Skip to contentALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR A REMARKABLE KNUTSHØE HIKE – NORWAY
Ready to explore Norway´s hidden Gem in Jotunheimen National Park? Check below for essential hiking tips, how to get there and the best times to visit!
Norwegians call the Knutshøe hike ‘Besseggens lillebror’ or the little brother of one of Norway’s most popular hikes – Bessegen. However, it is not little at all, as it is a beautiful and challenging trail that takes between 5 and 6 hours to complete, offering views very similar to those of Bessegen.
The Knutshøe trail has a length of 12.7 km and reaches 1,517 meters above sea level, making it one of the most impressive mountains in the area. This hike offers breathtaking views and is suitable for hikers seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure in Norway.
You’ll find this hike in Jotunheimen National Park, which means ‘the home of the giants’ in Norwegian. As you approach, you understand why people call it that: gigantic mountains surround it, making it seem perfect place for trolls!
Jotunheimen boasts rich biodiversity, featuring diverse flora and fauna, including reindeer, arctic foxes, and birds like the golden eagle.
It is also home to some of the most spectacular lakes in Norway, such as Lake Gjende which stands out for its amazing turquoise water. For more information on Jotunheimen, visit the official Jotunheimen National Park website.
This guide provides all the details you need, along with my personal experience of completing this incredible mountain trail!
1. HOW TO GET THERE
The most comfortable and easiest way to travel around Norway is by car, so my recommendation is to rent one to make the most of your trip. From Oslo, the drive to Knutshoe takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes. It’s an absolutely pleasant journey with spectacular views.
In my opinion, Norway has some of the most impressive nature in the world, offering stunning landscapes that change dramatically as you travel through the country. You can find rental car options through websites like Rentalcars or Sixt.
The Knutshøe trail starts at a small free parking lot on highway 51 within Jotunheimen National Park. You can reach it in just 5 minutes by car from Gjendesheim, and the exact parking location is called Vargebakken Parking.
2. WHERE TO STAY
To fully enjoy the experience, I recommend bringing camping gear and leaving it in the car. This way, after completing the demanding hike, you can relax and sleep in the same place.
There are numerous spots to pitch a tent in the National Park itself, with spectacular views, and if you’re lucky, you might enjoy an incredible sunrise with a rainbow included!
There are also several nearby cabins, such as Besseggen Fjellpark AS, which has facilities and it is well-located, with just a 5-minute drive from the start of the Knutshøe trail.
For those looking for a more comfortable stay, nearby hotels and lodges offer amenities and dining options. Check out options on Booking.com for accommodation in the area.
If you decide to camp, it is advisable to bring a good sleeping bag and an inflatable mat, as the nights can be cool, even in summer.
Additionally, consider bringing a portable stove to prepare hot meals, which can be a great relief after a day of hiking. Make sure to pack lightweight hiking gear to ease your load during the hike. For camping tips, visit OutdoorGearLab.
3. WHEN TO HIKE
I recommend this hike between the months of July and September. Like any outdoor activity, you should plan it for a sunny day with clear skies.
The late summer months offer ideal conditions, as milder weather typically prevails and less snow covers the trail.
Consequently, you should check the weather forecast before heading out and be ready for any eventuality! You can check local weather forecasts on Yr.no.
4. HIKING DETAILS
Distance: 12.7 km
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Total elevation gain: 762 meters
Route type: Loop
Keep in mind that much of the trail lacks markings. Although the path was clear for most of the route, one must pay attention. At the start, I recommend taking the right path so that you face the mountain and ridge first, with several ascents and descents.
Throughout the hike, the views are spectacular. The height of the mountain allows you to enjoy stunning landscapes with miles of mountains and lakes in sight.
Lake Gjende, with its emerald green water, looks like something out of a dream. I suggest taking a break at the summit to eat something and enjoy the views.
It is essential to bring food and enough water, as there is no place along the route to refill your bottle. Additionally, wear good trekking shoes, as some sections of the rocks can be slippery. Dress in layers, as the higher you go, the colder and windier it will be.
Although we were lucky with the weather and hiked in warm conditions, when we reached the summit, it was so windy that we had to put on all the clothes we had brought.
Wearing a waterproof jacket is essential because it can rain unexpectedly in the mountains, and hiking while wet is uncomfortable… I share this from my own experience, as it has happened to me! I’ve learned a lot about how to dress for the unpredictable Norwegian weather.
When I first came to Norway, I often heard Norwegians say: Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær! — ‘There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!’ It took me some time to actually believe that, but in the end, I did.
Hikers should avoid bringing dogs on this trail due to the steep areas and two sections of the trail where you will literally have to use both your hands and feet to climb rocks, which can be slippery if it has rained recently.
At the beginning of the trail, I felt a little scared, as there is a part to climb without any kind of safety. I also do not recommend doing this hike if it has rained, as it can be very dangerous.
It is important to mention that safety in hiking is crucial. It is always advisable to use a hiking app on your mobile phone. Consider informing someone about your route and your plans in case of any unforeseen events.
A small first aid kit can also be helpful in case of minor injuries. For more information on hiking safety, visit HikingSafety.
After reaching the summit, the rest of the trail is downhill to the lake level, where you can follow the path back to the parking area, which is practically flat.
As we descended from the mountain, we walked along a narrow path between trees and along the water, but then the trail widened. Approximately 2 hours later, tired and feeling accomplished, we arrived at the parking lot!
5. PERSONAL REFLECTION
The truth is that I initially wanted to go to the fjords, as I believe they offer the best views of Norway. However, my Norwegian partner recommended trying this hike in the mountains, and I do not regret it at all! It was one of the best hikes of my life, with unforgettable landscapes that I’ve never seen before!
I think the fjords are the most well-known aspect of Norway and the reason most tourists visit them. But there is another part of the country, the mountains and the lakes formed by the melting ice, that offers landscapes that seem from another planet.
After this hike, I honestly don’t know which I prefer more: the fjords or the mountains! Moreover, every corner of Norway has its own magic, and Knutshøe serves as proof that sometimes the best adventures lie beyond the most popular tourist destinations!
And there you have it – everything you need to know about Knutshøe Hiking Trail! Good luck or ‘lykke til‘ as Norwegians would say!
If you want to know more about what you can do in Norway, check out this post:
PointsOnTheMap.com
Amazing pictures and good hiking advice! Will definitively add it on my Norway “to-do”!
If I need to choose between “Knutshøe” and “Besseggen”, which is the best? 🙂
Both are amazing and offer similar views, so I recommend doing both if you can! Knutshøe takes 5-6 hours, while Besseggen takes 6-8 hours. If you’re looking for a shorter hike, Knutshøe is the one for you; otherwise, Besseggen is a great choice!