Øye circuit through Eidsbugarden: walking return via Yksendalsbu and Tomashelleren: hiking in Norway
TrailTrack route Hiking Norway Multi-day
Waiting for the first trip report

Øye circuit through Eidsbugarden: walking return via Yksendalsbu and Tomashelleren

Distance
98.5 km
Estimated moving time
1 d 7 h
Elevation gain
—
Difficulty
Hard
Open on map
Download route
GPXFor navigation apps KMLFor Google Earth and maps

Route description

The large circuit from Øye combines the road climb towards Tyin and Eidsbugarden with a walking return through southern Jotunheimen’s high country. At Fondsbu, the journey reaches Bygdin’s western side, where the lake and mountain house change its mood. Beyond the road section, a rocky path leads towards Yksendalsbu, a former shepherd’s cabin in a green valley. Lake passages then connect with Tomashelleren’s exposed setting before descending towards Herredalen. Roads beside Vangsmjøse and Leine’s historical mill site return on the lower side. It is a substantial multiday journey for an independent group prepared to arrange nights and walk the mountain section. Mjølkevegen’s cycling name does not establish a rideable circuit throughout.

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 Information prepared

The description, logistics and points of interest were prepared using maps and open sources. Trail conditions may change.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated 12.10.2026

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

0

Be the first to confirm a completion and help other travellers.

Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Compacted dirt 33% · Asphalt 19% · Dirt 1% · Unknown 47%

Surface data covers 52.7 km of 98.5 km; the rest of the track is not yet classified.

Compacted dirt 33% · 32.7 km
Asphalt 19% · 18.7 km
Dirt 1% · 0.91 km
Gravel 1% · 0.25 km
Artificial surface 1% · 0.12 km
Unknown 47% · 45.8 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Connect Fondsbu beside Bygdin with the remote Yksendalsbu and Tomashelleren cabins, then see Leine’s historical mill site on the lower return. The lakeside road and rocky high country provide contrasting ways to explore southern Jotunheimen.
Length
98.5 km
Elevation gain
1278 m
Surface
Compacted dirt 33%
Øye circuit through Eidsbugarden: walking return via Yksendalsbu and Tomashelleren: route photo

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car - Hard With children - No With a dog - With caution By bike - Partially With a stroller - No Mobile signal - No data The complete circuit requires fitness, mountain experience and independent overnight arrangements. Road sections can support a cycling plan, but the long cabin return is described as hiking and is unconfirmed for continuous riding. Yksendalsbu and Tomashelleren have separate dog arrangements; establish accommodation and leash rules. Continuous reception is unconfirmed.

Nearby

Utsikten and Skjenegge require separate branches from the Yksendalsbu path and are not added as reached objectives here. Øye Stave Church and the waterfall approach near Leine’s mills are independent visits. The M/S Bitihorn boat on Bygdin belongs to the usual cycling alternative and a separate trip; this circuit returns through walking terrain.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
DNT confirms summer public transport to Fondsbu at Eidsbugarden. Tomashelleren’s published summer approach also describes the Valdresekspressen bus to Søre Hemsing, followed by walking or a taxi. These road points support independent logistics; a direct service to the chosen Øye start is unconfirmed. Check specific services, connections and bicycle carriage for your date. Winter snowcat transport requires a separate seasonal check.
By car
The road section runs from the E 16 and Tyinkrysset side towards road 53 and the summer road to Eidsbugarden. It returns to lower roads after the walking passage through Herredalen. Vehicles cannot follow the mountain section between cabins. For the full circuit, establish a lawful place to leave your car near the selected start; road arrival at Fondsbu serves another point in this journey.
Parking
The operator confirms paid summer parking at Fondsbu, which can serve as a separate road approach to one circuit section. Parking at the selected Øye start is unconfirmed. Arrange a longer stay and vehicle collection after the walking section beforehand. Lower parking does not imply vehicle access to Yksendalsbu or Tomashelleren.

Электрички туда и обратно

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

What to expect

Places
Bygdin Lake at Eidsbugarden The western lakeside at Fondsbu, where road arrival gives way to the mountain walking section.
Fondsbu Lodge The Eidsbugarden mountain house known for local food; confirm meals and overnight availability for the season.
Yksendalsbu Cabin A former shepherd’s cabin in a green valley on the mountain walking return.
Tomashelleren Cabin A remote cabin in exposed high country before the descent towards Herredalen.
Leine historical mill site The historic watermill site beside the lower road; an interior visit is not included.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 1278 м.
SurfaceCompacted dirt 33%, Asphalt 19%, Dirt 1%, Unknown 47%.
Риски The Fondsbu–Yksendalsbu path includes rocky ground, and markings and visibility matter between the mountain cabins. DNT’s account of the same hiking direction describes wet scree and fog complicating progress. Consider fast traffic and safe pedestrian positioning on the road sections. Do not apply an ordinary cycling programme to the full mountain return. Verify overnight arrangements and key access before setting off.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 1 d 7 h
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
A day-by-day plan is not established for this multiday journey. A plan must separately cover the road side to Eidsbugarden, mountain passages between cabins, descent and lower return. DNT’s Herredalen–Fondsbu walking example describes only part of the journey in another direction. Decide the number of nights after confirming every stay and assessing the complete outing.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Choose stable summer conditions for the high walking section after checking remaining snow and bridges. Fondsbu generally operates in summer from late June to early October; Yksendalsbu and Tomashelleren publish self-service until 15 October followed by closure until mid-February. Those calendars do not guarantee a safe autumn crossing. Road and mountain conditions outside summer require a separate plan.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Mountain boots, poles and windproof rain protection.
Warm clothing, hat, gloves and dry spares.
Food, water and water-treatment supplies for the agreed complete plan.
Map, torch, first aid and spare power.
Confirmed nights, DNT key and sleeping-bag liner; dog leash and bedding.

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

DNT confirms summer public transport to Fondsbu at Eidsbugarden. Tomashelleren’s published summer approach also describes the Valdresekspressen bus to Søre Hemsing, followed by walking or a taxi. These road points support independent logistics; a direct service to the chosen Øye start is unconfirmed. Check specific services, connections and bicycle carriage.

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: 98.5 km, hard.

Discussion

Comments 0

Log in to read the discussion and leave comments.

Ask about the route or its surface, or share your experience.

Log in Sign up