This is a self-guided hike.
The journey starts at Beitostølen, where you catch the bus to Bygdin. After a short drive into Jotunheimen, you will take the historical Bitihorn boat to Torfinnsbu. Torfinnsbu, at the shore of the Bygdin lake, gives access to the valley Svartdalen. Here, your hike will start. It starts with a steep uphill leading into the valley. From there, the terrain through the valley will be relatively flat but nevertheless not easy due to the rocky and sometimes difficult trail. You will be walking alongside beautiful lakes and streams. During the last leg of the hike, the majestic pyramidal mountain Knutsholstind will be your companion.

As you leave this companion, and the gorgeous valley behind, the track takes on a very steep descent, of about 500 meters over only a few kilometres. As you approach Gjendebu – which is DNT’s oldest cabin –, you will hike through sheltered birch-covered mountainsides, and wander over beautiful flower meadows, possibly alongside grazing cows. As you make your way down, be sure to stop and soak up the view of the emerald, green waters of Gjende.

At Gjendebu, you take the Gjende boat back to Gjendesheim (50 min). Here, you catch the bus back to Beitostølen.