Located some 3 hours from Norway’s capital Oslo, Espedalen is an idyllic valley offering top-notch hiking and landscapes straight from a fairytale—minus the crowds. You can expect daily guided hikes to highpoints surrounding the valley (such as Ruten) and a visit to the nearby town of Lillehammer. This adventure includes accommodation in a remote hotel that offers sweeping views of pristine nature surrounding it, as well as sauna, and a swimming pool! In other words, it’s a week of complete immersion in a unique location, granting a deep connection with nature, new friendships, and one-of-a-kind escape from everyday life!
Meet your guide and fellow hikers at Oslo Airport around 3 pm. Your group will get transferred to the Dalseter Mountain Hotel (a 3.5-hour ride). Once you’ve arrived and settled in, join your squad for dinner and get a chance to know them a bit better.
Meals: Dinner
After a hearty breakfast with views fit for tourist posters, go on the first hike of your guided adventure in Norway. Today you’ll get a gentle introduction to the landscapes, with a walk through a birch forest and in easy mountain terrain. Back at the hotel in the afternoon, take a dip in the pool or just relax in the lounge before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (picnic), and dinner
Hiking: 6-7 km (3.7-4.5 miles)
Elevation gain: 300 m (985 ft)
Take it slow in the morning with breakfast before heading outside for another adventure. On day 2, your group will walk to one of the winter warming huts. You will ascend Bingsbu at 1,152 m / 3,780 ft, and if you’re up for even more climbing, we can also summit the nearby Sprenpiggen (1,329 m / 4,360 ft). Return to the hotel in the afternoon and spend some quality time with other hikers or simply relax before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (picnic), and dinner
Hiking: 11-12 km (6.8-7.5 miles)
Elevation gain: 200-400 m (655-1,310 ft)
Today is a rest day, but the best thing to do is go on an optional visit to the town of Lillehammer. Once there, you can explore the Olympic Park, take a leisurely stroll through the quaint streets lined with elegant houses, visit the fascinating Maihaugen Open-Air Museum showcasing Norwegian history and culture, and indulge in the vibrant culinary scene that boasts a range of delightful local and international cuisines. With its rich heritage, stunning scenery, diverse attractions, and delectable dining options, Lillehammer provides a delightful day trip filled with exploration, cultural immersion, and culinary delights.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Today you’ll walk down to Lake Breidsjøenhike and through the forest, until you reach the old Fredrikseter summer farm. Enjoy a day filled with scenic views as you pass a small lake at the top of a hill—before heading down and taking a minibus ride back to the hotel. Spend another afternoon in the sauna and the swimming pool or taking some alone time—before enjoying a delicious dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (picnic), and dinner
Hiking: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Elevation gain: 200-400 m (655-1,310 ft)
On this day, the focus is on exploring the lower areas and hiking around the scenic lake Breidsjøen, immersing yourself once more in the natural beauty of the surroundings. As your group delves into local history, visit Verksodden, a site that reveals intriguing glimpses of the past, including the remarkable Espedalen mountain church, an extraordinary graveyard, and remnants from the mining period of the 1850s to 1870s. Before returning back to Dalseter, stop at the “Elgtårn,” a unique accommodation tower in Espedalen, adding an extra touch of charm to today’s walk.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (picnic), and dinner
Hiking: 13 km (8 miles)
Elevation gain: 200 m (655 ft)
Situated between Espedalen and Gudbrandsdalen, Ruten is a popular peak hike for beginners, ideal for summer or autumn excursions. The highlight awaits at the summit, where ascending Ruten rewards you with breathtaking 360-degree views of Jotunheimen and Rondane, two national parks. As you descend along a different path, immersed in picturesque scenery, you’ll make your way towards Bingsbu. The familiar hike back to Dalseter, retracing day 2, evokes a strong sense of accomplishment. Another option today is to hike to Heidalsmuen at 1,745 m. You can expect a gentle walk through forests and open mountain.
In the evening, gather with your group and guide to celebrate the week’s achievements, as tomorrow marks the conclusion of this unforgettable adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (picnic), and dinner
Hiking: 13 km (8 miles)
Elevation gain: 600 m (1,970 ft)
Your adventure will have come to an end after breakfast. Get transferred back to the Oslo Airport where you are going to arrive around noon. Please book flights after 2 pm. Say goodbye to your guide, fellow women adventurers, and to magical Norway—or continue touring on your own!
Meals: Breakfast
Please note that the itinerary is not set in stone. Depending on weather conditions, group’s fitness and energy levels, your guide can modify certain day hikes. There are plenty of options to take rest days or to do shorter walks.
Included:
Not included:
This guided hiking trip in Norway is suitable for anyone who can walk between 3 and 7 hours with numerous breaks. The most you’ll hike within a day is 13 km (8 miles), so as long as you can cover that distance, you’re good to go! Daily ascents will always be steady and no greater than 1,970 ft (600 m). Your guide will always be by your side to assist you with anything and change the route if hiking gets too strenuous.
If you’re looking for something more challenging, you may like this hiking, sailing, and surfing adventure in Norway.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Keep in mind that temperatures in Norway can get quite low in September with averages between 4 and 11 °C (40-50 °F). It is also likely that it will rain on some days. It is important to bring clothes for different weather conditions. As Norwegians say—there’s no bad weather, only bad clothes!
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During the Norway guided hiking tour, you will stay in the remote family-run Dalseter Høyfjellshotell. Nestled at the top of Espedalen valley, the hotel offers a stunning view of a river meandering through a forest—framed by Jotunheimen National Park’s majestic mountains and Norway’s highest peak, Galdhøpiggen. Enjoy the pristine surroundings from the swimming pool and sauna.
Upon booking, you will be allocated either a single or a double room (the price stays the same), depending on whether you’re a solo traveler or coming with someone else.
As for the meals, you can expect buffet breakfasts and dinners in the hotel and picnics in nature. Special dietary requirements and preferences (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian…) can be easily accommodated—just let your guide know in advance!
Group sizes and prices:
Hiking in Norway can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Dalseter, your base for the adventure, most people fly into Oslo Gardermoen Airport.
You should arrive in Oslo in the morning or early afternoon on day 1. Once you get there, you will meet your guide around 3 pm and get transferred directly to your accommodation (a 3.5 hour ride).
If arriving the day before or later in the day, discuss other options with your guide. You may want to stay in Oslo for one night or arrive at the accommodation on your own via Lillehammer.