DAY 1 | CROSSING THE BESSEGGEN RIDGE

We kick things off with a stunning day crossing the Besseggen ridge. One of Norway’s most popular treks, you’ll see why it’s well worth the visit when you feast your eyes on the spectacular rocky divide between the lakes Bessvatn and Gjende and witness the striking difference in colours from the top of Veslfjellet (1743m); the former the blue of a clear mountain lake and the latter richly green from glacial sediment. The descent of the ridge offers delightful scrambling, not too tricky, along with panoramic views which remain jaw-dropping for the entire day.

DAY 2 | TAKING THE BOAT ACROSS GENDJE LAKE

Technically you’ll have seen Gjende the day before, but today you’ll get up close with its clear green waters and cruise by boat amongst the surrounding lofty peaks. The ferry delivers you to Gjendebu, where you simply step off the boat and start trekking into the heart of the Jotunheimen.

DAY 3 | REACHING THE SUMMIT OF GALDHOPIGGEN

At 2469m, Galdhopiggen is the highest peak in Norway, and the goal for the day. Not just famous for its national status, it’s an unhindered and superb vantage point with which to view the rest of Jotunheimen’s beautiful expanse of troughs and peaks.

One of our favourite things about this trek is the industrious stone hut built on top. There’s a celebratory atmosphere inside and you can enjoy a reprieve from the cold with hot drinks and chocolate.

DAY 4 | EXPLORING THE SVELLNOSBREEN GLACIER

Translated literally, Svellnosbreen means ‘Fairytale Ice’. Walking on it feels like stepping into a fantasy world in itself. Suited, booted and roped up, you’ll follow natural pathways through the ice, marvelling at the deep shades of unearthly blue hidden within and taking big steps over the occasional chasm. You’ll even get to try your hand at learning how to use an ice axe and crampons – which your guide will of course help you out with.

DAY 5 | CLIMBING KYRKJA

The leaning tower of Pisa of mountains, Kyrkja, which means ‘church’ in Norwegian, is so named for the distinctive spire like cone at its top. You can expect an unforgettable day from simply walking through the spectacular Valley of Visdalen to see its iconic shape against the sky, but for peak-baggers and keen scramblers, there’s the option to summit too. The route up is simply lovely; a nice grade 2 scramble with gorgeous views all round.

DAY 6 | STAYING IN SKOGADASBOEN MOUNTAIN HUT

Did we mention that the traverse of the Jotunheimen is a hut-to-hut trek? Different from the mountain huts you’ll find in Europe’s Alps, they’re usually less rustic and always a pleasure to stay in. On the penultimate day of your journey, you’ll stay in Skogadasboen, beautifully located in the Utladalen valley. Only accessible by foot, it’s famous for its moss-covered roofs and lush green surroundings.

DAY 7 | CHASING WATERFALLS: AVDALFOSSEN AND VETTIFOSSEN

No visit to Norway is complete without seeing some its spectacular waterfalls, which your last day on this trek handily weaves you by as you head back to civilisation. You’ll pass by Vettisfossen, which at 275m is Norway’s highest waterfall and a force to behold, before heading down to the valley floor where you’ll have the option to walk above the Avdal waterfall, pictured.