[2-18 |] Access [2-19] There's a road to the hotel and boat service on Bygdin. [2-20] There are marked hiking trails to Gjendebu, Torfinnsbu, Olavsbu, Skogadalsbøen and Yksendalsbu. [2-21]
[2-22 |] Facts [2-23] Vinjestova, the prececessor of Eidsbugarden hotel, was opened in 1868. [2-24] Owner: Hans Martin Skagen. [2-25] Warden: Leif Skagen. [2-26] The lodge is located in Vang township in Oppland, 1060 meters above sea level, and has 50 beds. [2-27 |] Tel: 61 36 77 14. [2-28 |] E-Mail: ocdahl@online.no [2-29 |] Fondsbu [2-30 |] New lodge at an old gateway [2-31]
[2-32] In 1992, Fondsfinans AS bought the annex at Eidsbugarden, "The happy rambler," and leased it to DNT OA. [2-33] The year after, DNT's 125th anniversary, the Fondsbu tourist lodge was opened. [2-34] For DNT, it was almost like returning to where hiking started. [2-35] The 26 bunks that were in the tourist lodge were soon too few, and it was necessary to build an annex. [2-36] With time, there were more and more guests, a trend due not least to the new hosts, who made an all-out effort to make the place known. [2-37] They've been successful in profiling Fondsbu as one of the best eating places in the Jotunheimen. [2-38] Organized day hikes with guides to selected hike destinations is also an offering that persuades many guests to stay a few more days at Fondsbu. [2-39] If you like wild and varied scenery, you need, however, neither good food or a guide as an excuse to stop over at Fondsbu. [2-40] Neither must you be as sensitive a soul as Vinje to feel the attraction of the summits when you see Falketind's imposing facade toward Koldedalen. [2-41] Each year, many hike as did Keilhau, Boeck and Urden, who were first on the summit in 1820. [2-42] The customary route goes from Andrevatnet i Morka, Koldedalen and over the glacier to the summit. [2-43] If you are proficient in glacier hiking, the hike is relatively easy, and most combine a stop on Falketind with a hike up the neighboring summit, Stølsnostind. [2-44] If the view eastwards from Falketind impresses, that westwards from Stølsnostind is equally grand, for one toward the jagged Hurrungane on the other side of Utladalen. [2-45] If you happen to be in the area, Uranostind also is a splendid hike destination. [2-46] The summit also entails glacier hiking. [2-47] But you need not go so far to get a view. [2-48] Skinnegga at 1518 meters is located just a few short kilometers south of Fondsbu and Eidsbugarden, and can easily be reached on a little afternoon hike, but good heavens, what a fine view! [2-49]
[2-50 |] Access [2-51] There's a road to Fondsbu and boat service on Bygdin. [2-52] There are marked hiking routes to Gjendebu, Torfinnsbu, Olavsbu, Skogadalsbøen and Yksendalsbu. [2-53]
[2-54 |] Facts
[2-55] Fondsbu tourist lodge was opened in 1993.
[2-56] Owner: Fondsfinans AS.
[2-57] DNT OA leases the lodge.
[2-58] Wardens: Nina Schreiber and Helge Lindstad.
[2-59] The lodge is located in Vang Township in Oppland, 1065 meters above sea level, and has 90 beds.
[2-60 |] Tel: 970 74 218.
[2-61 |] Web:
[2-63 |] Olavsbu
[2-64 |] Self-service centerpiece
[2-65] Even before World War II, DNT wanted to build a lodge in Raudalen to spread traffic in the Jotunheimen.
[2-66] The routes between Gjendebu and Skogadlsbøen and between Leirvassbu and Eidsbugarden were so long that many were reluctant to kike in the area.
[2-67] A lodge at the junction between the two routes, uppermost in Raudalen, would consequently both divide the day legs and create further options for lodge-to-lodge tourists.
[2-68] When DNT received a large gift of money from ship-owner Olav Ringdal and his wife to build a cabin in memory of their son Olav, who had fallen in World War II, there therefore was little doubt where such a cabin should be located to be most useful.
[2-69] And what a location - not only does the cabin have the junction of two key hiking routes almost at its doorstep, but Olavsbu lies also at the feet of some of the grandest peaks of the Jotunheim.
[2-70] Right in front lies the grandiose Mjølkedalstinden of fully 2137 meters (hike description, see brochure 3).
[2-71] In back of Olavsbu is the slender Raudalseggi of 2168 meters.
[2-72] It was first ascended in 1906 by Ferdinand Schelderup and Agnes Jakhelln.
[2-73] The route to the summit in back of the cabin requires climbing and safety equipment, but it's possible to reach the summit without climbing by starting from Storådalen.
[2-74] No less splendid are neither Sjogholstind, Skardalstind, and Raudalstindan, all of which lie within a manageable day hike from Olavsbu.
[2-75] Olavsbu was finished in 1952, and quickly became so popular that it was necessary to expand the cabin as early as 1960.
[2-76] Later, Olavsbu has been built onto several times, so that it is among DNT's largest self-service cabins, with more than 40 beds.
[2-77] That many are necessary in view of its overnight record of more than 3000 people in the course of a year.
[2-78]
[2-79 |] Access
[2-80] There are marked hiking routes to Gjendebu, Leirvassbu, Skogadalsbøen, Eidsbugarden and Fondsbu.
[2-81]
[2-82 |] Facts
[2-83] Olavsbu self-service cabin was opened in 1952.
[2-84 |] Owner: DNT OA.
[2-85] The lodge is located in Luster Township in Sogn og Fjordane, 1440 meters above sea level, and has 40 beds.
[2-86 |] Tel: None.
[2-87 |] Web:
[2-89 |] Haugseter fjellstue
[2-90 |] Tradition on Lake Vinstri
[2-91]
[2-92] At Mørstadstølen, almost at the east end of the large lake Vinstri, archeologists have found remains of a stone-age settlement.
[2-93] Arrowheads scattered around indicate the sort of errand that our fur-clad ancestors had in the high mountains.
[2-94] Most likely, people have used the area more or less continuously since then, both for hunting and for fishing.
[2-95] Vinstri was, in fact, early sought after for summer dairies.
[2-96] Before World War II, there were at least fifty dairies in operation along its shores, and dairying still goes on at some of them.
[2-97] Haugseter is close to Mørstadstølen.
[2-98] As early as the 1860s, it gained the reputation of being a good place for hikers to spend the night.
[2-99] As increasing numbers of hikers took the route to the Jotunheimen through the western part of Gausdal Vestfjell, it became a natural place to stay.
[2-100] In the beginning, tourists had to live together with the farm people, but in 1876, Øystein Rudi and his wife, Ingrid, built a separate tourist lodge next to the summer dairy.
[2-101] They ran it until 1910, when their daughter Marit and her husband, Tollef Haavi took it over.
[2-102] In 1919, the place was again rebuilt, so much so that for a few years it had the more pretentious name Haugseter Hotel.
[2-103] Many tourists were also ferried in by rowboat.
[2-104] Those who came to the bank across from Haugseter raised a white signal flag to indicate their need of a ferryboat.
[2-105] In 1911, motor boat service also began on Vinstri, as on the other large lakes in Jotunheimen.
[2-106] The boat sailed the lake until 1954, when Jotunheimveien between Bygdin and Skåbu was completed, but the lake was not just significant as a traffic artery - the fishing attracted many, both locals and tourists.
[2-107] In 1989, regrettably, Haugseter Fjellstue burned to the ground.
[2-108] Fortunately, it has now been built up again in comfortable, old style.
[2-109] That should please both hikers and motorists along Jotunheimveien.
[2-110]
[2-111 |] Access
[2-112] Jotunheimveien between Bygdin and Skåbu goes by the lodge.
[2-113] Marked hiking trails to Gjendesheim, Oskampen and Storeskag.
[2-114]
[2-115 |] Facts
[2-116] Hindsæter fjellstue has received tourists since the 1860s.
[2-117] Owners: Rønjus Nordtorp and Kari Hauge.
[2-118] The lodge is located in Øystre Slidre Township in Oppland, 1040 meters above sea level, and has a total of 64 beds.
[2-119 |] Tel: 61 34 15 10.
[2-120]
[2-121 |] Torfinnsbu
[2-122 |] The lodge that moved
[2-123]
[2-124] In 1867, a log cabin was set up alongside the old stone hut at Nybua, about midway on the north shore of the 28 kilometer long Bygdin, Jotunheimen's largest lake.
[2-125] The cabin was intended to provide lodging for the cowherds who lived with the livestock in the area for the greater part of summer, but as early as 1870, hikers also began to stay there.
[2-126] In 1876, William C. Slingsby, Emanuel Mohn and Knut Lykken dropped in on their way westward to climb Store Skagastølstind.
[2-127] In 1888, DNT received an offer to buy the cabin, but accepted first in 1901.
[2-128] The Association then abandoned its cabin at Tvindehaugen on Bygdin, dismantled the building and transported the logs eastwards.
[2-129] About one kilometer east of Nybua, where Torfinnsdøla flows into Bygdin, DNT found a fine site, and in 1905 the cabin was finished.
[2-130] However, after a few years it also was too small, so in 1909 the cabin was expanded given the more stately name of Torfinnsbu, after the river and the splendid peaks, at the feet of which the lodge lies.
[2-131] In 1913, the lodge was taken over by the landowners, who had the right of redemption after ten years.
[2-132] The various hard workers at Torfinnsbu have by their efforts over the years created a place that mountain tourists value, which, after all, is most important.
[2-133] In recent years, Torfinnsbu has also been extensively modernized, and therefore should be well equipped to receive more tourists.
[2-134] Mountaineers early showed interest in Torfinnsbu and still do.
[2-135] Especially the Torfinnstindane make a striking impression from down below on Bygdin.
[2-136] During his stop, Slingsby and his party could include Østre Torfinnstind at 2119 meters in his large collection of first ascents.
[2-137] The hike down from Torfinnsbu and up to the highest of the three Torfinnstindane is exposed in places, but is not particularly difficult and doesn't require climbing skills.
[2-138] The same can be said of most two thousand meter peaks around Torfinnsbu.
[2-139] The exceptions are the middle Torfinnstindane and Søre Nål on Knutseggi on the other side of Svartdalen.
[2-140] A good hike guide has been compiled for peaks in this area, if you need more information.
[2-141] In the summer it also is a good idea to combine a day hike from Torfinnsbu with a boat trip on Bygdin.
[2-142] There are opportunities for several more exciting hike destinations around Jotunheimen's largest lake.
[2-143 |] Access
[2-144] There is scheduled boat service on Bygdin throughout the summer, and there are marked trails to Fondsbu, Eidsbugarden, Gjendebu, Valdresflya Youth Hostel, and Bygdin Høyfjellshotel.
[2-145]
[2-146 |] Facts
[2-147] Torfinnsbu has received tourists since 1905, its predecessor Nybod from 1870.
[2-148 |] Owner: Arvid Skredbergene.
[2-149] The lodge is located in Vang Township in Oppland, 1060 meters above sea level, and has 36 beds.
[2-150 |] Tel: 958 83 398.
[2-151]
[2-152 |] Yksendalsbu.
[2-153 |] New lodge, old route
[2-154]
[2-155] Yksendalen is green and beautiful and extends from Oldefjorden south of Bygdin about 10 kilometers westward toward Steinbusjøen.
[2-156] Not odd, then, that the valley was used as a gateway to the Jotunheimen even in the early days of hiking.
[2-157] Most who visited the succulence of Yksendalen had, however, not two, but four legs.
[2-158] As the name implies, there was pasture for bulls here.
[2-159] The valley most likely was used for that purpose as early as the turn of the last century.
[2-160] Several herds grazed in the valley, and at the most, there could be nearly 100 fully-grown bulls there.
[2-161] For many years, Yksendalsbua provided shelter for the herders of Oppland Landbruksselskap who minded the breeder bulls from Valdres and Vestoppland.
[2-162] They were sent to the mountains to fatten and be ready for new achievements in autumn and winter.
[2-163] But new times brought new needs.
[2-164] Veterinarians, test tubes, and artificial insemination gradually took over from lustful bulls, and the need for mountain pastures disappeared.
[2-165] Shortly after World War II that chapter ended in Yksendalen.
[2-166] The needs of the bipeds also changed as communications developed.
[2-167] Mountain farm lodgings were closed down and routes overgrown.
[2-168] Throughout the 1980s, several proposals were made to open this fine gateway to Jotunheimen anew, but the realization of that required a new overnight lodging.
[2-169] First, when the well-known real estate king Olav Thon came up with a generous donation to DNT, was headway made.
[2-170] DNT was so fortunate as to lease the old herder cabin in Yksendalen.
[2-171] It was an ideal place for a tourist lodge, because it lay about midway between Beitostølen and Fondsbu.
[2-172] It was renovated according to all rules of the game, and a suitable annex was built nearby.
[2-173] In February 1994, the lodge was ready to receive its first guests.
[2-174] Even in the first winter, more than a hundred people found their way into Yksendalen.
[2-175] In recent years, even more have become aware of hiking in to Fondsbu this way.
[2-176] Parts of the route are real gems, particularly from Yksendalsbua and over to Vennistøldalen.
[2-177] The newly-marked route to Bygdin Høyfjellshotel, on the ridge between Olefjorden and Bygdin, is also fine.
[2-178]
[2-179 |] Beitostølen
[2-180] As a tourist destination, Beitostølen is relatively new.
[2-181] In days gone by, there was a traditional cluster of mountain daires here, with life and commotion in summer and stillness in winter.
[2-182] Only infrequently was the stillness broken by a lone ptarmigan hunter or a farmer going to a mountain dairy to fetch a load of hay.
[2-183] The road from the valley up to Beitostølen was first plowed in the winter of 1934, and 30 more years passed before the first ski lift was built.
[2-184] Today, life teems at Beitostølen almost year round.
[2-185] Here there are innumerable private cabins, and in the area there are high mountain hotels, mountain hostels, and rental cabins, together having more than 2000 beds.
[2-186] Here there are six ski lifts and more than 100 kilometers of marked ski trails.
[2-187] In the summer, Beitostølen also is a fine gateway for hikes into the Jotunheimen.
[2-188] None of the marked hiking routes go all the way to the place, but you need not go farther than to Bygdin or Gjende to be able to walk on T-marked trails.
[2-189]
[2-190 |] Facts
[2-191] Beitostølen Tourist Office can provide further information.
[2-192 |] Tel: 61 34 10 06.
[2-193 |] E-Mail: turistko@online.no
[2-194] The following places offer lodgings in and around Beitostølen:
[2-195]
[2-196 |] Beitostølen Høyfjellshotell, about 200 beds, 9 rental cabins, Tel: 61 34 13 00, E-Mail: booking@beito.no
[2-197 |] Beitostølen Camping, rental cabins, Tel: 61 34 11 00, E-Mail: info@beitocamp.no
[2-198 |] Bergo Hotell, 66 beds, 12 rental cabins, and 35 apartment suites, Tel: 61 34 10 45, E-Mail: booking@beito.no
[2-199 |] Bitigrenda Hytter, 15 cabins and 4 apartments, Tel: 61 34 14 40, E-Mail: bitihyt@online.no
[2-200 |] Gjeste Gården resort, 30 apartments, Tel: 61 34 12 72, E-Mail: konferansehuset@ol.telia.no
[2-201] Kveto Fjellgard, 4 cabins, Tel: 61 34 15 52/905 46 826.
[2-202] Liahaugen Hytter, Tel: 61 34 12 69.
[2-203 |] Norlandia Bitihorn Hotel, about 100 beds, Tel: 61 34 10 43 service@bitihorn.norlandia.no
[2-204] Feriehyttene, 19 cabins, Tel: 61 34 10 44.
[2-205 |] Fjellvang Hyttegrend, Beito, 4 cabins, Tel: 61 34 10 14, E-Mail: kolykken@online.no
[2-206 |] Grønolen Fjellgård, Beito, 50 beds, 8 apartments, Tel: 61 35 29 90, E-Mail: gronolen@gronolen.no
[2-207 |] Hegge Leiligheter, 32 apartments, 16 cabins, Tel: 61 35 21 00, E-Mail: marogne@online.no
[2-208 |] Knuts Hyttegrend, 22 cabins and apartments, Tel: 61 34 10 09, E-Mail: turistko@online.no
[2-209 |] Radisson SAS Resort, about 300 beds, 6 rental cabins, Tel: 61 34 13 00, E-Mail: info@resort-beito.com
[2-210 |] Øyang Turisthotell, Beito, about 120 beds, Tel: 61 34 11 21, E-Mail: beito@online.no
[2-211]
[2-212 |] Tyinholmen Høyfjellstuer
[2-213]
[2-214 |] Access
[2-215 |] Road past the place.
[2-216 |] Marked hiking trails to Skogadalsbøen, Vettismorki and Slettningsbu.
[2-217]
[2-218 |] Facts
[2-219] Tyinholmen Høyfjellstuer has received tourists since 1893.
[2-220] Owners: Inger Sagstuen and Erling Olsen.
[2-221] The facility is located in Vang township in Oppland, 1080 meters above sea level, and has 65 beds in rental cabins.
[2-222 |] Tel: 61 36 78 88.
[2-223]
[2-224 |] Bygdin Fjellhotell
[2-225 |] Access
[2-226] State highway 55 over Valdresflya goes by the hotel.
[2-227] There is scheduled boat service on Bygdin, and there are marked hiking routes to Torfinnsbu and Yksendalsbu.
[2-228] The route to Yksendalsbu starts from the road a couple of kilometers south of the hotel.
[2-229]
[2-230 |] Facts
[2-231] Bygdin Fjellhotell was opened about 1900.
[2-232] Owner and warden: Per Otterness.
[2-233 |] The lodge is located in Vang Township, 1060 meters above sea level, and has 90 beds.
[2-234 |] Tel: 61 34 14 00.
[2-235 |] Maurvangen Camping
[2-236 |] Access
[2-237] Road past the place and buss service.
[2-238] Marked hiking trails to Gjendesheim and Sikkilsdalsseter.
[2-239]
[2-240 |] Facts
[2-241] Murvangen Camping has received tourists since 1976.
[2-242 |] Owner: Else Reiremo.
[2-243 |] The lodge is located in Vågå Township in Oppland, 1000 meters above sea level, and has 26 rental cabins.
[2-244 |] Tel: 61 23 89 22.
[2-245 |] Valdresflya Youth Hostel
[2-246 |] Access
[2-247] State highway 51 over Valdresflya goes by the hotel.
[2-248] There is a marked hiking trail to Torfinnsbu and a partly marked trail to Gjendesheim.
[2-249]
[2-250 |] Facts
[2-251] Valdresflya Youth Hostel was opened in 1952.
[2-252] Owner: Norwegian Youth Hostels, Region East.
[2-253] The hosel is located in Øystre Slidre Township in Oppland, 1390 meters above sea level, and has 46 beds.
[2-254 |] Tel: Norwegian Youth Hostels, Region East. 22 15 21 85, E-Mail: vhregost@os.enitel.no
[2-255] Tel hostel in season: 941 07 021.
[2-256]
[2-257 |] Various hikes south of Bygdin
[2-258 |] Hike 2a - 2 days - gg
[2-259] In the early days of hiking, many hiked into Jotunheimen from Beitostølen, through the scenic Yksendalen past Skinneggin to Eidsbugarden.
[2-260] To walk the route in the opposite direction is, however, equally as magnificent.
[2-261] Many places offer fantastic views towards the mountains in the Jotunheimen.
[2-262] The route is newly marked and toes to the Bygdin hotel.
[2-263] With a road to Eidsbugarden and boat service on Bygdin, this therefore can be a fine, little round tour.
[2-264] If you have several days available, it may be a good idea to continue round Bygdin via Torfinnsbu.
[2-265] See Hike 2c.
[2-266 |] 1. Fondsbu to Yksendalsbu
[2-267] The hike starts with a gradual, fine uphill on a broad, solid trail upwards towards Vennestølsdalen.
[2-268] After a good kilometer, it forks, and the broadest trail continues towards Utsikten on Skinegga (see box).
[2-269] Clearly, the hike up there is popular, and the side trip isn't longer than you also can fit it in.
[2-270] The hike through Vennistølsdalen goes in the beginning over a few fine grassy slopes and after a bit through rolling terrain and some boulder fields and talus.
[2-271] Fortunately, there are clearly visible cairns along the route.
[2-272] The marking continues along the south side of Dryllin and steeply down into Vølodalen.
[2-273] You must go through some willow thickets on the valley floor, and the trail can be difficult to find, so follow the marking carefully.
[2-274] The Vøloa river normally can be crossed on stones.
[2-275] The route continues along the shore of the lake south of Vølohornet, and here there's some talus.
[2-276] Thereafter, you have to go up again over Vareggene, but then it's a steep downhill and down into the green Yksendalen.
[2-277] When you see the lushness of the valley, it's easy to see why it earlier was a paradise for grazing bulls.
[2-278] However, it's been a long time since such animals scared tourists, and today the old herder's hut has been taken over by DNT as lodging for hikers.
[2-279] The marking of the last part to the lodge is, by the way, a little unusual.
[2-280] There are few stones and many willow thickets in the area, so the trail is marked with red painted poles.
[2-281 |] 2. Yksendalsbu to Bygdin
[2-282] As opposed to days gone by, hikers no longer need fear bulls in Yksendalen, so the next day, you can focus on the view and on following the route.
[2-283] As the marking is relatively new in many places, the trail isn't so obvious all the way, so it's wise to follow carefully, both on the map and after the marking.
[2-284] First, it goes westwards and out over toward Skamdalen, where there's a fork.
[2-285] The trail to the right is the old one that no longer can be used after Olefjorden was dammed up.
[2-286] You continue northeastwards toward Systerbottjernet and then south of it eastwards towards Skjeldrehornet, over Oleberga, and north of Bergaåntjern to Marabotthornet.
[2-287] Besides, on the way you pass a fine, little ridge with a good view both southwards and northwards; it's a fine rest stop.
[2-288] From the summit of Marabotthornet, the trail goes steadily down towards Seksin, and then on its south side and eastwards on a hillside with a good view of Raudfjorden.
[2-289] Bitihorn, 1607 meters over sea level (you should go to this summit sometime!) is skirted on its north side, and soon you're down at the State highway, which you must follow for a good kilometer northwards to Bygdin Fjellhotell.
[2-290]
[2-291 |] Skinnegga
[2-292] - "Do you recall the view from Skineggen that morning?
[2-293] When the white mist drifted between Skagastølstindarne, and Kaldedalsbrærne glittered like gold in the sun!
[2-294] - Oh, oh, that I won't get there this summer!" sighed Aasmund Olavsson Vinje to his friend Sars as he lay mortally ill at Rikshospitalet in 1870, and added:
[2-295] - "But when I'm laid in my coffin, my spirit shall seek its home up in the mountains, and I will sit on Falketind and gaze out over Norway, and the mountain chains shall come forth."
[2-296] Skinnegga is a good example of height not meaning everything in the Jotunheimen.
[2-297] The Utsikten promontory is just 1518 meters, and lies only a few kilometers south of Fondsbu.
[2-298] It's easy to get to on a little afternoon hike or on a side trip from the route towards Yksendalsbu.
[2-299 |] Lengths
[2-300 |] Fondsbu - Yksendalsbu, 6 hours
[2-301 |] Yksendalsbu - Bygdin, 7 hours
[2-302]
[2-303 |] Lodgings
[2-304] Fondsbu, Eidsbugarden, Bygdin Fjellhotell, several places at Beitostølen.
[2-305]
[2-306 |] Public transportation
[2-307] Road and bus service to Fondsbu, likewise past Bygdin Fjellhotell.
[2-308] Boat service on Bygdin.
[2-309]
[2-310 |] Popular round tour between major peaks
[2-311 |] Hike 2b - 3 days - gg
[2-312] Fondsbu is DNT's newest staffed lodge in the Jotunheimen, Gjendebu the oldest, and Olavsbu the largest self-service cabin.
[2-313] A round tour between them in relatively easy terrain with several options for side trips to major peaks, is popular.
[2-314 |] 1. Fondsbu to Olavsbu
[2-315] For the first half kilometer, the route goes along a dirt road.
[2-316] It passes the restored Vinjebua and crosses Mjølkedøla on a bridge before the trail goes up along the river.
[2-317] As you follow it, you soon see why Mjølkedøla was so named.
[2-318] Though it's not pure white, it is in any case close to grey-white in periods when melt water runoff from the glaciers peaks.
[2-319] Up on the hillcrest before Store Mjølkedalsvatn, you come into Jotunheimen National Park just as you have a magnificent panorama.
[2-320] The route continues on the east side of the lake, into a small valley and up in the saddle between Høgbrothøgda and Mjølkedalstind.
[2-321] Before the saddle, you pass two forks: first, the route to Skogadalsbøen branches off to the left, and after a few hundred meters, the route from Gjendebu comes in from the right and continues downhill, where it runs together with the route towards Skogadalsbøen.
[2-322] However, you continue over the saddle, down towards Øvre Sjogholsvatnet, and through talus to the saddle between Mjølkedalstind and Sjogholstind.
[2-323] From there, there's more talus all the way to Olavsbu, but the view is splendid, and the cabin is splendidly located.
[2-324 |] 2. Olavsbu to Gjendebu
[2-325] The route to Gjendebu is relatively easy and fine.
[2-326] Aside from a few stretches with talus and old snow that often lies late in the summer so high in the mountains, the trail is good and well marked through the entire Raudalen to Grisletjørnene.
[2-327] The route goes around the southernmost of the tarns and first meets the route from Skogadalsbøen, and then a good kilometer afterwards, also the route from Fondsbu.
[2-328] Up in Raudalen there's rather little vegetation, but as you come down in Vesleådalen, mother nature takes over again in full measure.
[2-329] Birch woods surround the trail, and the botanically interested will find even warmth-loving plants in this area, even though the elevation is well over 1000 meters above sea level.
[2-330] That says something about the arability around Gjende.
[2-331] Particularly in early summer there's a glorious show of colors.
[2-332] That's' when the bird life also peaks, as several species nest in this area.
[2-333] The last kilometer up to the lodge runs over a flat delta built up of alluvial deposit from Storåa and Vensleåa.
[2-334] The front of the delta edges out year by year, and not so many years will pase before it's no longer possible to dock a rowboat at Gjendebu.
[2-335] The dock for the scheduled boat on Gjende was moved outward several years ago.
[2-336] Just before the lodge, Storåa is crossed on a solid bridge.
[2-337] Look at the torrent and you will understand that the river has the power to carry lots of soil from the mountains above.
[2-338]
[2-339 |] 3. Gjendebu to Fondsbu
[2-340] If you wish to complete the round tour back to Fondsbu, there are several alternatives to choose among.
[2-341] There are marked routes to Torfinnsbu and onward to Fondsbu, and you can take the boat on Bygdin.
[2-342] However, the shortest route is back the way you came, that is, up Veslådalen.
[2-343] Uppermost in the valley, north of the knoll aptly named Rundtom, the trail forks.
[2-344] The route towards Olavsbu and Skogadalsbøen goes to the right, while the one to Fondsbu goes straight ahead.
[2-345] If you wish to follow an alternative route to Fondsbu that in addition is shorter, you should however go to the right.
[2-346] The old post road over to Fondsbu runs on the north side of Geithø and keeps a steady course towards Fondsbu.
[2-347] The post road is shown on the map but no longer marked in terrain, so you must read the map to follow the route.
[2-348] It's quite steep toward the end down towards Fondsbu.
[2-349] The T-marked route continues on the south side of Geithø towards Høystakktjernet.
[2-350] The river from the tarn is crossed on a bridge downstream from the outlet; thereafter, here it's also steep downhill to Bygdin.
[2-351] In the last kilometers to Fondsbu, the route runs along the shore of Bygdin.
[2-352]
[2-353 |] Summit tours around Olavsbu
[2-354] Stop over if you wish, a day or three at Olavsbu.
[2-355] If you aim for Mjølkedalstind, Sjogholstind, Skardalstind or Raudalstindane, you could hardly have a better starting point.
[2-356] Even at a self-service cabin, it's possible to stay several days, provided you show consideration for the other guests.
[2-357] However, at Olavsbu for most of the summer, there is a cabin warden who tells you how to fit in.
[2-358] The hikes on Mjølkedalstind are described in brochure 3, and Raudalsegga is described in the cabin capsule on Olavsbu on page 9.
[2-359] The ascent of Sjogholstind is also possible for moderately experienced mountain hikers.
[2-360] It starts from the hiking route through the gap on the northwest side and follows the ridge to the summit.
[2-361] Skardalstind is also a magnificent peak.
[2-362] The starting point for ascending it is Raudalsbandet on the route over towards Leirvassbu.
[2-363] From there, aim for the summit and climb up the mountainside.
[2-364] If you wish to go to Raudalstind, it's wise to start from Raudalsbandet, but to complete the tour, you need the map in brochure 3.
[2-365]
[2-366 |] Hikes around Fondsbu
[2-367 |] Aside from Skinegga (see Hike 2a) Galdeberget on the other side of Bygdin is the most usual hike destination for those who stay at Fondsbu or Eidsbugarden.
[2-368] The hike starts along the lake and DNT's cairns over towards Gjendebu.
[2-369] After crossing the bridge at Høystakktjerne, you need only head straight toward the summit at 2075 meters.
[2-370] However, most prefer to first go around the promontory at 1950 meters.
[2-371] It towers precipitously over Bygdin, and offers at least as fine a view as from the summit.
[2-372] The return trip from Galdeberget can well be along the cairn route through Oksedalen.
[2-373] But instead of following the Gjendebu trail back, there's a splendid tour around Grønnebergtjernet, following the route of the old post rod over Gravafjellet down to the lodge.
[2-374] Besides, the post road is also good to use if you wish to hike over the 1630 meter high Høgebrotet.
[2-375] As far as I know, this summit is the only place in the Jotunheimen that has a view to Bygdin, Tyin and Gjende, if the weather is good.
[2-376] The area around Fondsbu of course has more than these few glimpses.
[2-377] In brochure 3, you'll find several suggestions, but otherwise it's only a question of using the map and your imagination, and not overstepping the mark.
[2-378]
[2-379 |] Day hikes from Gjendebu
[2-380] An outdoorsman will love all the fantastic hike choices there are around Gjendebu.
[2-381] The favorite of many is the hike to Gjendestunga.
[2-382] The summit is between Vesleådalen and Storådalen and is only 1516 meters, but what a view - you see peaks and glaciers in all of the southern part of the Jotunheimen.
[2-383] The view from Svartdalspiggene's 2137 meters is possibly better yet, but then the hike also is twice as long as that to Gjendestunga.
[2-384] However, the hike isn't especially difficult.
[2-385] Follow the route towards Torfinnsbu up in Svartdalen.
[2-386] When the valley begins to level off, go diagonally upward to the right and up on the ridge.
[2-387] There's some loose talus and it's a bit slippery, but otherwise easy.
[2-388] Follow the ridge upward, over a snowfield and onward to the summit cairn.
[2-389] "Jotunologist" Emanuel Mohn felt that the view from Svartdalspiggen was the fairest that he had seen in the Jotunheimen.
[2-390] There's certainly no other vantage point where in so short a stretch you can see such a myriad of pointed needles.
[2-391] On the other side of the valley lies Store Knutsholstind at 2343 meters.
[2-392] Before the first ascent by Johannes Th. Heftye in 1875, the summit was reckoned to be un climbable, but today it is considered to be a hike, though steep and exposed.
[2-393] Try it gladly, but be careful.
[2-394] If, instead of high mountains, you would rather take a closer look at Jo Gjende's old hut on the other side of Gjende or study plant life around Gjendebu, indeed they're not lesser alternatives.
[2-395]
[2-396 |] Lengths
[2-397 |] Fondsbu - Olavsbu, 5 hours
[2-398 |] Gjendebu - Olavsbu, 5 hours
[2-399 |] Gjendebu - Fondsbu, 5 hours
[2-400]
[2-401 |] Lodgings
[2-402] Fondsbu, Eidsbugarden, Olavsbu, and Gjendebu.
[2-403]
[2-404 |] Public transportation
[2-405] To Fondsbu and Eidsbugarden there's a road and bus service, as well as boat service on Bygdin.
[2-406] To Gjendebu there's boat service on Gjende.
[2-407]
[2-408 |] Bygdin lengthwise
[2-409 |] Hike 2c - 3 days - g - gg
[2-410]
[2-411] This is a varied and fine hike that both goes along the shore of Bygdin and up to 1700 meters between the major peaks north of the lake.
[2-412] The hike can easily be combined with Hike 2a into a walk around Bygdin.
[2-413] Another good alternative is to continue along the partly marked route from Valdresflya Youth Hostel to Gjendesheim, or additionally take a bus over Valdresflya.
[2-414] From Gjendesheim, you walk back to Fondsbu along Gjende, and therefore take in both these magnificent mountain lakes.
[2-415]
[2-416 |] 1. Fondsbu to Torfinnsbu
[2-417] The hike starts easily with a good four kilometer walk along Bygdin's west end on the main route towards Gjendebu.
[2-418] Thereafter, it goes steeply up towards Høystakka and on a bridge over the tarn.
[2-419] After another two kilometers, the route swings to the right into Oksedalen.
[2-420] The valley could hardly have been named after lush pasture for bulls, as here there's too much talus and stone.
[2-421] The route climbs easily and fine up towards the tarn innermost in the valley, and then more steeply over the saddle and down to Galdebergstjern.
[2-422] Often, a snowfield lies in the gap, so be careful.
[2-423] The stream at the outlet of Galdebergstjern can be waded or crossed on stones, depending on the water level.
[2-424] The route continues gently out over towards Langedalen and downwards along the river in the valley.
[2-425] Cross Langedalsåna on a footbridge, and then after a short kilometer, you come to Torfinnsbu's predecessor, Nybua.
[2-426] From there, it's easy and fine walking along the shore of Bygdin to Torfinnsbu.
[2-427]
[2-428 |] 2.Torfinnsbu to Valdresflya Youth Hostel or Bygdin Fjellhotell
[2-429] There are, at any rate, two alternatives for the next day's hike, either to Valdresflya Youth Hostel (YH) or to Bygdin Fjellhotell.
[2-430] The latter hike is about an hour shorter.
[2-431] The first five-six kilometers are common.
[2-432] After crossing Torfinnsdøla on a bridge, the trail goes mostly along the shoreline of Bygdin the whole way.
[2-433] It crosses some streams, most on bridges; one of the largest is at Hestevollen.
[2-434] When you get there, you'll see that this must have been a place that horses enjoyed, and it's fine for a short rest for we people, too.
[2-435] Just before Dyrnesodden, the trail forks.
[2-436] The one to the left goes evenly uphill and mostly directly towards Valdresflya Youth Hostel.
[2-437] The right alternative continues to follow Bygdin's shore to Bygdisheim, which regrettably has been shut down as a lodging.
[2-438] Here the natural Bygdin ends, but because of watershed control, the lake continues all the way to Bygdin Fjellhotell.
[2-439] For the last few kilometers to the hotel, you must walk along a road, but fortunately it's closed for motor vehicle traffic.
[2-440]
[2-441 |] Bygdin
[2-442] Bygdin covers a total of 46 km2, is 28 km long and up to 2 km wide.
[2-443] It is, therefore, Jotunheimen's largest lake.
[2-444] It's named after its long, curved shape.
[2-445]
[2-446 |] M/B Bitihorn
[2-447] In 1905, the same year that Nybod was opened, a passenger launch came on Bygdin.
[2-448] The launch originally was bought for use on Tyin, and the intent was to transport it first to Bygdin and from there over the isthmus from Eidsbugarden to Tyin, but the task took too much time and cost too much.
[2-449] Instead, there was a change of mind and the launch was put in service on Bygdin.
[2-450] Tyin got its first motorboat in 1906.
[2-451] Before passenger boat service started, the alternative was to rent a rowboat and rowers for the tourists who wished to travel along Bygdin without walking.
[2-452] In 1912, today's launch, M/B Bitihorn, began operation, and after a few years, it was dominant on Bygdin.
[2-453] Throughout the summer, it goes back and forth on the lake.
[2-454] Thanks to the boat service, it's been possible to considerably expand the radius of action when you walk in this area.
[2-455] The boat trip itself is also a magnificent experience.
[2-456] Particularly Torfinnstindane are imposing when seen from down on Bygdin.
[2-457]
[2-458 |] Lengths
[2-459 |] Torfinnsbu - Fondsbu, 7 hours
[2-460 |] Torfinnsbu - Valdresflya Youth Hostel, 4 hours
[2-461 |] Torfinnsbu - Bygdin Fjellhotell, 3 hours
[2-462]
[2-463 |] Lodgings
[2-464] Fondsbu, Eidsbugarden, Torfinnsbu, Bygdin Fjellhotell, and Valdresflya Youth Hostel (YH).
[2-465]
[2-466 |] Public transportation
[2-467] Road and bus service to Fondsbu, Eidsbugarden, Valdresflya YH, and Bygdin Fjellhotell.
[2-468] There's boat service on Bygdin.
[2-469]
[2-470 |] Wilderness hike in Leirungsdalen
[2-471 |] One or more days - Hike 2 d - gg - ggg
[2-472]
[2-473] The marked route through the magnificent Leirungsdalen south of Gjende regrettably has been obliterated.
[2-474] In the Jotunheimen National Park, the innermost part of this valley has the status of an area without amenities, so the old marking was removed.
[2-475] This entails no barring of access, but just that here hikers must use map and compass to find their way.
[2-476] The hike from Gjendeshim through the valley and then down to Torfinnsbu or Gjendebu through Svasrtdalen is long.
[2-477] You should count on using 8-9 hours, but if you're in good condition, it's easy.
[2-478] However, here it's foolish to be too hasty.
[2-479] Take rather a tent, spend the night in Leirungsdalen and take a hike or three on the gems of peaks that lie on both sides of the valley.
[2-480] The first part of the route from Gjendesheim is described in connection with Hike 2-e.
[2-481] Besides, the old trail is shown on the map.
[2-482] It goes past Leirungene, straight across the lower part of Leirungsdalen (besides, there's a bridge over the river), past Svarthammarbua and along the north side of Leirungsåa all the way to the gap to Svasrtdalen.
[2-483] A much-used alternative for those who go to the valley is also to park on the road over Valdresflya, around numeral 51, and then walk over the gap south of Rauhamrane and into Leirungsdalen.
[2-484] By the way, there's an excellent camping place at the mouth of Steindalen.
[2-485] During World War II, German Alpine Chasseurs camped here, and you still can see the circular footings built for their tents.
[2-486] The same Steindalen also is an excellent starting point for a hike up the ridge on Munken and further in over Kalvåhøgda.