Besseggen Ridge has a special status among Norwegians and hiking the ridge is considered a rite of passage, no matter your age. The iconic view is characterized by the colourful Gjende and Bessvatnet lakes. Gjende is a stunning emerald color and very long and narrow. Bessvatnet is a deep blue and among Norway’s clearest lakes.

Hiking the Besseggen Ridge is very demanding. It takes anywhere between 6 to 9 hours to complete the hike. Despite the challenging route, during the short hiking season from the end of June to mid-September, more than 60,000 hikers complete the trip. This makes Besseggen one of the most trafficked hiking routes in Norway. For a quieter hike, go early in the season or on a weekday in September.

The trail becomes extremely difficult in rainy weather, so make sure to look at the forecast and talk with locals and fellow hikers before embarking on the trek.