Timetable
Practical information
Tours
Charter the boat
History
The boat trip across Bygdin is the perfect starting point for many fantastic mountain hikes in Jotunheimen.
The M/B Bitihorn operates across Lake Bygdin every day during the summer season, from 26 June to 13 September 2026.
The trip can be combined with various bus departures from Oslo. Book your bus ticket to “Bygdin” and continue your journey by boat from the pier (a short walking distance away).
M/B Bitihorn – Timetable 2026
Season: June 26 – September 13, 2026*
From Bygdin
| Daily | Daily | |
|---|---|---|
| Departure Bygdin | 09:05 | 13:30 |
| Departure Torfinnsbu | 09:50 | 14:15 |
| Arrival Eidsbugarden | 10:50 | 15:15 |
From Eidsbugarden
| Daily | Daily | |
|---|---|---|
| Departure Eidsbugarden | 11:30 | 15:30 |
| Departure Torfinnsbu | 12:30 | 16:30 |
| Arrival Bygdin | 13:15 | 17:15 |
Video: DNT Torfinnsbu
Frequently Asked Questions
Season and timetables
When does M/B Bitihorn operate?
M/B Bitihorn operates a daily scheduled service from 26 June to 13 September (2026).
– From Bygdin at 09:05 and 13:30 to Eidsbugarden, via Torfinnsbu.
– From Eidsbugarden at 11:30 and 15:30 to Bygdin, via Torfinnsbu.
Where can I find updated timetables?
The latest and most accurate timetables are always available in the journey planner at www.jvb.no.
Can the start of the season be postponed?
Yes. Bygdin is a regulated lake, and a low water level may cause the start of the season to be postponed by a few days. This may happen, for example, following limited snowmelt or rainfall.
If the start of the season is postponed, we will publish updated information at www.jvb.no
Tickets and prices
Where can I buy a ticket?
Tickets can be purchased through JVB’s own booking system and through other sales channels, such as www.VYBuss.no. Tickets can also be purchased when boarding, but the price may be higher.
How can I pay for my ticket?
You can buy your ticket in advance at jvb.no or on board M/B Bitihorn. Tickets purchased on board must be paid for by card. Most common card types and digital payment methods are accepted.
Tickets cannot be paid for in cash.
Do I need to buy my ticket in advance?
No, but we recommend booking in advance. This secures your place and usually gives you access to the lowest available fares.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 2–3 days before departure. During the high season and for popular departures, you should book earlier.
Where can I find the ticket prices?
Updated prices are shown in the journey planner at www.jvb.no when you search for your preferred date and route.
Can I bring a stroller?
Yes. A stroller can be brought free of charge and does not count as additional luggage.
Do you offer a senior discount?
No, we do not offer a separate senior fare. Senior travellers pay the standard adult fare.
How do I cancel or change my ticket?
You must make any changes or cancellations yourself through your booking. Your order confirmation contains a link that gives you access to the booking.
The ticket can be changed or cancelled free of charge up to seven days before departure. After this deadline, the ticket cannot be changed or cancelled.
Can I purchase cancellation protection?
Yes. When booking through our website, you can purchase additional cancellation protection. This allows you to cancel the booking and receive a full refund in accordance with the cancellation protection terms and conditions.
How can I make changes outside office hours?
We are not available by phone outside our regular office hours. We therefore recommend making any changes or cancellations yourself through the link in your order confirmation or through “My Page” on our website.
Luggage, bicycles and special luggage
How much luggage is included in the ticket?
One item of luggage, such as a backpack, bag or suitcase, is included with the passenger ticket.
Can I purchase additional luggage?
Yes. Additional luggage can be purchased together with the passenger ticket when booking directly through JVB’s own booking system. Price: NOK 150 per item (2026).
Prices for additional luggage purchased through other sales channels may vary.
Can I bring a bicycle?
Yes. A bicycle can be added as an optional extra after you have selected your preferred departure. Price: NOK 200.
What is considered special luggage?
Luggage that requires extra space or assistance during loading and unloading is considered special luggage, such as a kayak or bicycle trailer, and must be booked together with the passenger ticket. Price: NOK 270 (2026).
Luggage transport without a passenger
Can I send my luggage with the boat while I continue on foot?
Yes. You can purchase luggage transport with M/B Bitihorn without travelling on the boat yourself.
How do I book luggage transport?
Select “Luggage only” at the bottom of JVB’s booking system. Choose the correct date, departure time and number of luggage items.
Where can I collect luggage tags?
Once you have booked and paid for luggage transport without a passenger, you can collect a luggage tag at Bygdin Høyfjellshotell, Torfinnsbu, Fondsbu DNT or on board M/B Bitihorn.
Show your booking confirmation or receipt as proof that the luggage transport has been paid for.
How should I label my luggage?
Tick or write the correct destination on the luggage tag and attach it so that it is clearly visible on the luggage.
Also write your name and telephone number on the tag. This makes it easier for us to contact you if anything unexpected occurs during transport.
Where and when should I deliver my luggage?
Place your luggage on the departure pier at least 15 minutes before departure. At Bygdin and Eidsbugarden/Fondsbu, place the luggage by the designated sign. The luggage tag must be visible without the luggage having to be moved or turned.
Where do I collect my luggage?
The luggage will be placed on the pier at the destination immediately after M/B Bitihorn arrives. Delivery is considered complete once the luggage has been placed on the pier indicated on the luggage tag.
What can be transported?
Standard luggage and goods can be transported, including backpacks, bags, suitcases and boxes. The maximum weight is 35 kg per item.
Can several items be tied together and sent as one item?
No. If two or more items are packed or tied together to appear as one item, JVB may charge for each individual item.
Can I send fuel or other dangerous goods?
Dangerous goods, such as petrol, diesel and gas, cannot be transported. Small quantities intended for personal use with a camping stove are accepted.
How much does luggage transport cost?
The price is NOK 150 per item and per journey (2026). One luggage tag is valid for one journey.
Terms and conditions for luggage transport:
|
Topic |
Terms and conditions |
|
Delivery |
The luggage must be placed on the departure pier at least 15 minutes before departure. The luggage tag must be clearly visible, and the luggage must not be covered. |
|
Collection |
Delivery is considered complete once the luggage has been placed on the pier at the destination indicated on the luggage tag. |
|
Extraordinary circumstances |
JVB reserves the right for delivery to be delayed or not completed as planned due to weather conditions, technical problems, natural disasters or other extraordinary circumstances. |
|
Liability |
JVB is only responsible for the luggage while it is on board, from the time the crew begins loading until unloading has been completed. |
|
Loss or damage |
No compensation will be paid for loss or damage occurring outside the period during which the luggage is on board. |
|
Delay |
Compensation for delays is limited to the price paid for the luggage transport. |
On board
Can I bring a dog?
Yes. Dogs travel free of charge and may remain outside on deck. Dogs are not permitted in the lounge below deck.
How many passengers can the boat carry?
M/B Bitihorn can carry up to 98 passengers.
Is there a toilet on board?
Yes, there is a toilet on board M/B Bitihorn.
Is there a kiosk on board?
Yes, we have a small kiosk offering a selection of hot and cold drinks and simple snacks.
How can I pay at the kiosk?
You can pay by bank card at the kiosk on board. We do not accept cash.
Where can I sit during the journey?
You can sit outside on deck and enjoy the views, or use the lounge below deck if the weather is cold or poor.
Is Wi-Fi available on board?
No, Wi-Fi is not available on board M/B Bitihorn.
Is there mobile phone coverage at Torfinnsbu?
There is normally mobile phone coverage at Torfinnsbu, allowing you to book a ticket on your phone. However, coverage may vary, so we recommend buying your ticket before travelling to the pier.
Is there mobile phone coverage throughout the boat journey?
No, stable mobile phone coverage cannot be guaranteed throughout the journey. Coverage varies along Lake Bygdin and may be weak or unavailable in some areas. We recommend buying your ticket in advance and downloading your order confirmation before departure.
Parking and transport to the boat
Bygdin:
You can park at Bygdin Høyfjellshotell, close to the pier. The car park is operated by the hotel. Information about prices and payment is available on site or on the hotel’s website.
Eidsbugarden:
There is a large car park near the pier at Eidsbugarden. Parking is subject to a fee, and payment information is available on site.
Can I travel by bus to Bygdin or Eidsbugarden?
Yes, there are bus connections from both Oslo and Bergen. At Eidsbugarden, M/B Bitihorn connects with Innlandstrafikk route 300, with a transfer at Tyinkrysset.
We recommend always checking updated timetables and connections in Entur before departure.
Groups, tour operators and charter services
Do you offer group discounts?
Groups of more than 15 people can contact [email protected] for an offer and more information about group discounts.
Do you offer separate terms for tour operators?
Yes. Registered agents may receive separate prices and terms. Contact [email protected] to register and obtain access to agent rates.
Can M/B Bitihorn be chartered?
Yes. The boat can be chartered outside the regular timetable for private trips, events and groups. Contact [email protected] for a non-binding offer.
Trips with M / B Bitihorn
The boat trip over Bygdin is the perfect starting point for many fantastic mountain trips! The boat has several departures daily, and in addition to the terminals Bygdin and Eidsbugarden boarding and disembarking at Torfinnsbu. From Torfinnsbu you can walk the mighty and alpine Torfinnstindane, or walk through the beautiful Svartdalen over to Gjendebu.
See all our tour recommendations based on the boat over Bygdin, or join one of our package tours!
Package tours
Are you interested in a package tour where all of the transport, accommodation and activities are planned? Through our travel company Jotunheimen Travel, we arrange many package tours with the boat trip across Bygdin as a starting point. This includes both hiking, mountaineering and mountaineering.
Rent the boat?
It is possible to rent the entire boat — for example, for company outings or private gatherings. We’ve had great success with our “jazz cruises”, featuring live music on board. For those who have completed the Torfinnstind Traverse, we can arrange pick-up in Langdalen upon request.
M/B Bitihorn operates on a regular schedule until 17:15 every day during the period 26 June – 13 September 2026.
During this period, the boat is available for private charter from Bygdin after 17:20 until approximately 21:00.
Information
- Season from 26 June – 13 September 2026
- Price: NOK 3,750 per hour or standard ticket rate (the higher price applies)
- Minimum rental time: 2 hours
For transfer assignments, rental time is calculated until the boat returns to its starting point.
Contact for information and booking
The story of M/B Bitihorn
Ola Kristian Hegge has collected photos and written text about a part of JVB’s history. Here is information about the boats that have been and are in JVB’s possession.
As hiking tourism in Jotunheimen steadily increased, it was necessary to connect the mountain areas with boat routes. At an early stage, the tourist hosts in the area made a great effort to purchase larger vessels that could take a significant number of hikers. This was relevant for the mountain lakes Gjende, Tyin and Bygdin. There have been many types of boats over the years, you can read more about this in the book * LAKE BOATS IN VALDRES * by Kai Svensson.
JVB bought M / B Bitihorn in 1944 and has since owned the boat. The same year, the company bought M / B Jøtul. The vessels sailed on the mountain lakes Bygdin and Tyin, respectively. M / B Jøtul ran between Tyin and Tyinholmen until 1955 when the road between Tyin and Eidsbugarden was opened to public traffic.
M / B Bitihorn was built at Glommens Mek. Workshop in Fredrikstad in 1912. It was transported in parts to Bygdin and riveted there by people from the yard. Until 1977, the vessel had room for 70 passengers. However, the boat was extended by 10 feet this year and then had room for 98 passengers. M / B Bitihorn transports a good number of thousands of hikers and others who want to experience the magnificent nature in the area Bygdin, Torfinsbu and Eidsbugarden through the summer season.
M / B Jøtul was originally built in Sweden in 1915, but came to Tyin in 1932. In the meantime, it had, among other things. sailed on Tinnsjøen in Telemark for a few seasons The vessel had room for 53 passengers. In 1978 it was sold as scrap iron. The photo was taken at the pier at Tyinholmen by photographer Esther Langberg and borrowed from the Oslo Museum. We see Koldedalstind 1927 masl. and the Koldedalsbreen glacier opposite us.
Facts about the boat
Background
M/B Bitihorn has been on a regular route every summer on Lake Bygdin 1060 m.o.h. since 1912, and runs 2 departures every day. A beautiful journey where you see many of Jotunheimen’s peaks of over 2000 m.o.h. With approx. 10,000 passengers a season, many on their way to a great hike in the mountains, this is a popular offer for many.
M/B Bitihorn’s passengers are everything from mountain hikers, bus tourists, local return travelers and workers, e.g. reindeer herders.
About boat traffic at Bygdin
Motorized boat traffic on Bygdin was already in 1905 with the boat “Bygdin”. Before this time it was possible to rent rowing boats. This could take from 12 to 17 hours depending on the weather. “Bygdin” got competition in 1910 from “Kong Haakon” and thus from M/B Bitihorn in 1912. In the summer of 1913, M/B Bitihorn was the last of three boats to compete with each other! After the 1913 season, “King Haakon” was sold to Tyin and remained there for many years as “Jotunheimen”. Bitihorn was left alone, but got new competition from a new “Bygdin” in 1925 and from 1933 as “Synshorn”. Since the mid-1930s, M/B Bitihorn has sailed alone on Bygdin.
Facts
- Build #19 at Glommens Mekaniske Verksted in Fredrikstad in 1912.
- Extension designed by ship engineer Per G. Klem was built on the same site in 1976, and installed at Bygdin in 1977.
- Length 65 feet (55 feet before extension in 1977), width 12 feet, draft 4 feet
- Maximum number of passengers allowed: 98.
| Period | Motor | Speed (max) |
| From 1912 to 1952 | 40 hk Bolinders | 8 knots |
| From 1952 to 1982 | 100 hk AEC Marine | 10,5 knots |
| From 1982 to 2003 | 120 hk Scania Marine | 12 knots |
| From 2003 | 350 hk Scania Marine DI9 | 12 knots |
Crew
From 1912 to 1982, the crew consisted of a captain, engineer and deck boy. In connection with the new engine in 1982, the control panel for the machine was moved to the wheelhouse, and the crew was reduced to the current two.
Major upgrades in recent years
- 2018: Installed Simrad chartplotter with 4G radar
- 2012: Installed electric bow thruster and hydraulic steering.
- 2006: M / B Bitihorn gets its first radar.
- 2005: New masts.
- 2003: New engine and control panel.
- 1998: Extensive maintenance of boat slip for winter storage.
- 1996: New foredeck made by Hardanger Vessel Protection Center.
- 1995: Extensive restoration of the salon by Nils H. Heen.
- 1993: New aft deck made by Hardanger Vessel Protection Center.
