beds with blankets and heating. Most huts do not have showers, but there is a sauna.
📌 Review from AllTrails:
"DNT huts are the best way to feel at one with Norwegian nature. Great food, comfortable conditions, amazing atmosphere."
🚨 Avalanche safety and preparation
● Before setting off, be sure to check the Varsom. no website for the latest avalanche conditions.
● Always carry avalanche equipment with you: a beacon, shovel and probe.
● Follow marked routes and the recommendations of DNT staff.
🎒 What to bring on a five-day route:
● Reliable equipment for fjällskidåkning
● Warm, layered clothing
● GPS navigator and paper map
● Thermos with hot drink and light, high-calorie snacks
● First aid kit and avalanche equipment
🚗 How to get to the start of the route?
● The nearest large city is Lillehammer or Oslo.
● From there, buses run to Gjendesheim. A ticket costs around NOK 400–500 one way.
Best photo spots along the route
● The top of the Glitterheim–Spiterstulen pass (view of the Jotunheimen mountains)
● Panorama of the Gjende fjord near the Gjendebu hut
● Lake Leirvatnet near the Leirvassbu hut
🗻 Summary: Jotunheimen is an adventure you absolutely have to experience!
The five-day trek through Jotunheimen is an incredible challenge that will make you feel so proud of yourself when you reach the top. If you're after unspoilt nature, real emotions and unforgettable experiences, then look no further than this amazing route! Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Here are some awesome tips to make the most of this incredible expedition!
Have you been on this or a similar route? We'd absolutely love to hear all about it in the comments! We would absolutely love it if you could leave links to your amazing blogs, awesome photo reports and useful tips! Share your recommendations to help other travellers on their next adventures in wild Norway – the more the merrier! I'm thrilled to tell you that the best tips will be included in future articles!
