Gjendebu

Gjendebu is a hut of DNT footpaths, the Jotunheimen is located at the western end of the Gjendesees in the National Park at an altitude of 990 m. It was built in 1871 and is the oldest of the DNT hut. It is one of the larger huts in Norway.

Gjendesheim is accessible via the trails of the DNT and a boat link across the Gjende. Neighboring cabins are Gjendesheim, Memurubu Olavsbu, Fondsbu, Leirvassbu Spiterstulen and Torfinnsbu.

From mountain Gjendetunga ( 1516 m) one has a good view of almost the entire Gjende, the ridge Besseggen and many mountain peaks, in Western Jotunheim.

History

The hut was built in 1871 with a size of 45 m² and 12 beds. Anna and Erik Slålien were the first hosts ( Bestyrer ) the hut.

Her daughter Kaia Gjendine Slålien (1871-1972) is the most famous person who has lived in Gjendebu. It is a part of the history of Jotunheimen and especially Gjendebu. The most of her life spent in Gjendine Gjendebu, but also on Skogadalsbøen and Spiterstulen. Edvard Grieg, the Gjendebu visited, while getting to know their songs that inspired him to numerous compositions. In Grieg's Opus 66, there are numerous motifs from Gjendines songs. Therefore, the last part of this opus is also called Gjendines vuggesang. Gjendine died shortly before her 101st birthday on May 13, 1972., The little hut that they lived in Gjendebu ( Gjendinebu ), has been restored and can be visited. It gives a good impression of the former, simple living conditions.

In the meantime (2008 ), the DNT cabin 119 beds and more than 10,000 overnight stays per year. There are regular cultural events (eg exhibitions) instead.