Besshø
Hiking:
Follow the path from Bessheim to Bessvatnet at 1373 MASL. Continue along the lake on the right-
hand side until you reach the river called Grotåe (might also be spelled Gjrotåe on your map). Follow
the steep path going on the ridge along this river. Cairns are placed alongside the path. After a while
you will reach ‘Brue’ – “the bridge” – a broad slope leading to the top, with the ice glacier
Besshøbreen on the right hand side and steep cliffs on the other. At this point you have 300 vertical
meters to the top. Continue up to the top from here and return the same route you came.
This is a demanding hike. It requires good stamina, but no alpine climbing skills. You will climb 1300
vertical meters from Bessheim to the peak. Estimate to use eight to twelve hours. That said, you will
be rewarded with stunning views of Jotunheimen!
More than a century ago hikes were arranged to Besshø to experience the sunrise. The drink
“kongepjolter”, “the kings drink” – brandy and champagne – was served while the sun was rising.
During this era tourists were rowed across the lake Bessvatnet and the ascension started at Grotåe,
to Brue, and then straight for the top, where todays summertrail is. Besshø is also the first leg for the
Jotunheimen Haute Route, a long and demanding hike that stretches across multiple mountains that
are more than 2000 MASL, ending at Krossbu.
Skiing:
To the lake Bessvatnet along the marked trail. Continue straight through the gorge to the left of
Bessheimrundhøe. Take a left, and continue in the rising terrain behind Bukkehø, and across the
marked moraine. Take a right at the moraine in order to keep your hard-earned vertical meters, onto
the glacier. Hold to the left to exit the glacier at ‘Brue’. From here on out, take the steep slope to the
top. Using your skis to the top is usually the best option if there is enough snow. Be careful when
descending back down to the glacier, steep cliffs on both sides. Expect to spend seven to ten hours,
depending on the weather and how trained you are.
Make sure you understand the difference between the winter and summer routes, as the summer
route is exposed to snow avalanches.