Norwegian tradition meets modern mountain comfort at Gjendesheim

When Gjendesheim Turisthytte opens its new lodging house this summer, it's not just the architecture that's new. The lodge is fitted with Norwegian-made wool textiles from Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik – a deliberate choice that combines tradition, quality, and locally sourced production.

The new dormitory at Gjendesheim is now ready. Where the old Speiderhuset previously held 50 beds in an open dormitory, the new building offers 48 beds spread across spacious two- and four-bed rooms. For guests arriving after a long day crossing Besseggen, this means a more comfortable and private overnight experience – without losing the closeness to nature.

"Wool is a natural material with unique properties – it regulates temperature, is durable, and lasts for decades. It's a perfect fit for the mountains," says Marius Haugaløkken, host and manager at DNT's mountain lodge Gjendesheim.

In developing the new building, the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) placed great emphasis on choosing materials that would withstand long-term use while also taking environmental considerations into account. The choice fell on wool textiles from Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik – a Norwegian manufacturer with roots dating back to 1887.

Produced in Lillehammer, the textiles represent a continuation of Norwegian craft traditions, adapted to modern needs. Ahead of the project, representatives from DNT visited the factory in Lillehammer, where they experienced the production process up close and got to know the textiles now in use at Gjendesheim.

på nært hold og bli bedre kjent med tekstilene som nå er tatt i bruk på Gjendesheim.

Wool has been part of Norwegian outdoor life for generations. It retains warmth even when damp, requires little maintenance, and is biodegradable once it is eventually worn out. For a mountain lodge with a high turnover of guests, these are qualities of great value. At the same time, the Norwegian climate produces a raw material with distinctive qualities – robust, functional, and well suited for use in demanding environments.

Gjendesheim is an example of how wool textiles can be used in projects where function, aesthetics, and sustainability are all central. The textiles are designed to withstand frequent use over time, while also helping to create a warm and cohesive atmosphere in the rooms.

Gjendesheim boasts one of the most sought-after locations in the Norwegian mountains – by the lake Gjende and the starting point for Besseggen, one of Norway's most popular mountain hikes. Every year, thousands of visitors come here to experience the distinctive landscape of Jotunheimen.

The choice of Norwegian-made wool textiles in the new lodging house is a clear statement of what the mountain lodges of the future can be: functional, durable, and rooted in local resources. For Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik, this is at the very core of the work – continuing a Norwegian textile tradition through products made to last.

If you're planning a trip to Jotunheimen this summer, the new dormitory at Gjendesheim is well worth a stop.

The new dormitory – facts:

• Replaces the old Speiderhuset ("Scout House"), which had 50 beds in a shared dormitory
• 48 beds, divided between two- and four-bed rooms
• Located at the foot of Besseggen and Gjende
• Wool textiles from Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik in the rooms
• Open in winter until 3 May, summer opening 5 June