Michael,
Tremendous trip with your family (in this story)! My wife and I have four days in Jotunheimen National Park. May I request a recommendation for an area to concentrate? We are very experienced, fit hikers who live not too far from Leominster, in Longmeadow. Thank you for your time and insight.
All best,
Bob
Longmeadow, MA
[Originally posted as a comment at thebigoutside.com/photo-gallery-trekking-norways-jotunheimen-national-park]
Hi Bob,
Nice to hear from a Mass. native. With four days, I’d suggest you get a bus to either the first hut on my trek, Gjendesheim, or the last hut on my trek, Spiterstulen. From Gjendesheim, make sure you have a good forecast for the day you hike Besseggen Ridge to Memurubu Hut, which is a big day with incredible views, but it’s in the clouds in wet weather. Then you can hike or take the ferry to Gjendebu Hut and stay there and day hike from there, and take the ferry back to Gjendesheim.
From Spiterstulen, wait for a day with a good forecast to day hike Galdhøpiggen, which is just as spectacular as Besseggen Ridge. The next day, hike up to Leirvassbu Hut, a very comfortable place with great food and private rooms with showers and beautiful surroundings. The hike of the peak above Leirvassbu, Kyrkja, takes a few hours, with some steep, exposed scrambling. The hike past Kyrkja partway to Olavsbu Hut brings you to a gorgeous, lake-filled valley, a good turnaround point to return to Leirvassbu and Spiterstulen.
Either would be very nice. Both are popular, so make hut reservations asap. Good luck, have fun.
Best,
Michael
Outstanding Michael! Thank you for taking the time to provide your insight. I sincerely appreciate your effort on our behalf.
We are hiking Mounts Adams and Madison (in New Hampshire’s White Mountains) Saturday. Hiked King Ravine Trail up Mount Adams with my brother-in-law back in June and Peggy is excited to give it a go this weekend. Great prep for Jotunheimen.
Trust all is well with Team LANZA!
All best,
Bob
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—Michael Lanza