Besseggen Ridge

Besseggen Ridge is a day hike in Jotunheimen National Park, running between the lakes Gjende and Bessvatnet. The ridge walk is the main event: a dramatic, narrow crest with exposed, hands-on rock scrambling and drops on both sides.

Start with the ferry/boat crossing that gets you to the usual trailheads (commonly Gjendesheim ↔ Memurubu), then climb up toward the ridge and the upper high point. The walking time is typically in the 5–7 hour range for a full out-and-back style day on the standard route; allow longer with breaks.

Once you reach the ridge proper, expect the technical section that makes this hike famous: prolonged scrambling over steep, rocky ground where you’ll rely on your hands for stability and maintain three points of contact. Poles are usually not helpful here—your footing and balance matter more than reach.

After the ridge scramble, the route reaches Veslfjellet (1,743 m) and then transitions into a broader, flatter walking section across the plateau before the steep descent back toward Gjendesheim/Memurubu.

Terrain and conditions drive how hard the day feels. The ridge is well exposed, so wind amplifies cold and effort; traction matters a lot on the rocky scrambling section, especially if the ridge is wet.

Route wear from heavy use is a known management issue. The hike’s central corridor has been restored/armored with stone plates to limit further erosion, so you’ll encounter durable tread in places where foot traffic concentrates.

Seasonally, plan for snowmelt on the ridge and higher sections. The typical hiking window runs from mid-June to mid-October, with many hikers timing for July so the ridge is clear.

Logistics matter for a popular day: the Gjende ferry to Memurubu is commonly booked ahead in peak season, and the ride is one of the key pieces of the day’s timing.

More information: Wikipedia, Norway Day 5 – Hiking the Besseggen Ridge Trail, Hiking Besseggen, Norway's most popular hike