Gjendesheim to Glitterheim: Russvatnet and a retraced mountain passage: hiking in Norway
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Gjendesheim to Glitterheim: Russvatnet and a retraced mountain passage

Distance
38.5 km
Estimated moving time
11 h 18 min
Elevation gain
—
Difficulty
Moderate
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Route description

From Gjendesheim, the path leaves the familiar Besseggen junctions for Russvatnet and Jotunheimen’s inner valleys. Bessa marks the first section, then the lakeshore leads towards Hestlægerhøe. Passing between its eastern and western summits, the path descends into Veodalen towards Glitterheim. The national park’s well-known gateway gives way to a quieter mountain setting. This version retraces several sections; account for them beforehand so lakeside pauses and safe water crossings are not rushed. Glitterheim provides a rewarding finish, a mountain lodge from which a new journey can begin after rest and a weather check.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Added from a track

This route was added from a track. Individual sections have not been checked in the field.

Last updated Update date not provided

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

Recent completions

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Dirt 1% · Unknown 100%

Surface data covers 0.01 km of 38.5 km; the rest of the track is not yet classified.

Dirt 1% · 0.01 km
Unknown 100% · 38.5 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Russvatnet, the Hestlægerhøe passage and the Veo valley reveal Jotunheimen beyond the famous Besseggen itinerary. The lake section and arrival at Glitterheim give this outing its own character.
Length
38.5 km
Elevation gain
—
Surface
Dirt 1%
Gjendesheim to Glitterheim: Russvatnet and a retraced mountain passage: route photo 3 in Norway

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Gjendesheim publishes summer bus arrival, while leaving the remote finish requires a separate walking approach. The complete version with repeated and high sections is not recommended as an ordinary children’s day. Dogs are permitted under local leash rules; agree cabin accommodation. Family and cycling access on the short Glitterheim approach road does not apply to the complete mountain crossing. Continuous coverage is unestablished.

Nearby

Besseggen and Memurubu lie on a different branch from Gjendesheim. Bessvatnet’s shore is not included as a separately visited object in this version. Glittertind, Veobrean Glacier and Glitterheim’s nature trail require independent plans; reaching the lodge does not establish a summit ascent or an ice visit.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
Gjendesheim’s operator confirms express and local summer buses and recommends checking your departure through Entur. Glitterheim stands beyond the vehicle road: its operator describes lower transport approaches through Otta and Randsverk, followed by walking. Establish current connections, collection and seasonal operation beforehand; a bus directly to Glitterheim is unconfirmed.
By car
DNT confirms a road to Gjendesheim via Randsverk or from Valdres; the Valdresflya road closes in winter. At the Glitterheim end, private vehicles remain by the park boundary and visitors continue on a road closed to ordinary through-driving. The complete mountain passage does not automatically return to your car; organise the return beforehand.
Parking
Gjendesheim’s operator confirms parking beside the lodge. Glitterheim publishes a lower vehicle area by the park boundary, with a separate walking approach. Check charges, capacity and permission for several overnight stays at your chosen point; vehicle parking directly at the finishing lodge is unconfirmed.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Gjendesheim Lodge A lodge at Jotunheimen’s eastern gateway, where mountain directions including Besseggen diverge.
Bessa River The first named river on the northward departure from Gjendesheim’s junctions; check the seasonal bridge.
Russvatnet Lake A mountain lake followed towards Tjønnholodden before climbing towards Hestlægerhøe.
Tjønnholtjønne Lake A separate small lake beside the intermediate mountain section between Russvatnet and the finishing valley.
Veo River The finishing valley’s river, crossed on the established approach towards Glitterheim.
Glitterheim Lodge A mountain lodge in green valley surroundings, whose operator maintains local-food traditions during the staffed season.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainДанные по набору высоты уточняются.
SurfaceDirt 1%, Unknown 100%.
Риски Bessa and Tjønnholåe crossings depend on seasonal summer bridges, so check their installation beforehand. Snow may remain between the Hestlægerhøe summits; wet stones and fog complicate movement. Avoid replacing a closed crossing with a high-water ford. Follow the authorised path and established Veo crossing on the Veodalen side. Respect reindeer and grazing animals. Cabins have separate operating seasons: confirm nights, meals and DNT-key requirements in advance.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 11 h 18 min
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
A day-by-day plan for this complete multiday version with repeated passages is not established. OMVEIEN’s author gives about 8 hours for the ordinary Gjendesheim–Glitterheim passage through Hestlægerhøe; the expanded returns require their own stage and overnight planning. Add the exit from Glitterheim towards its lower vehicle point, which the operator describes as a separate park-boundary road approach. Agree the number of days after assessing the complete outing, snow and bridges; the standard time cannot cover all passages.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
OMVEIEN recommends July–September after checking snow and bridges. The calendar reviewed on 12 October 2026 shows Gjendesheim closed from 4 October until 20 February, while Glitterheim’s autumn self-service period lasts until 15 October. These dates do not prohibit every walk, but change accommodation and meal options. Check the next season’s specific dates and high-mountain conditions before travelling.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Mountain footwear, poles and rain protection.
Warm layers, gloves and dry spare clothing.
Drinking water, food and water treatment.
Map, torch, spare power and first aid.
Confirmed cabin nights, sleeping-bag liner and DNT key for self-service stays; a dog leash.

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

Gjendesheim’s operator confirms express and local summer buses and recommends checking your departure through Entur. Glitterheim stands beyond the vehicle road: its operator describes lower transport approaches through Otta and Randsverk, followed by walking. Establish current connections, collection and seasonal operation beforehand; a bus directly to.

Is this route suitable for children?

Do not treat this as a basic child-friendly route: check difficulty, length, and trail conditions before going.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 38.5 km, moderate.

Discussion

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