Norway. Gjendebu trail

 

  A stunning alpine traverse that takes you high above Lake Gjende with nonstop views of snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear waters. Quieter than Besseggen, this section offers pure mountain solitude, dramatic landscapes, and a true sense of wilderness—perfect for those craving a deeper Jotunheimen experience...

  Map of the hikes...

  After we descended to Memurubu, we began the next part of our beautiful hike - the trail to Gjendebu... We didn’t stop at the hut in Memurubu; instead, we pushed forward, climbing up onto the next ridge.

  The trail quickly rewarded us with breathtaking views - deep blue lakes stretching far below us, framed by rugged, snow-dusted peaks. It felt like walking through a living postcard, each turn revealing new angles of Norway’s wild, untouched beauty...

    The terrain felt even more remote here—utterly quiet and wild. We didn’t see a single hiker on this stretch; for hours, it was just us and the sound of our footsteps. The sense of solitude and scale was truly humbling...

  Frozen alpine lake stretches out, its surface cracked with soft blue reflections where the ice begins to melt. The land just beyond the lake is stark and rugged, dusted with lingering snow and framed by a low, dark ridge. Rising dramatically in the background are the snow-covered peaks of Jotunheimen—majestic, jagged, and timeless. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop in your tracks - silent, powerful, and almost surreal in its purity. A perfect representation of the wild, untouched heart of Norway...

  As we began the long descent toward Gjendebu—nestled at the far end of Lake Gjende—clouds rolled in. The air grew heavy, and soon, the rain began. It started as a drizzle, then picked up into a steady fall, soaking the trail and painting the mountains in moody tones...

  The descent toward the lake was pretty steep at times, but thankfully many of the trickier sections were secured with via ferrata-style chains...

  Despite the weather, or maybe because of it, the final stretch felt atmospheric and raw.

  When we finally reached the lakeshore, we took a well-earned break—resting in the stillness and dipping our tired legs into the icy water. After some lunch and a bit of quiet, we passed the hut and followed the trail to our next overnight spot, closing out the stunning and solitary Gjendebu trail...

  As we left the peaceful shores of Lake Gjende and finished the scenic Gjendebu trail, we didn’t yet know what the next day would bring. The terrain ahead climbed higher—and with it, the snow returned...