Besseggen
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is Besseggen and why go there?
This is a 1,634-meter-high mountain range in Jotunheimen, Norway, sandwiched between two lakes. They come here for one of the most famous one-day trekking in Norway - the one where you literally walk along the sharp back of the mountain.
What is the story of the two lakes?
The ridge separates Lakes Għenne and Bessvatnet, with Għenne lying almost 400 meters lower. Eye bonus: Gyenne has a greenish color due to glacial silt, while Bessvatnet is plain blue. You stand between them and do not believe that this is one location.
How to get there and how far to go?
The classic route starts from Hyndesheim, climbs Veslfjellet (1,743 m), descends through Besseggen and finishes in Memuruba. It takes 5-7 hours straight without stops, and between the end points there is a boat on Lake Guienne, so you can go in any direction.
When is the best time to go?
In the summer, while the boat is working and the ridge is free of snow - somewhere from the end of June to September. In the off-season, the route becomes dangerous, and the carrier rests on the lake.
Any interesting facts?
Besseggen came to light in Ibsen's Peer Gynt - the hero allegedly jumped over the mountain range riding a deer. About 30,000 volunteers come here every year, and the trail was so damaged by such a crowd that in 2005 the state allocated 1.2 million crowns for its repair.
