Gjendesheim

The place

Gjendesheim Turisthytte: A Rustic Getaway at the Heart of the Norwegian Mountains Gjendesheim Turisthytte, operated by the Norwegian Mountain Touring Association (DNT) Oslo og Omegn since 1878, sits at the heart of the Norwegian mountains. The lodge can accommodate 170 guests in rooms with 1, 2 and 4 beds, plus four dormitories. Comfort is simple, with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. Location and Surroundings Gjendesheim lies at the eastern end of Lake Gjende, 1,000 metres above sea level in the municipality of Vågå. It is located about 2 km from Maurvangen, close to the Riksvei 51. This spot is a popular starting point for hikers wanting to take on the Besseggen route. History Gjendesheim was originally planned to be built near Leirungen, further up toward Valdresflya. When acquiring the land proved impossible, Gjendesheim was built at its current location instead. 1868: Founding of the Norwegian Mountain Touring Association (DNT). 1873: DNT's first waymarked trail established from Memurudalen to Bessvatnet. 1878: Opening of Gjendesheim. 1890: First improvements and restoration with a new kitchen, followed by several renovations in 1898, 1904-05, 1910-11, 1916 and 1925. 1937: Construction of the new main building and renovation of the dormitories. 1974: Electricity installed. 1976: Major renovation. Hosts of Gjendesheim Anders Rusnes: 1878 - 1901 Kari Rusnes: 1901 - 1920 Ragnhild Repp: 1920 - 1950 Bjørg Hult Nystrøm: 1950 - 1952 Marit and Jens Skogstad: 1952 - 1958 Åslaug and Nils Vole: 1959 - 1974 Sonja and Olav Gaute Vole: 1975 - 1977 Olav Gaute Vole: 1977 - 1980 Bjørg Aaseng Vole and Olav Gaute Vole: 1980 - 2010 Marius Haugaløkken and Anne Katrin Taagvold: 2010 - Availability and Booking Open: From early June to late September. Booking: Required online.