Gjendesheim Turisthytte

The cozy lounge areas are lovely, with stunning views, blankets, and a fireplace, very Norwegian in style. I've never stayed in a mountain hut quite like this one. Our bed was super cozy, the staff really friendly, and dinner was delicious and based on local food. We had a fabulous stay. I think some reviewers judge the cabin as if it were a hotel, rather than as part of the Norwegian mountain association huts. This is by far the best mountain hut we've stayed in.

For a day out, taking the ferry across the lake and hiking from somewhere else is a great option. There are also plenty of hikes you can plan from this lovely DNT “hut,” and they range from not strenuous to challenging. You can reach it by car. They make an effort to use local ingredients and be sustainable, and the staff are incredibly helpful. Marius gave us tips, and we tried local lamb, reindeer stew, and Jerusalem artichoke soup. You can pack a lunch with supplies they provide, including gluten-free options, rent the sauna for an hour, take a dip in the lake, or use the drying room. We rented linens and had a private room. It was fabulous. I miss it already!

The dorms are overpriced and a joke. Twenty-eight people are squeezed into one small 20 m2 room, with no individual beds or space for belongings. All the beds sit on the same frame. It felt more like a war refugee camp. They have quiet hours, but almost nobody respects them.

For only 370 NOK, about 30 euros, you get a bed, a cozy home, hot showers, and more. DNT cabins make longer trips in this area much more accessible for beginners and less serious hikers, and I'll definitely come back someday. Dnt Gjendesheim surpassed my expectations with its beautiful setting, friendly service, and accessible facilities. The cabin was cozy, clean, and well kept. We didn't try the food, but there was easy access to boiling water in the dining room for making freeze-dried meals, plus hot chocolate.