Hiking, skiing and activities in Jotunheimen

Bessheim is located in the valley Sjodalen in Jotunheimen. We are located 965 meters above sea level – MASL, and right next to the tree line. We have a large number of hiking destinations around us, everything from light, short hikes to longer, demanding hikes, and some of the highest mountains in the country. Valdresflya at 1400 MASL give you access to a range of 2000+ MASL peaks and is a ten-minute drive away. At Bessheim you can both hike in summer and ski in the winter. You´re welcome to ask us for tips!

Hiking: On this page, you will find tour tips for short and longer journeys in the area. Here you can find new ideas for hiking destinations; however, the list is not complete. You can find more detailed information at other websites, tour books, and maps to be well prepared for your hike. The most ideal time of the year for 2000 MASL hikes is from late June into September. During June, there is usually too much snow near the mountain tops, but this varies from year to year.

Skiing: From the day we open our doors in February until after Easter we keep prepared marked ski tracks here in Sjodalen. The skiing tracks go between the open hotels and are created using snowmobiles. The tracks are marked to make it easier to follow the trail. See www.skisporet.no for more information. Several tracks higher up the mountain will also be marked, but not prepared, among them Brurskarsknappen, across Besstrondfjellet and towards Leirungsdalen. In the time around Easter, Vågå Red Cross make a great effort to mark the trails in Jotunheimen that go to Memurubu, Glitterheim and Gjendebu etc.

One of the greatest experiences you can have while wandering around is seeing reindeer. The reindeer you see are part of Vågå Tamrein and are herded, semi-domesticated animals. May is the birthing season, and the upper part of Sjodalen and Valdresflya is the birthing location. We encourage everyone to take into consideration that the reindeer needs peace and quiet during this time. Do not disturb the animals and keep your dogs leashed.

Safety: Hiking and skiing is not unsafe but take your precautions. Even in summer the weather in the high mountains could turn against you. In the winter you should enquire about ice-conditions on the lakes and the risk of avalanches. Bring necessary safety equipment. Make sure to keep the margins on your side: for a day out, bring more food than you expect to eat, an extra warm sweater, phone and a warm hat. All information found on these pages is advisory and meant to inspire you to take the trip. For all trips you should at least go through the map to make sure you understand what to expect. Bessheim is in no way responsible for damages or injuries on trips described in our webpages.

Hunting and Fishing

Many people visit Sjodalen to fish mountain trout, and also to hunt grouse and rabbits. Vågå mountain administration has a useful webpage with a lot good information. Take a look at vaga-fjellstyre.no

Ski rental

At Bessheim you can rent skis. See our price list here.