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Gjendebu Turisthytte DNT is a gem of a mountain lodge, beautifully located at the innermost end of Gjende in Jotunheimen—surrounded by plenty of 2,000-meter peaks that invite epic mountain hikes with magnificent views.
Did you know that Gjendebu is over 150 years old, and the oldest tourist cabin in the DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) system still in operation? The cabin from 1871 has been expanded and rebuilt many times, and today it has modern facilities. The area around Gjendebu contains a wealth of fishing lakes, glaciers, and peaks.
In summer you can hike along marked trails between other cabins, go on summit hikes with stunning views, or swim and relax by the cabin wall. There are many day trips to 2000-meter peaks, but the easiest is Svartdalspiggen. Knutsholstind and Semmeltind are also good day trips that don’t require climbing, yet can still provide airy experiences. In addition, the hike between Gjendebu and Memurubu—via Bukkelægret—is a spectacular trek.
Right outside the door at Gjendebu, miles of marked trails and spectacular 2000-meter summits with fantastic views await. In winter you can get here on skis—and experience the Gjende Alps on a summit tour—or travel from cabin to cabin along marked routes on backcountry skis.
When you stay overnight at Gjendebu, you can stay in single, double, or family rooms, in a dormitory, a lavvo, in the summer barn, or in a tent.
The cabin serves local food based on local ingredients, local food traditions, or food delivered from local suppliers.
How do you get to Gjendebu?
There is no road access to Gjendebu, so you can get here either on foot, by boat (in summer), or on skis in winter (about 20 km across Gjende from Gjendesheim Turisthytte DNT).
Summer: If you want to start or end your trip at Gjendebu, you can take the Gjende boat across Gjende from/to Gjendesheim. (Remember to book a ticket in advance!) From there, buses go to/from Oslo, Fagernes, Gol, and Otta. These connect with trains and other buses. It’s also possible to walk to Gjendebu along Lake Gjende, and optionally include an overnight stay at Memurubu on the way, before hiking via Bukkelægret to Gjendebu.
Winter: In winter you can either ski in or book transport by snowmobile (as a staying guest).
Ski trip across Gjende
Parking at Gjendesheim. Follow the marked winter route across Gjende, about 20 km. This is an easy trip that goes across Gjende along a marked route.
See the route at ut.no
Snowmobile transport:
If you are a staying guest at Gjendebu, in winter it is possible to book transport by snowmobile on set days.
Fuente: Visit Jotunheimen AS