Besseggen – a ridge walk in Jotunheimen that is listed as an absolute highlight of a hiking holiday in Norway. The number of visitors is correspondingly high.
The tour usually starts with a boat crossing across Lake Gjende from Gendesheim to the Memurubu hut. You can – and should – book the Gendebåt crossing in advance. Parking in Gjendesheim is hardly possible, 2 hours are allowed, but for the hike you should plan at least 6 hours of pure walking time, breaks must be added. It is therefore better to park in Reinwangen, from where there is also a shuttle bus to Gjendesheim. If you are staying at Campingen Maurwagen, you can walk to the shuttle bus in a quarter of an hour.
The hike starts from Memurubu, 894 m up to the highest point at 1722 m, but with the constant ups and downs you still have a good 1100 metres of altitude to conquer. It gets steeper up to the Besseggen ridge, and you may need the support of your hands here and there. On the whole, however, it is doable if you are not extremely prone to dizziness. Besseggen is also a great hike for children who like longer and more strenuous mountain hikes.
In terms of views, the hike towards Gjendesheim to Memurubu may be better, but then you have to descend the steep ridge, which is not everyone’s cup of tea. You’ll also be running behind time to catch the boat back to Gjendeheim. But you could also spend the night in Memurubu… or hike on to the unattended Gjendebu hut, but there is also a boat there.