Mountain Adventure Holidays
Gjendesheim DNT hut
Gjendesheim is not just a hut; it’s a gateway to the breathtaking wilderness of Jotunheimen National Park. I had the privilege of chatting with Marius, the hutkeeper at Gjendesheim during the winter months. Here’s what he had to say about life in the mountains, the DNT’s mission, and what makes this place so magical.
DNT is about making nature accessible. When it was founded in 1868, walking in the mountains wasn’t something Norwegians did for fun - it was purely functional. Tourists, especially from the UK, inspired Norwegians to explore their own landscapes recreationally. Today, the goal remains the same: to make it easy, affordable, and accessible for everyone to enjoy nature.
It’s not about luxury; it’s about inclusion. Whether it’s families, older people, or seasoned adventurers, I love being part of their stories. To see the joy on someone’s face as they discover the mountains - that’s what it’s all about.
It’s a balance. My farm is about 60 kilometers from the hut, so during the school year, my kids stay at home while I rotate shifts with my colleague. But during holidays, my whole family moves to the hut.
We grow vegetables on the farm - artichokes, potatoes - and work with neighbours who raise animals. The meat at the hut is always from local farms, and as much as possible, so are the vegetables. It’s important to me that the food we serve reflects the local community and respects the land.
In winter, we mostly get visitors from Europe - Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Germany. Our courses, however, are often followed by Norwegians. But honestly, what attracts most people is the quiet. There are no ski lifts, no cars, no helicopters - just the sound of the mountains.
It’s usually groups with mixed levels of experience. Everyone shares a desire to deepen their knowledge of the mountains. With our changing climate, safety is critical - even older visitors want to keep their skills up to date.
We teach essential survival skills: how to stay warm, build a fire, cook outdoors. These are things that make you feel connected to nature and prepared for its challenges. With The Jotunheim Snowshoe Week, which Tracks and Trails runs from Gjendesheim, there is also a strong element of information and education of how to be safe in the mountains.
Well, Gjendesheim isn’t a hotel - it’s a lodge. But it has all the basics for a comfortable stay: electricity, running water, good food, even options for allergies.
The living rooms are spacious, and people often make new friends here - it’s not rare to see strangers talking and laughing like old companions by the fire. You can dry your clothes, prepare your lunch, and enjoy a warm meal with a breathtaking view. It’s simple but beautiful.
Young people are the future stewards of the mountains. In Norway, many city kids are drawn to working here because it’s a bit remote and unique. At the same time, local youth need to be reminded of how special these landscapes are.
We also have staff from other countries. It’s fun and eye-opening for everyone to share stories and perspectives. I think working here teaches young people not just about nature but also about connecting with others.
The hut overlooks Lake Gjende, surrounded by steep mountains that seem to rise straight from the water. It’s an active landscape with lakes, rivers, and glaciers feeding into the valleys.
Jotunheimen is home to Norway’s highest peaks, like Galdhøpiggen, and from the summits, you can see lakes in shades of green and blue, depending on whether they’re fed by snowmelt or glaciers. It’s stunning in every season - green summers, fiery autumns, and serene, snowy winters.
What captivates most visitors is the tranquility. There are no ski lifts, no cars, no helicopters - just the pure, unspoiled sounds of the mountains.
I get to be part of the best days of people’s lives. Some save up for years to come here, and when they sit down for dinner after a long day on the trails, I see their happiness.
Every night, it feels like I have 100 new friends. Everyone is smiling, sharing stories - it’s such a joyful energy. It makes me grateful to be here.
Winter is calm, but summer can get busy, especially with the Besseggen Ridge trail. About 10 years ago, we struggled with overcrowding. The digital age has helped because now people book in advance, and we can spread visitors out over time.
We also encourage sustainable travel - those who show us a bus ticket get a voucher for the hut. And we try to get people to stay longer and explore more rather than rushing from one spot to the next.
About 10 years ago, three friends came - two from London and one from elsewhere. They were traveling the world, visiting incredible places, and having all kinds of adventures.
One day, during bad weather, I took them fishing. We drilled a hole in the ice, caught some fish, and cooked them over a fire. One of the guys teared up—it was his first time experiencing something so raw and simple.
It reminded me that what feels normal to me can be extraordinary for someone else. That’s why I love this job.
If you’d like to meet Marius and experience Gjendesheim for yourself, check out The Jotunheim Snowshoe Adventure. You won’t just visit the mountains - you’ll connect with the people who call them home.
Keep up to date with Tracks and Trails through our newsletter, click here to sign up. For more information about our snowshoeing holidays, either bespoke or Scheduled Departures, speak to one of our expert team by calling +44 (0) 20 8144 64442 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. In winter, in addition to snowshoeing, we also offer cross-country skiing, while in summer we would encourage you to join us for hiking, and trail running.
