---
title: "Gjendesheim by bike — cycling to Besseggen from Valdres"
description: "Cycle across Valdresflya to Gjendesheim and combine with Norway's most famous mountain hike. Route, logistics and practical tips."
type: guide
category: ruter
tags: [gjendesheim, besseggen, valdresflya, jotunheimen, fjelltur, kombiner, landevei, gravel]
date: "2026-03-13"
relatedRoutes: [valdresflya, jotunheimen-dagstur, valdresflya-ost, valdresflya-gjendesheim-sidetur]
relatedPlaces: [beitostolen, jotunheimen-kanten]
---

# Gjendesheim by bike — cycling to Besseggen from Valdres

Besseggen is Norway's most popular mountain hike, with over 30,000 hikers annually. Most people drive to Gjendesheim. You can cycle there — across Valdresflya, one of the country's most spectacular mountain roads, with Jotunheimen as a backdrop the entire way.

<AnswerBox question="Can I cycle to Gjendesheim?" answer="Yes. From Beitostølen you cycle Rv51 across Valdresflya to the junction at Maurvangen, then 6 km of side road to Gjendesheim. Total distance approx. 50 km with 1020 m of elevation gain." />

## The route: Beitostølen → Valdresflya → Gjendesheim

The entire trip follows paved road. You take Rv51 northward from Beitostølen, up across Valdresflya to 1389 m above sea level, then down to Maurvangen where you turn off towards Gjendesheim.

**Key figures:**

<StatGrid items={[
  { label: 'Distance', value: '~50 km' },
  { label: 'Elevation gain', value: '~1020 m' },
  { label: 'Highest point', value: '1389 masl' },
  { label: 'Time on bike', value: '3–5 hours' },
  { label: 'Surface', value: 'Tarmac all the way' },
  { label: 'Season', value: 'June–September' }
]} />

### Step by step

**Beitostølen → Bygdin (20 km, 600 m elevation gain)**
The first kilometres from Beitostølen are moderate. After Bygdin the real climb towards Valdresflya begins. The road is well maintained but narrow — keep to the right. Heavy vehicles and motorhomes are common in July.

**Bygdin → Valdresflya summit (10 km, 400 m elevation gain)**
Here you are above the treeline. The landscape opens up and you can see the Jotunheimen peaks: Galdhøpiggen, Glittertind and Besshø. Wind can be strong on exposed sections — keep a windproof jacket handy. The Norwegian Scenic Routes have rest stops with toilets and viewpoints along this stretch.

**Valdresflya summit → Maurvangen (14 km, descent)**
A fantastic descent from 1389 masl down to Maurvangen at approx. 900 masl. Long sweeping bends, good visibility, but keep your speed in check — there are corners you cannot see around.

**Maurvangen → Gjendesheim (6 km, gentle climb)**
The final stretch is a narrow country road from Maurvangen to Gjendesheim on the shore of Gjende. Light traffic, easy pace, and you can see the water glinting through the birch trees.

## Combine cycling and Besseggen

The classic combo plan:

**Day 1:** Cycle from Beitostølen to Gjendesheim. Overnight at Gjendesheim mountain lodge (DNT). Book well in advance — especially in July and August.

**Day 2:** Take the boat M/B Gjende from Gjendesheim to Memurubu. Hike Besseggen back to Gjendesheim (6–8 hours). Overnight stay or cycle back the same evening (if you're feeling strong).

**Day 3:** Cycle back to Beitostølen. The return is faster — you start with the climb to Valdresflya, but from there it is mostly downhill.

## Accommodation at Gjendesheim

Gjendesheim mountain lodge is run by DNT and has both a staffed section with dinner service and a self-service section with simpler facilities. Season is normally mid-June to mid-September. Booking is strongly recommended — Besseggen is Norway's busiest mountain hike.

For cyclists who want to stay overnight along the way, there are options along Rv51 across Valdresflya, including at Hindsæter to the north and the mountain lodges around Bygdin.

## Practical tips

**Wind:** Valdresflya is open high-mountain terrain. A headwind at 1300 masl can make the trip considerably harder. Check yr.no for wind forecasts the day before.

**Traffic:** Rv51 has moderate traffic, but motorhomes and lorries pass through. Ride predictably and use lights.

**Water and food:** Bring enough food and drink for the entire trip. There are no shops between Beitostølen and Gjendesheim. At Valdresflya there are only rest stops with toilets.

**E-bike:** The trip is well suited for an e-bike. With a fully charged battery you will make it all the way, but be aware that cold temperatures at altitude can reduce range. Charge up the evening before.

**Return alternative:** If you don't want to cycle both ways you can arrange a pick-up at Gjendesheim, or drive to Maurvangen and cycle the last 6 km + Besseggen as a day trip.

## Season and road status

Rv51 across Valdresflya is closed in winter. The typical opening date is in April–May, but snow conditions vary. Check [Statens vegvesen](https://www.vegvesen.no) for current road status. Gjendesheim normally opens in mid-June.

**Best time:** The second half of June to mid-September. July is the busiest — early June or September gives quieter roads and fewer hikers on Besseggen.

## What you should know about the conditions

Valdresflya is Norway's highest main road and behaves like a mountain — not like a regular road. The temperature difference between Beitostølen (approx. 900 masl) and the summit (1389 masl) can be 5–8 degrees. Even on a warm July day it can be bitterly cold at the top.

**What to be prepared for:**

- Sudden weather changes — sunshine at Bygdin, rain and fog at the summit
- Westerly winds are most common and can make the climb much harder
- Ice-cold water from streams along the road — fill your bottles, but bring enough from the start
- Sun exposure is intense above the treeline — sunscreen and sunglasses are essential

**Backup plan in bad weather:** If Valdresflya is shrouded in fog or strong winds, consider [Panoramavegen](/guider/panoramavegen-sykkelguide) as a lower-level alternative (summit approx. 1100 masl). You can also ride [Beitostølen Trail Arena](/guider/terrengsykling-mtb-beitostolen) in the forest, where the trees provide shelter from the wind.

## Alternative starting points — not just Beitostølen

Beitostølen is the natural base, but you can reach Gjendesheim by bike from several directions.

**From Fagernes (80 km, 1200 m elevation gain):**
Longer, but a flatter start. Follow Rv51 northward through Slidredalen to Beitostølen, then continue over Valdresflya. The advantage is that you can take the bus from Oslo to Fagernes (Valdresekspressen, 3.5 hours) and avoid needing a car. The downside is that you add 30 km — consider splitting it over two days with an overnight stay in Beitostølen.

**From Leira/Nord-Aurdal (70 km, 1150 m elevation gain):**
Starts slightly closer than Fagernes. From Leira follow Rv51 via Ryfoss and northward. The same route as from Fagernes, just a shorter warm-up.

**From Vågåmo/Sjoa (from the north, 45 km, 500 m elevation gain):**
Coming from Gudbrandsdalen you can reach Gjendesheim from the north via Randsverk. This route has less elevation gain (you start higher) and avoids Valdresflya entirely. Easier, but you miss the spectacular mountain road. Suitable for those already in the Jotunheimen area.

**Car + bike combo:**
Drive to Maurvangen (parking) and cycle the last 6 km to Gjendesheim. Practical for those who just want the Besseggen hike without a full day in the saddle. The car park at Maurvangen is free but can fill up in July.

## Mountain hiking from Gjendesheim — more than just Besseggen

Besseggen is the main attraction, but Gjendesheim is the starting point for several hikes that work well after a day on the bike.

**Knutshøe (1517 masl, 3–4 hours return):**
Easier than Besseggen and far quieter. The trail starts from Gjendesheim and gives panoramic views over Gjende, Besshø and Glittertind without the exposed ridge. Perfect for those who want a mountain experience without spending the whole day.

**Veslefjell (1743 masl, 5–6 hours return):**
A more demanding alternative to Besseggen with views down towards Gjende from the west. Less crowded and gives you a feeling of having the mountain to yourself.

**The Sjoa trail (one way, 15 km):**
Follows Gjende eastward to Sjodalen. Option to be picked up by car or cycle back via Rv51 on the north side. A peaceful day trip along the lake.

**Tips for cyclists:** After a long day cycling over Valdresflya you have already put 1000+ metres of elevation in your legs. Knutshøe is the smartest choice — short enough that you don't overload your body, long enough to give you a genuine mountain feeling.

## Photography along the route — the 5 best spots

The Valdresflya crossing to Gjendesheim is one of Norway's most photogenic cycling routes. Here are the five stops you should not ride past.

<StatGrid items={[
  { label: 'Km 15: The Bygdin viewpoint', value: 'First glimpse of Bygdin lake from the road — Jotunheimen peaks reflected in the water early in the morning' },
  { label: 'Km 22: The Valdresflya plateau', value: 'The high plateau opens up — reindeer, scree and sky. Best in side light morning/evening' },
  { label: 'Km 25: The Norwegian Scenic Routes viewpoint', value: 'Architectural rest stop with Jotunheimen 360° — Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind in the same shot' },
  { label: 'Km 35: The descent towards Sjoa valley', value: 'Dramatic perspective looking down — bends with the Besseggen ridge visible in the background' },
  { label: 'Km 44: Gjende from Gjendesheim', value: 'The green Gjende lake against grey mountain rock — the iconic image. Best in the afternoon with sun from the west' }
]} />

**Photography tips:** Morning light (06–09) gives the best colours on Valdresflya. Evening light (18–21 in July) is magical at Gjende. Bring a polarising filter to cut reflections on the mountain water. Your phone is fine — you don't need heavy camera gear up a 1020 m climb.

## Budget — what does cycling + Besseggen cost?

A realistic cost plan for the whole trip:

<StatGrid items={[
  { label: 'Gjendesheim DNT staffed', value: 'approx. 850–1200 NOK/night (member/non-member), dinner included' },
  { label: 'M/B Gjende boat', value: 'approx. 200–300 NOK one way (adult, 2025 prices — check jvb.no)' },
  { label: 'Bus Oslo–Fagernes', value: 'approx. 350–500 NOK (Valdresekspressen)' },
  { label: 'Food along the way', value: 'approx. 200–400 NOK/day (packed + café)' },
  { label: 'Bike rental (if applicable)', value: 'approx. 500–800 NOK/day (lokal operatør)' },
  { label: 'Total 3 days DIY', value: 'approx. 2500–4500 NOK per person' }
]} />

**Money-saving tips:** A DNT membership (790 NOK/year) gives discounts at all mountain huts — you can easily recoup the cost in a single overnight stay. Bring food from Beitostølen (Coop) instead of buying everything at Gjendesheim. If you have your own bike, you halve the equipment cost.

**The free option:** Cycling with a tent and self-cooked food. The right to roam (allemannsretten) entitles you to pitch a tent at least 150 metres from inhabited areas. The Gjendesheim area has good access to drinking water. Total cost: under 1000 NOK for the whole trip (boat + food).

## Related routes

This trip pairs well with other routes in [Jotunheimen-kanten](/omrade/jotunheimen-kanten), including [Valdresflya](/ruter/valdresflya) and the [Eidsbugarden routes](/ruter/tyin-eidsbugarden-grusvei) on the western side of Bygdin. You can also combine it with a ride along [Mjølkevegen](/ruter/mjolkevegen) for a complete Valdres experience over several days.

<SeAlso items={[
  { title: "Gjende and Jotunheimen — cycling guide from Beitostølen", href: "/guider/gjende-jotunheimen-sykkelguide" },
  { title: "Valdresflya cycling guide — Norway's highest scenic road", href: "/guider/valdresflya-sykkelguide" },
  { title: "Beitostølen — the cycling capital of Valdres", href: "/omrade/beitostolen" },
  { title: "Jotunheimen-kanten — cycling area", href: "/omrade/jotunheimen-kanten" },
  { title: "Jotunheimvegen — complete cycling guide", href: "/guider/jotunheimvegen-komplett-sykkelguide" },
  { title: "Cycling in the Norwegian mountains — Valdres guide", href: "/guider/sykkeltur-fjellet-norge-valdres" },
  { title: "E-bike in Valdres — routes and rental", href: "/guider/elsykkel-valdres-guide" },
  { title: "Accommodation for cyclists in Valdres", href: "/guider/overnatting-syklister-valdres" },
  { title: "Season — when does Valdresflya open?", href: "/guider/sesong-valdres-sykkel" },
  { title: "Rent a bike in Valdres", href: "/guider/leie-sykkel-valdres" },
  { title: "Packing list for a mountain cycling trip", href: "/guider/pakkeliste-dagstur-sykkel-valdres" },
  { title: "All cycling routes in Valdres", href: "/ruter" }
]} />