Gjendesheim Turisthytte has been a staffed lodge with Norwegian Mountain Touring Association (In Norwegian, Den Norske Turistforening – DNT) Oslo og Omegn as proprietor since 1878, and is located in the heart of the Norwegian mountains. The lodge can accommodate 170 guests in bedrooms with 1, 2 and 4 beds and four dormitories. The standard is simple; with bunks and joint shower/WC.
Gjendesheim is situated at the east end of Gjende lake, 1000 meters above sea level by the in Vågå municipality. It is located about 2 km from Maurvangen off Riksvei 51.
Gjendesheim is a popular starting point for hiking over Besseggen. Hikers either take one of the ferry boats to Memurubu and hike back to Gejendesheim over Besseggen or alternatively start the hike at Gjendesheim and take the ferry boat back.
History
Originally Gjendesheim was planned for construction near Leirungen which is located further up towards Valdresflya. When securing a lot proved impossible, Gjendesheim was constructed at its current location.
1868: The foundation of Norwegian Mountain Touring Association (DNT) 1873: DNTs first cairn marked path established from Memurudalen to Bessvatnet 1878: The opening of Gjendesheim 1890: The first development and restoration with new cuisine, several renovations in 1898, 1904 - 05, 1910 - 11, 1916 and 1925 1937: New main building and renovation of dormitories 1974: Installation of electricity 1976: New extensive renovation
Hosts at 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 -