Jotunheimen National Park Norway hiking week

Arrival

To reach the start of the tour you will travel north by train from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to the town of Otta. We will spend the first night in the town of Otta as this allows for anyone arriving late or having transport issues. Once we leave Otta we are in a remote area with few transport options. On the morning of our first hiking day we will take a private transfer to Spiterstulen of around 1h30 where we will then start our hike. Details of discounts, including those for Senior Citizens, can be found here

Travelling to Oslo by Train: There are options for rail travel to Norway from all major European cities. For example from the UK you can overnight in Copenhagen, Denmark, however, there are many possibilities. 

The easiest way to book is via www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. If you're travelling from the UK or US then take a look at the multi-day pass travel system provided by Eurail.

If you would like to book each stage as an individual journey then using the UK to Copenhagen, Denmark, as an example here is how.

Travel from London, England, to Brussels, Belgium using the Eurostar www.eurostar.com, these tickets can be purchased up to 6 months ahead of your travel date. From here you can book a train from Brussels, Belgium to Gothenburg, in Sweden, (Gotëborg) adding a stopover in Copenhagen, Denmark. For this you can use the German Railway website. A full day on the train sees you arriving in Copenhagen for an evening walk around the city before dinner if you would like to use this as a stop over. 

The final leg of your journey is from Gothenburg Central Station, in Sweden, to Oslo, Norway, and this can be booked using Vy the Norwegian rail network website www.vy.no.

All the trains have Wi-Fi, charging points and a restaurant car.

On your trip arrival day you should take the train at 1429 hrs to Otta, which is likely to be on the Departure board as the line to Trondheim S. It arrives at Otta at 1754 hrs. The train station is in the airport building at Gardermoen and it all works very efficiently in terms of connecting with your flight. Tickets are easily booked on line, and you will usually have a reduced price if you do this in advance at Norwegian Trains. 

Departure

On your departure day, which is the Sunday, we will organise a private transfer from Spiterstulen to Otta Railway Station. The timetables are still to be published, but we are expecting to take the train at 1127hrs arriving into Oslo Airport at 1421hrs. Note: Timetables are generally published and confirmed between 60 - 90 days before the departure date. Train information is available here. 

Please contact us to discuss travel if required. 

It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate. 

Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page. 

Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.

Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.

All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.

When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

The terrain in the Jotunheim is very rocky with boulder fields to be crossed most days, so boots with a good tread are very important. The rocks are granite and very 'grippy' which means the rocks are not generally slippy and offer good contact with the boot even when wet. Most of the huts we will stay in have a 'drying' room to dry kit overnight.

When travelling to meet the group we suggest that your 'hand luggage' contains as many items as possible to allow you to hike should your main bag be misplaced or delayed. 

Equipment

• Walking boots - comfortable & waterproof, with a good tread. We have no objection to ‘low cut mountain walking shoes’ if they have a stiff sole for rough terrain. Be aware that early season snow can remain on the high passes.

• Walking Poles – highly recommended, especially early season with snow on the route

• Rucksack –  30 - 40 litres, with a chest and waist strap, try using it loaded before your trip so that you are happy that you can carry all of the kit during the week.

• Rucksack liner or cover - to keep the contents of your rucksack dry

• Waterproof stuff sack - for hut kit, and for transport on the ferry on the last two days*

• Water container - 1 to 1.5 litres, or hydration system

• Short gaiters – highly recommended, especially early season with snow on the route

• Microspikes - for the June/July departures

• Emergency foil blanket

* On two of the hiking days we will send any hut kit/spare clothes etc with the ferry on Lake Gjende. You need a waterproof stuff sack for these items. The sack will be left outdoors on the dock for collection by the ferry and could get wet. Otherwise bring a really strong rubbish bag that you can use for this purpose. 

Clothing

• Waterproof jacket - this MUST be waterproof. We can encounter heavy rain in the mountains and you need to be able to stay dry and warm

• Waterproof over trousers - we consider these vital items for the reason given above. We reserve the right to ask you to purchase waterproof trousers if we deem them necessary, or to ask you to miss a day of the trip if you are not properly equipped for the weather

• Trousers - comfortable walking trousers allowing free movement

• Shorts/skort

• Sun hat

• Warm hat/Buff

• Gloves x 2 - one thick, one thin

• Base layer e.g. t-shirt, thermal tops

• Fleece jacket/shirt

• Socks - technical walking socks 2/3 pairs

• Waterproof socks - a good idea for Norway

• Duvet jacket/second warm jacket

• Thermal leggings - optional

Comfort

• Sunscreen

• Lip salve

• Sunglasses - eye protection is essential

• Tissues

• Antibacterial hand wash - small bottle

• Swimwear - optional, we sometimes swim in lakes/rivers

• Supplementary snack bars/chocolate/trail mix

• Book/Kindle/Music

• Insect repellent 

• Eye mask - in June it will be almost 24 hours of daylight

Documentation

• Passport, plus a paper copy

• Travel Insurance

• Credit Card - Norway is moving towards a cashless society

• Cash - some Norwegian Kroner but the vast majority of locations will take card payments

• Waterproof bag for documents

• GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover

Personal First Aid

• Personal medication - if required

• Antiseptic cream/spray

• Painkillers/anti-inflammatories

• Glucose tablets

• 2 x Rehydration sachets – like Dioralyte

• A few throat lozenges

• Blister plasters 

• Blister tape eg. Strappal

Additional Items

• Slippers for use at accommodation

• Sheet sleeping bag 'liner' - lightweight ‘silk or cotton liner’ *

• Pack towel*

• Ear plugs - optional, but advised if room sharing

• Clothing for use at accommodation

• Eye mask if you struggle to sleep  - in June we have 24 hours of daylight

• Headtorch

• Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these

* We do not include bed linen at the DNT huts nor towels as this would increase the trip cost by around £220 per person and we prefer that you can choose to bring your own sheet sleeping liner and pack towel, or you can hire on arrival.

**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**

Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit

Adventure Lightly, Leave Only Footprints

• Carry your own kit – it's all part of the adventure, no support vans

• Cosy hut stays – escape to peaceful, hidden trails

• Hop on a train – easy, stress-free travel to destination available

• Local produce – enjoy meals made with locally sourced ingredients.

• Keep it green – our stays are big on recycling!

• Say no to single-use – help us cut down on plastic waste

• Leave no trace – everything, even tissues, comes off the mountain with you

On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.

We have graded this trip Expert due to the rocky nature of the terrain. The daily distances, ascent and descent are not difficult and are less than other Expert level trips, however, the nature of the trails adds time and effort to the day. Most days we are on rocky trails and we will often spend around 40 minutes to 1 hour negotiating boulder fields where the route takes us between large rocks, rather than just a rocky path. Even when wet or covered in snow we have found that the rock, which is gabbro, offers a good grip for your hiking boots. There is the possibility that you may be asked to bring Microspikes if there is a lot of winter snow left on the trail. We can advise you of this before departure. 

In addition there is no luggage support so you will carry everything you need for 7 days of hiking. In reality this involves just a few extra items for your hut overnights, such as wash kit, slippers and a change of clothes. Each accommodation sells a small selection of snacks, blister kit, sunscreen, maps, batteries, etc.

On the three most challenging hiking days you will be carrying only a light day pack. When we ascend the highest mountain in Northern Europe, Galdhøpiggen we will return to Spiterstulen Hut for a second night so any unwanted items can be left in your room. If you choose not to attempt the summit you can simply rest at Spiterstulen or go for a valley hike. The route to Galdhøpiggen is basically a boulder field for much of the day, but the rocks are solid and grippy and it is not an issue for experienced and fit hikers. Many thousands climb Galdhøpiggen each year as it is something of a Norwegian pilgrimage to do so. Many of these people will have much less experience than our guests yet successfully climb to the summit. 

On the two other days on Memurubu Ridge, and Bessegen Ridge we will send extra items with the ferry boat on Lake Gjende, so you once again only have a light daypack. This is particularly useful on the Bessegen which has a section where you will want to use your hands as well as your feet. The Bessegen presents a low grade scramble which does not have loose rocks and is generally good terrain. Some sense of exposure may be experienced, but essentially it is quite a wide ridge. 

Although we stay in remote huts they do have vehicle access, and it is possible to escape if you had major issues due to blisters or tiredness. Also on the second last day you could choose to take the boat between Gjendebu and Memurubu, and on the last day you can once again take the boat, from Memurubu to Gjendesheim.

For each trip a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm your trip will go-ahead. Minimum and maximum numbers are displayed in 'At a Glance' on the righthand of the trip page. If you book travel before we have emailed to confirm the trip is guaranteed we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss.

On this trip a single room is normally available on the first night in Otta and on the second night at Leirvassbu DNT hut. There may be other possibilities during the week. Please contact us if you would like to know more, and we will provide a quote.

Most likely you will find yourself in a room with two beds sharing with one of the group, and at other times we may have a larger room with 3 or 4 people in the same room. If this is the case be assured that we always group people according to gender, relationships or friendships. This type of accommodation is normal in the mountains. 

We would add that the huts in Norway are wonderful, and are certainly not the very basic huts you might find in the French/Swiss Alps. The food is usually excellent and the accommodation cosy. It is normal to have good hot showers, and a drying room for any damp boots or clothing. There are charging point for electrical items usually in the rooms, or in a common area. 

Tracks and Trails go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation. Your guide has our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. Your hiking guide will be a qualified International Mountain Leader. IML's are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, culture and traditions. You can learn more about our guides on the About Us page.

On this trip there is no luggage support and you will carry everything you need for the hike. You will meet many Norwegians with enormous rucksacks carrying tents stoves, etc, but you just need a few extra items for the hut nights.  Our guides would normally arrive in Norway with only what they need for the hike, but we usually arrange with the accommodation at Spiterstulen Hutte to store any items or bags you do not require, when we pass there at the start of the week, until we return at the end of the hike. In 2025 the charge for secure storage was NOK 60 per day.

The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.

Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have a map detailing the entire seven day hike you can refer to the one below:

Cappelen Damm Kart 45 - Jotunheimen 1:100,000/1:50,000

The weather in Norway is similar to that of the Scottish Highlands; you can have 4 seasons in one day. From snow showers to strong sun. You should come equipped to deal with all weather, and have sufficient waterproof stuff sacks in your rucksack to keep items dry. You can check a ten day forecast here. Even in summer you may need a pair of warm gloves if the weather turns inclement. Water proof socks are a good idea as we will often have to cross streams and rivers, hopping from rock to rock. All accommodation has a 'drying' room to dry kit overnight. In June and July the average temperatures ranges from 12°C (54°F) to 5°C (41°F). In late autumn it ranges from 7°C (44°F) to 1°C (34°F). Winter snow can lie on the trails till mid-summer. 

Food On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes. If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem.  If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups. 

In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue.  If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us. We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.

Water If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.

Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.

The DNT stands for Den Norske Turistforening, which translates to the 'Norwegian Trekking Association'.  Local member associations operate 550 cabins across Norway, maintaining a network of 22,000 km (13,730 miles) of marked hiking trails and 7000 km (4375 miles) of branch-marked ski tracks. Each year, volunteers work a total of more than 800,000 hours maintaining this system. DNT Cabins are either 'staffed' or 'self-service'.

Staffed cabins Serve all meals; breakfast, dinner and a packed lunch which you make from the breakfast buffet. Meals are excellent in both quality and quantity. Almost all cabins have hot showers and electricity, either from the power grid or from a local generator. You can charge electrical items. They are cosy and traditional in style and are just as comfortable as a rustic hotel. They serve alcohol and normally sell basic items such as snacks, batteries, first aid items etc. Staffed cabins are open only in certain seasons.

Self-service cabins Equipped with all we need for cooking and sleeping. Firewood, gas, kitchen utensils, table linen and bunks with blanks or duvets and pillows. You should bring a 'sheet sleeping bag liner' for reasons of hygiene. The cabins are stocked with tinned and dried food. It is not possible to 'reserve' beds in self-service cabins and it is a case of 'first come, first served'. In the self-service cabins we look after ourselves: fetch water, cook food, wash up and chop wood.

You can read more about the DNT system and what to expect in terms of accommodation at the cabins in our Exploring Norway's Quiet Trails.

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.  

NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.

We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country

If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.

If you would like help preparing for your adventure you could consider booking a Quick Fix session with personal trainer Kate Brown. This is aimed at those who want to get ready for any of our Summer activities. Your booking with Kate will involve a 45 minute 1:1 video consultation and action plan. You can read more about her ethos and experience here. We also offer free training videos on our YouTube channel - the following are aimed at those who hike in summer, and continue to do so in winter on snowshoes:

Get Fit for Hiking and Snowshoeing 1

Get fit for Hiking and Snowshoeing 2

Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. If you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not.  Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size. 

Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number. 

GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.

EHIC If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC.

We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.

The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.

You can read our Sustainable Travel Policy here.

Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained. 

On this trip your lunches are included in your trip fee. In Norway it is traditional to make your own packed lunch from the breakfast ingredients. Breakfast is normally a buffet with a large range of food on offer. You will be supplied with paper to wrap your sandwiches, but you might like to bring a lunch box. Bring a thermos flask for hot drinks.