Norway 2017: Besseggen 1: Bessheim to Bessvatnet

The hike up Besseggen Ridge in Jotunheimen National Park is considered one of the most spectacular hikes in the world. It is certainly one of the most popular, and not for the faint of heart. After much arm-twisting, I finally convinced John to hike it with me, even though he had already hiked it many times in his younger days. The low clouds and threat of rain today ensured that the trail would not be too crowded. For the first four hours, we didn't see a single soul.

Starting off behind our hotel in Bessheim.

The trail followed a creek, past numerous waterfalls, until reaching the shores of Bessvatnet Lake. 

At the junction

Fall colors lined the lake shore

Fishing is popular here in summer and winter, but not today

Lonely fish nets 

Lonely fishing cabins

We continued hiking five miles onward along the lake towards the next junction

The last mile or so was strewn with slick granite boulders -- a preview of what awaits us on Besseggen Ridge

Are we there yet? The gap in the clouds ahead is our destination for the start of the  infamous Besseggen climb.
(To be continued...)