The lakes at X:Gjende


The Gjende area has some of the most famous and scenic trails in Norway, around several inland lakes.  Along the lakes there are DNT huts (Norwegian tourist association) which are very popular, and there is also a boat service which serves the huts and can be used for tourists looking to combine a day hike with a boat trip.

Us in the boat On the right, the boat itself

We chose to take the boat out in the morning to the hut and then to walk back along the lake - a nice, simple hike of 12k or so - and the Norwegians had sworn that this was an easy hike, and we could probably even bring a stroller if we'd like (in case Lydia got tired).
We learned something that day about what the Norwegians consider an easy hike...
In the end, our nice, easy hike took us 9 hours (noon - 9 pm) - we were very happy that the sun didn't set until almost 11pm so we at least had daylight for the whole hike - however, the kids did eat dinner very well (at 10pm, when we finally returned to our tents), and, somehow, no one was up too early the next morning.

Lesson 1: An easy hike doesn't mean that the trail is always above water!	This is a pure glacial lake, and, despite the fact that it was summer, this water was NOT warm...
Lesson 2: An easy hike can cross some good rock falls...
Lesson 3: Norway is a beautiful country

See a glacier
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