DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day one Arrive in Oslo and drive to Jotunheimen
This holiday starts with your arrival into Oslo by plane , where you will then pick up your hire car . Your journey will take you northwards , past Norway ’ s largest lake Mjøsa , and passing through the towns of Lillehammer and Sjoa before you skirt the edge of the Jotunheimen National Park . As you approach your hotel the scenery will become more mountainous , signalling that you are entering the area known as the Home of the Giants . Arrive at Elvester and check in to your hotel for the next six nights .
Days two to six In Jotunheimen
Situated in Eastern Norway between Oslo , Bergen and Trondheim , Jotunheimen National Park covers an area of roughly 3,500 square km and is home to some of the most famous hiking trails in the country . The area was originally known as the Home of the Giants in Norse mythology due to the fact that Norway ’ s 23 highest mountains are all located within its borders . The two highest of these are also the focal points of two of Norway ’ s top three most iconic hikes . A popular starting point for the Galdhøpiggen hike is Spiterstulen Mountain Lodge , which lies 1,100 metres above sea level . From here the round trip is roughly 13 km long and usually takes 5-7 hours , reaching three peaks over 2,000 metres high . Start by crossing the bridge at Spiterstulen , following a clear path which was renovated by Sherpas in 2010 through the forest . Following the red “ T ” s which mark the trail , you will ascend first Svellnose , then Keilhaustopp , before eventually reaching Galdhøppigen at 2,469 metres above sea level . You may want to stop at the Spiterstulen Mountain Lodge again on your way back for an authentic evening meal before returning to your hotel for the night . Spiterstulen is also one of the main starting points for the hike up the second highest mountain in Norway , Glittertind . This mountain has a permanent snow-cap and involves crossing the Glitterbrean Glacier . It is important to check the weather conditions before embarking on this hike , as crampons may be required depending on the conditions on the final ascent . For those looking for a more challenging , yet perhaps even more scenic , hiking route , the Bessegen ridge hike is recommended for experienced hikers only and starts with a scenic 20-minute ferry ride from Gjendesheim to Memurubu . Jotunheimen is home to over 50 marked trails and you will find roughly 70 more in the surrounding area , meaning there is something to suit all ages and ability levels . On the opposite end of the altitude scale , the Dumma Valley features a series of labyrinthine caves home to narrow
Inside the Elveseter hotel
passageways and underground waterfalls carved out by the River Dumma . Other popular activities here include climbing and rafting . The River Sjoa is considered the best river in Norway for rafting , and there are also options to go canyoning and river boarding on the crystal blue waters . The town of Lom is a picturesque settlement famous for its striking Stave Church , which is one of the biggest of its kind in Norway and dates back to 1158 . Other attractions here are the Lom open-air museum and the Norwegian Mountain Centre , which features an exhibition about Vikings , folklore and fairy-tales of the region . No visit to this town would be complete without a visit to the Lom Bakery to try one of its countryrenowned cinnamon buns .
Day seven Jotunheimen to Oslo and return to UK by air
Today you retrace your journey back down to the capital city of Oslo . Drop your hire car off at the airport and board your direct flight back to the UK .
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