Best trails in Rondane National Park
The Rondane is a large and dominant high mountain area consisting of peaks and mountain groups, separated by long valleys and wide flyers where it is easy to see how ice and water have shaped the land. Norway's oldest national park is a large, continuous and essentially untouched mountain area with a unique and varied biological diversity. Round, ancient peaks tower proudly over elongated expanses: In the south you will encounter a calm landscape with rounded peaks and in the north you will find high, steep peaks. There are ten mountain peaks over 2000 metres. Rondslottet is the highest of them all and sits at a whopping 2,178 meters above sea level.
But it is not only the nature and the peaks that make an impression here in Rondane. Wild reindeer have lived here for thousands of years. The plains are home to one of Norway's last wild reindeer tribes and this is also one of Norway's most moose-dense areas. Together with Dovre National Park and Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park with landscape conservation areas, this is the largest contiguous conservation area in Europe with wild reindeer.
Rondane is a popular hiking area and the plain is perfectly suited as you want to walk from cabin to cabin. The areas have a well-developed trail network and here there are many cozy tourist huts and mountain lodges as bases for both family holidays and tough summit hikes.
Top trails
- (264)•Moderate•5.1 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis hike takes you from Smuksjøseter Fjellstue via Høvringen to Peer Gynt cabin. Nature is fantastic. The beautiful mountains of the Rondane National Park surround you. Along the route, you have amazing views of enchanting lakes, beautiful mountains, and the surrounding area. The area offers excellent opportunities to enjoy life in the great outdoors. The route is clearly signposted.
- (102)•Moderate•7.8 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrA nice, easy day trip for the whole family. The difference in altitude is a few meters. You hike in relatively flat terrain but in the high mountains at 1100 to 1200 meters above sea level. You always have a fantastic view of many of the most famous peaks in Rondane National Park. The route is also very popular with mountain bikers. Bicycles can be rented during the season at the staffed cabin Rondvassbu.
- (74)•Hard•9.6 mi•Est. 5.5–6 hrFantastic hike in lush, wild nature. This hike leads through slightly hilly, varied terrain and offers excellent nature experiences: Beautiful viewpoints, many lakes and ponds, marshes, and wild streams. There are no steep or difficult sections. There are plenty of good places to pitch your tent along the trail. The trail is well-marked. Waterproof footwear is recommended. Highlights of the tour: - Lush and beautiful nature - Crystal clear river - Idyllice spots for a rest
- (30)•Moderate•6.7 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrThis hike takes you from one mountain hut to another in Norway's extensive trail network maintained by the DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association). You'll find a plethora of marked hiking trails and mountain huts that cater to all kinds of hikers, whether you're looking for a day trip or a multi-week adventure in stunning natural surroundings. Here are a few things to keep in mind about the mountain huts: - DNT manages three types of mountain huts, which offer varying levels of service: no...
- (31)•Hard•10.8 mi•Est. 5–5.5 hrThe trail from Mysusæter to Peer Gynt Cabin follows a small gravel road and is easy to follow. The trail offers excellent views of the Rondane mountains and the surrounding area. During summer and other Norwegian holidays, you can buy waffles and hot/cold beverages at Peer Gynt Cabin. It is also possible to book accommodation by the cabin in small huts.
- (24)•Moderate•4.1 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrBjørnhollia - Here, you have everything within reach - summit hikes, hiking, or fishing trips. This hike takes you to Bjørnhollia Mountain Lodge, an ideal starting point for many great day trips around Rondane National Park. Bjørnhollia is part of the DNT route network, and there are many options if you want to hike from hut to hut. There are marked DNT summer routes to the neighboring huts Rondvassbu, Eldåbu, Rondetunet, Straumbu, Breisjøseter, Dørålseter, and Høgrondbue. The route is...
- (22)•Moderate•8.0 mi•Est. 4–4.5 hrThis is a lovely hike in the beautiful Norwegian nature. The trail leads through varied terrain, and you can experience a beautiful landscape with rivers, many small bogs, and lakes along the way. From the highest point, there is a magnificent view of Alvdal Vestfjell. In Straumbu, there are no more overnight accommodations. There is a bus stop, so you can hike the trail in one direction and take the bus back. The area has several hiking trails if you want to explore more.
- (20)•Hard•7.7 miRondeslottet - The king of the Rondane peaks. This is a fantastic hike to Rondeslottet, the highest peak of the Rondane massif. The trailhead is the DNT mountain lodge Rondvassbu. The trail can be challenging, but the summit is worth the effort. The hike is short, and the climb is quite steep, with about 1000 meters of altitude. At the top is a fantastic panoramic view of the entire mighty Rondane mountain range.
Visitor info
No entrance fee or pass is required.
You can drive yourself, or take a bus or train.
Accommodation inside the national park can be found at the DNT cabins Rondvassbu and Bjørnhollia, several private tourist cabins just outside the national park boundary, including Peer Gynthytta, Dørålsæter and Haverdalssetri.