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- YOUR GUIDE

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PLACES TO STAY AND EATMemurubu Turisthytte150 beds, situated in 2-person or 4-person rooms. Modern standard.www.memurubu.nopost@memurubu.noTel: 61 23 89 99, mob: 91 54 26 20GPS: 61.2926 N, 8.3746 E

Hindsæter FjellhotellTimber hotel dating from 1898. 50 beds situated among 26 rooms. Our cuisine has received the Norwegian Foodprints label. Wellness wing.www.hindseter.nopost@hindseter.noTel: 61 23 89 16GPS: 61°61’58”N, 8°58’06”E

GjendebåtenThe boat at Gjende. Daily service.www.gjende.nopost@gjende.noTel: 61 23 85 09, mob: 91 30 67 44GPS: 61.4952 N, 8.8092 E

Gjendebu Turisthytte 119 beds, relatively modern facilities. DNT cabin.www.gjendebu.nogjendebu@turistforeningen.noTel: 61 23 89 44, mob: 91 57 49 65GPS: 61°27’04”N, 8°29’15”E

Gjendeosen Kiosk og ParkeringConvenience store and parking near the dock at Gjendeosen.e-mail: gjendeosen@hotmail.comTel: 61 23 89 26GPS: 61.4952 N, 8.8092 E

Gjendesheim Turisthytte180 beds, situated in 2-person or 4-person rooms.Dormitory and some individual single rooms. DNT cabin.www.gjendesheim.nogjendesheim@turistforeningen.noTel: 61 23 89 10GPS: 61.2938 N, 8.4845 E

*DNT = The Norwegian Trekking Association

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PLACES TO STAY AND EATBesseggen Fjellpark Maurvangen26 cabins, 19 of which w/ shower/WC. Campsite w/ restroom facilities. Shop and cafeteria serving dinner.www.maurvangen.nopost@maurvangen.noTel: 61 23 89 22GPS: 61°29’12”N, 8°50’33”E

Bessheim Fjellstue og Hytter150 beds, 65 of which in guest rooms. 19 cabins of high standard. Cafeteria w/ dinner.www.bessheim.noost@bessheim.noTel: 61 23 89 13GPS: 61°30’47”N, 8°51’13”E

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Gjende

Bessvatnet

ØvreSjodalsvatnet

Nedre leirungen

NedreSjodalsvatnet

51Nasjonal turistvegValdresflyaBeitostølen 30 km

Besseggen

Bukkelægret

Vågå 41 km Sjoa 47 km51

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BESSEGGENTURENMemurubu:The slope behind Memurubu is steep, but you get a nice view down towards the glacial river, Muru, which fills Gjende with sand particles. It is these sand particles that create that special green colour at Gjende.

Beck 200 m pastBjørnbøl pond:It is possible to fill up drinking water here.

You can choose to take the boat first and walk Besseggen on the way back. It is also fully possible to walk first and then take the boat back to Gjendesheim. You may enjoy nicer views towards Jotunheimen during the trip, but you will have to walk Besseggen on the trip down.

Gjendebu

Besseggen:The steep section extending up from the Strip is itself Besseggen. Do not forget to turn and enjoy the view of Gjende and the Gjende Alps! You will get to enjoy the most classic perspective of the route just prior to passing the last part of the ridge.

BESSEGGENTUREN2000

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The highest point:Many minor peaks and many mountain beacons, but none of them are higher up than Veslefjell’s rock beacon. The elevation here is 1,743 metres above sea level – the highest point of this route. The trail forks about 1 km east of the top and leads either to Bessheim or Gjendesheim.

The “strip”:This narrow ridge prevents Bessvatnet Lake, 1374 metres above sea level, from running down into Gjende at 984 metres above sea level. Bessvatnet Lake is said to be Norway’s cleanest lake; you should have visibility to a depth of 30 metres! Many hikers choose to stop here and eat.

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• ...manglar barnehageplass• ...så vidt rekk å hente når du har fått barnehageplass• ...har rushtid og endelause køar for å kome fram• ...har lite buplass og ingen hage• ...har alt for store buutgifter

• ...meir tid med familien og ein enklare kvardag• ...rein luft og lett tilgang på natur• ...trygge oppvekstvilkår for ungane• ...ein skule som legg vekt på kultur og fysisk aktivitet• ...hus med hage• ...å bruke pengar på anna enn å bu• ...å bruke deg sjølv aktivt i eit lokalsamfunn• ...ei fritid fylt med meiningsfulle aktivitetar

Vi har:• ...overflod av natur og rein luft, god plass og lite kø• ...full barnehagedekning og skular med kvalitet• ...dei tryggaste oppvekstvilkåra du kan finne• ...dei beste føresetnadene for å finne det gode liv• ...hus med hage til gunstige prisar• ...lokalsamfunn som verdset deg og dine kvalitetar

Er du ein av dei som:

Du ønskjer:

Jobbe i Vågå for ei kortare eller lengre periode?

Etablere bedrift i Vågå?

Bu i Vågå?

Ta kontakt for meir info:

Tora SandbuNæringssjeftora.sandbu@vaga.kommune.noTlf +47 61 29 36 18 - + 47 99 69 39 21

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THE GJENDE AND BESSVATN LAKESLake Gjende is approximately 20 km long with an average width of about 1 km. The mountain walls climb to nearly 1,300 metres above the lake surface at their highest point. With a maximum depth of 150 metres, Gjende is the deepest lake in Jotunheimen National Park.

The lake was carved by glacial ice. The high, resilient mountain masses to the north and south caused the huge ice masses to be pressed together into a smaller area and the considerable thickness caused the ice to dig so deeply.

The blue green colour occurs due to the washing of many fine glacial particles into Lake Gjende which reflect the daylight. The colour is further accentuated by the fact that Gjende is closely encircled by dark mountainsides and lush green vegetation.

Gjende is a good fishing lake and particularly the outflow at the Gjendeosen river mouth is a popular and sought after fishing spot for many anglers.

Lake Bessvatn is situated at an elevation of 1, 374 metres above sea level and stands in stark contrast to Lake

Gjende due to its blue colour. From Bessheim it is about a 5 km walk up to the river mouth, and there is a nice trail all the

way. The lake itself is 7 km long and 120 m deep. It has been designated as Norway’s cleanest lake and you

can see the bottom even at a depth of 30 metres.

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THE GJENDE AND BESSVATN LAKES

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JO GJENDEJo Tjøstolvsson Kleppe was born in 1794 in Vågå, Norway. His parents died when he was a child and he grew up with relatives at Heringstad in Heidal. Jo eventually developed into a great hunter. He was more at home among the mountains of the free-roaming reindeer than among villagers. He lived most of his adult life on his own in the mountains, initially as a “travelling vagabond”, summer and winter alike, then later in his cottage at Gjendeosen which he built around 1840.

Jo Gjende, which Jo eventually became known as, became a legendary reindeer marksman, and it was said that he shot more than 500 reindeer, mostly large bucks. In the summer of 1855, an Englishman named Blackwell came to Gjende along with one of his countrymen (Rathbone) and a servant. The men spent a good deal of time together during that summer and autumn, and they shared Jo’s passion

I am as you well know, a mountain man, and that is why I went to the mountains every chance I get

for hunting and the mountains. Jo Gjende was in many ways the first guide in Jotunheimen, and was contacted by many of the people who wanted to hunt, fish and explore in this area. Jo had a limited acquaintance with the three Englishmen who later wrote the classic “Three in Norway – by two of them” («Tre i Norge – ved to av dem»). During the summer of 1880, which is referenced in the book, Jo spent time with their guide, Jens Tronhus, at the Fearnley Cabin at Russvatnet Lake. Jo died in 1884 at his farm, Brurusten, which he had bought around 1850.

The book “Three in Norway – by two of them” («Tre i Norge – ved to av dem») can still be purchased: An immortal classic from the pioneer days when English hikers dared ever farther in among Jotunheimen’s untamed mountains and peculiar, but well-meaning locals. Recounted with distinctly English humour!

Source: Ivar Kleiven: Gamledågå

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GJENDINE SLÅLIENKaia Gjendine Slålien was born in the summer of 1871 in the stone cottage at Gjendebu. A priest who was passing through the area christened her “Gjendine” on 24 July, 1871 in Gjende.

During her childhood years, Gjendine spent every summer at Gjendebu. she would often be alone with the livestock for up to 3 or 4 weeks. Gjendine later worked as milkmaid at various pastures during the summers and as a servant on farms in the valley.

It was during one of the summers when she was a milkmaid at Skogadalsbøen that she met Edvard Grieg, who was so fascinated by her song that he wrote it down and used it in his pieces of music.

In the beginning of the 1900s, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands spent a number of years in Jotunheimen together with her daughter, and Gjendine was offered and accepted a position as a sort of lady of the royal court during outings in the mountains.

Gjendine lived to be over 100 years old and was pretty much alert and remarkably healthy almost right up until the end.

Source: Arvid Møller: Gjendine

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PEER GYNTThe poem, “Peer Gynt” by Henrik Ibsen was published on 14 November, 1867, in Copenhagen. Henrik Ibsen was among the many artists who were inspired by the landscape of Jotunheimen. It was along the widely known Besseggen – or along the ridge of Knutshø on the other side of Gjende – that Peer Gynt completed his daring ride down the “Gjendin Edge” on the back of a reindeer buck.

“Have you ever chanced to see the Gendin-Edge? Nigh on four miles long it stretches sharp before you like a scythe. Down o’er glaciers, landslips, scaurs, down the toppling grey moraines, you can see, both right and left, straight into the tarns that slumber, black and sluggish, more than seven hundred fathoms deep below you. Right along the Edge we two clove our passage through the air. Never rode I such a colt! Straight before us as we rushed ’twas as though there littered suns. Brown-backed eagles that were sailing in the wide and dizzy void half-way ’twixt us and the tarns, dropped behind, like motes in air. Ice-floes on the shores broke crashing, but no murmur reached my ears. Only sprites of dizziness sprang, dancing, round;-they sang, they swung, circle-wise, past sight and hearing!”

From the classic norwegian encyclopaedia

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There are traces of settlements at Gjende and Russvatn dating from 3000 B.C. Today the animal pitfalls serve as a reminder of a time when hunting reindeer was an important part of the mountain dweller’s livelihood. Hunting with pitfalls continued right up until these were prohibited in the 1800s. Nowadays, the wild reindeer reign over the feeding grounds in the west while the domesticated reindeer dominate in other parts of the national park.

Among the various elements of cultural heritage in Jotunheimen, we also have beacons from old transport routes and remnants from falconry huts. In earlier times there were pastures in use at various locations, among which Gjendebu was originally a pasture. The pastures at Memurubu have been in constant use up to the present day. In Sjodalen there are many large farmhouses indicating that people once even used the pastures during the winter – hence the Norwegian term “vinterlego”.

Feel free to ask your accommodation hosts where the food they are serving comes from. Many operators buy reindeer from the Vågå domesticated reindeer co-op and from other local suppliers so that you and other guests will have the chance to enjoy the same tastes as the inhabitants of this area did many hundreds of years ago.

LIVELIHOODSIN THE MOUNTAINS

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JOTUNHEIMEN IS KNOWN AS AN ELDORADO FOR HIKING UP TO PEAKS IN BOTH THE SUMMER AND WINTER.But, did you also know that:• Sjodalen has 150 km of maintained ski trails covering both forest and high

mountain terrain every winter? • these trails are linked to the winter routes of DNT (The Norwegian Trekking

Association)? • you can find all sorts of overnight accommodation in our local area,

whether you are looking for a basic cottage, cabins of high standard, apartments, lodge rooms or hotel rooms along with sauna & wellness spa?

• we not only offer ski rentals, but that we also have snow shoes for rent and a broad selection of winter activities such as ice fishing, moose safaris, guided peak hikes and ice climbing?

• you have easy access to the downhill ski facility at Lemonsjø, just 30 km from Gjende?

• you will have fantastic opportunities to ski on 2,000 metre high peaks as well as other ski trips once highway FV 51 over Valdresflya opens around mid-April?

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Jotunheimen Haute Route – a 5-6 days ski mountai-neering tour in the heart of Jotunheimen. The route passes several 2000 meter peaks, also Glittertind and Galdhøpiggen. Stay in mountain huts. 15 km each day, appr. 1000 – 1500 height meters per day.

More information on jotunheimenhauteroute.no

JOTUNHEIMEN HAUTE ROUTEFo

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KnutshøKnutshø has an incredible view along the entire ridge and extremely varied landscapes including a sandy beach! This is not a marked trail, but there are some signs along the route showing you which way to go. You should make sure to do the Knutshø route in nice weather.

The starting point is Vargebakken along highway FV 51. Following a few hundred metres of trail, you will reach the ridge itself after a bit of scrambling (which may be challenging under wet conditions or strong winds). After a couple of minor peaks, you will reach the top of Knutshø and will have Besseggen in view on the other side. Continue further to the north along the ridge until you are down at Leirungsåi and then head left towards Øvre Leirungen, where you will eventually pass a nice, small sandy beach. The round-trip takes 5 to 6 hours.

Bukkelægeret Bukkelægeret is the route between Gjendebu and Memurubu, west of Besseggen. If you start your hike in Gjendebu, you will have a steep ascent from

Gjende. Once up on Memurutunga, Jotunheimen widens into a magnificent panorama. The trip that takes 5 to 6 hours concludes with a descent to Memurubu along Sjugurdtind Peak. Here you will be greeted by yet another picturesque panorama. The hike can be done in both directions, starting from Memurubu or from Gjendebu.

OTHER RIDGES AND PEAKS

Other peaks we recommend:• Besshø (2258 metres above sea level, start from

Memurubu or Bessheim)• Tjønnholstind (2318 metres above sea level, start

from FV 51)• Nautgardstind (2258 metres above sea level, start

from Hindsæter or Russdalen)• Rasletind (2105 metres above sea level, start from

Valdresflya Hostel)• Surtningsue (2368 metres above sea level, start

from Memurubu)• Gjendetunga (1516 metres above sea level, start

from Gjendebu)

More detailed hike descriptions are available at www.besseggen.net or ask us!

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A norwegian mountain run – join the race or participate just for hiking. The fastet recorded time so far was achieved by Tomas Bereket the 28th june 2014, when the Besseggløpet (Besseggen run) was arranged the 3rd time after a long pause since the 60ties. Record time was 1 hour and 15 minutes. The run is arranged annually along the classic route from Memurubu to Gjendesheim.

www.bessegglopet.no

BESSEGGEN MOUNTAIN RUNLast saturday in june

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WALKS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

HulderstigenThe Hulderstigen Nature and Cultural Heritage trail is situated a bit further north in Sjodalen. A nice, easy route through a mountain forest area with birch trees and spruce that takes along marchland, becks and small forest ponds. There are in-formation signs posted along this route that takes between 1 and 2 hours to walk.

Lower SjodalenYou will find many short and long walking routes among varied mountain and pastoral landscapes.

Photo: Tore Rell

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WALKS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

Mountain bikingNice trips on routes around Nedre Sjodalsvatnet Lake and into Griningsdalen Valley.

Rafting in SjoaSjoa is one of the most famous rafting rivers in Norway

Photo: Terje Rakke/Nordic Life AS/www.visitnorway.com

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GjendehøWalking along Gjendehø is like doing “Little Besseggen”. Start walking from FV 51 to lower Leirungen and follow the sheep trail upward and from the south to the top. It is not marked, but the entire area is very walkable. Just as with Besseggen, you look down upon a green lake (Gjende) and a blue lake (Leirungen). You can descend down towards Gjende and walk along the shore towards Gjendeosen. Here you will walk past Jo Gjende’s cabin before opting for DNT’s route back to Leirungen.

Foto: Cathrine Dokken

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Along the lakeThe alternative to hiking along the mountain route across Besseggen is to walk along the sandy shore of Lake Gjende between Memurubu and Gjendesheim. Extremely rich mountain flora!

Fishing for mountain troutYou can purchase a fishing permit that is valid for use in the entire Sjodalen/Gjende area. There are also nice fishing spots all along the Sjoa River!

Photo Terje Rakke/Nordic Life AS/www.visitnorway.com

MOUNTAIN FLOWERSPhoto: © with CC license by Michael Haferkamp Photo: Harald TaagvoldPhoto: © with CC license by Hans Hillewaert

Mountain Avens (Rosaceae family):The leaves look like small oak leaves. The mountain Avens is a shrub that grows very slowly on calcareous rocky slopes. The plant has a stem measuring 10 mm in diameter and can live up to 100 years. It is found at elevations up to 2,275 metres above sea level in Jotunheimen.

Glacier Buttercup (Ranuncu-laceae family):The white blossoms change colour to a deep red during the course of the blossoming process in order to obtain more warmth for the maturation of the seeds. The Glacier Buttercup is the highest growing flowering plant in Norway, at up to 2,370 metres above sea level, found on Galdhøpiggen.

Spring Pasque flower (Ranun-culaceae family):Bristly, multi-year herb that grows to a height of 10 to 20 cm. The blossoms consist of dense golden bristles that have large mauve coloured pedals. Blossoms early (May-June) with a large mauve coloured blossom. Grows in dry areas. Spring Pasque is the official county flower of Oppland.

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Golden Root (Crassu-laceae family): Fleshy green leaves on a thick stem. The male plant has yellow flowers while the female plant gets dark red husks. Grows at up to 2,280 metres above sea level. The stem of the Golden Root has a mild rose scent and is often used in folk medicine and as food.

MOUNTAIN FLOWERSYOU WILL FIND ALONG THE TRAIL

Photo: © with CC license by Michael HaferkampPhoto: © with CC license by Banangraut

Purple saxifrage (Saxi-fragaceae family):Long, creeping branches that sometimes form large mats. Red blossoms early in the spring. Grows on calcareous rocky and wind-torn slopes with thin snow coverage. Excess calcium is rinsed out as a white film on the leave tips.

Photo: © with CC license by Tigerente

Moss campion (Caryo-phyllaceae family):Dense and patch-shaped with small leaves and red flowers. A mound of moss campion provides good protection against the cold and wind. It can be up to 0.5 m in diameter and 100 years old and grows at 2,150 metres above sea level in Jotunheimen. The plant’s root has been eaten during difficult times.

Pyramidal saxifrage (Saxifragaceae family):White, pleasant smelling blossoms in large inflorescences. Rosette with thick leaves that are drained of all nourishment during blossoming. Grows in calcareous rocky cracks and on rock shelves. Other Norwegian names: Fjelldronning, Vianvang, Friarblom

Photo: © with CC license by Opioła Jerzy

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USEFUL TIPS!Equipment• Hiking boots• Extra pair of socks• Basic first-aid equipment• Bandages for blisters• Sunglasses• Wool underwear• Wind- and waterproof jacket and pants• Mittens• Wool cap• Minimum 1 litre of water• Map and compass/gps• Lunch pack• Some sweets to keep you cheery• Camera for photographic evidence• Money or bank card for the boat and

souvenir (or for purchasing photographic evidence...)

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Approximate durationsMost people use between 6 and 8 hours, including time for rest stops, when traversing the Besseggen route. With an elevation increase of nearly 1,000 metres (over 3,000 feet), Besseggen is a long hike. The fastest recorded time so far was achieved by Reidar Andreassen in 1963, when the Besseggløpet (Bessegg Run) was arranged for the 3rd time with the official record being 1 hour and 16 minutes. In 2011 the run was held once again and it will now be arranged annually along the classic route from Memurubu to Gjendesheim.

Boat schedulesLook at www.gjende.no. Tag your pics at Instagram: #Besseggen, #utno, #gjendebu og #gjendesheim

AcrophobiaWhat if you realise that you have acrophobia (fear of heights)? This has happened to many people in the past… One option is to turn back and perhaps have an extra overnight stay at Memurubu. Otherwise, you might find someone who can help you to focus

on the trail and not on the elevation. There are no exposed stretches once you have passed the ridge!

The meaning of local namesBesseggen (“Peer Gynt”: Gjendineggen), sharp mountain ridge in Jotunheimen that separates Lake Bessvand from Lake Gjende, which is located appro-ximately 400 metres lower elevation; The mountain-side facing Gjende is extremely steep. There is a hik-ing trail along the ridge that should not be used by people bothered by dizziness. (From the 1st edition of Aschehoug’s encyclopaedia (1906–13).

“Bess” is derived from the Norse term “bersi” mea-ning ‘bear’. Many of the local place names indicate that there were once a large number of bears here. Jo Gjende shot a bear near Bjørnbølet, which they had followed all the way from Heidal!

Backgroundpicture: © with CC license by Tigerente

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Welcome back!Visit us in the winter too, it’s fabulous!