Rondane is one of those places that quietly gets under your skin. Norway’s first national park, established in 1962, is a high-mountain world of round, gray peaks, wind-brushed plateaus, and light that seems to stretch forever. It sits between Gudbrandsdalen and Østerdalen in Eastern Norway, with trailheads like Høvringen, Mysuseter, and Dørålseter opening the door to a landscape that’s wild, calm, and deeply Norwegian. If you love hiking, hut-to-hut trekking, or simply big skies and clean air, Rondane will feel like home.
If you want the short version: Rondane is easy to reach, fantastic for both day hikes and multi-day routes, and dotted with classic Norwegian cabins for simple, comfortable nights. Rondslottet, at 2178 meters, is the highest peak and a worthy goal for strong hikers. Families will find plenty of friendly terrain close to trailheads, while experienced mountain-goers can link summits like Storronden and the Smiubelgen massif. The area protects one of Europe’s last wild reindeer herds, so travel respectfully, keep dogs on leash where required, and follow seasonal restrictions.
Curious to plan a trip that fits your pace, budget, and appetite for adventure? Let’s take a deeper dive into Rondane.
Where Is Rondane and Why Visit
Rondane National Park sits in Innlandet county, roughly centered between the towns of Otta, Ringebu, and Folldal. Picture a mosaic of rounded 2000-meter peaks separated by wide, stone-strewn valleys and gentle, lichen-dusted plateaus. The scenery is quieter than the sharp drama you find in Jotunheimen, but that’s exactly the charm. On a clear day the horizon seems to breathe.
The park is historically and culturally important. Painters and writers have walked these valleys, and the Norwegian Scenic Route Rondane along county road 27 frames the mountains like an open-air gallery. Stop at the architectural viewpoint Sohlbergplassen above Atnsjøen and you’ll understand why this landscape has inspired art for over a century.
I go to Rondane for space. Long views, low noise, and trails that let you settle into your stride. The weather can be crisp even in midsummer, which means fewer mosquitoes than many lowland areas. When autumn arrives, the birch turns gold, the air goes glass-clear, and hiking becomes close to perfect.
The Character of the Mountains
Rondane’s peaks are “rond” for a reason: they’re rounded, often covered in scree and block fields. Walking here is about rhythm rather than scrambling. There are nine classic 2000-meter peaks inside the park, with Rondslottet the king. Nearby are Storronden and Høgronden, while the serrated Smiubelgen massif holds Storsmeden and Veslesmeden, favorites for confident hikers with sure feet.
Don’t underestimate the terrain. Scree can be tiring, and route-finding on gray rock in flat light demands attention. Still, the network of marked paths and the presence of staffed cabins make Rondane welcoming if you bring good boots, layers, and time.
Best Time to Visit
Late June through early October is the classic hiking season. Early summer brings lingering snowfields higher up; bring poles and expect wet feet if you’re crossing meltwater streams. July and August are the warmest and busiest months, with the cabins fully operational and long daylight hours. September is a local favorite thanks to the autumn colors, fewer people, and often stable weather.
Winter transforms Rondane into a ski paradise, with groomed cross-country networks around Høvringen and Mysuseter and wilder terrain further in. If you are heading into the park proper on skis, you need winter mountain experience, avalanche awareness, and the right kit. Spring can be deceptive: bright sun on old snow with hidden ice underneath. Plan accordingly.
Getting There and Around
Rondane is easy to reach by public transport for a national park this wild. Take the Dovre Line train to Otta or Ringebu; from there, seasonal buses and local shuttles serve entry points like Mysuseter and Høvringen. If you drive, the Norwegian Scenic Route Rondane (Rv27) between Ringebu and Folldal is not only efficient but beautiful. Parking is available at major trailheads and usually signposted clearly. Expect some toll roads and summer-only gravel roads, such as the one to Dørålseter, which opens when the snow and meltwater allow.
Inside the park, you walk. Some access tracks, like the one from Spranget to Rondvassbu, are perfect for cycling to save time on approach, but private cars aren’t allowed beyond gate points. Bring a small bike lock and stash the bike with consideration at the cabin.
Classic Bases and Cabins
Rondane works well whether you prefer a cozy base or a point-to-point route. The mountain villages Høvringen and Mysuseter offer hotels, self-catering cabins, and easy access to gentle trails. Inside or on the park edge, you’ll find a network of Norwegian Trekking Association and private cabins, including:
- Rondvassbu: The “capital” of Rondane, set by a cold, beautiful lake under big peaks. Excellent for day hikes to Storronden or Rondslottet and a hub for multi-day routes.
- Bjørnhollia: In the green east, pleasant approach and good food. Lovely base for families exploring forest-to-mountain terrain.
- Dørålseter: A summer-access classic in the north, great for quieter ridge walks and for linking longer routes across the park.
Most staffed cabins serve simple, hearty meals and offer dorm-style beds. Book in advance in high season. If you’re new to Norwegian cabins: bring a lightweight sleep sheet, indoor shoes, and a relaxed attitude. It’s part of the charm.
The Rondane Triangle: A Perfect First Trek
If you want a hut-to-hut itinerary that shows you the best of Rondane without committing to technical summits, walk the Rondane Triangle. The usual circuit links Rondvassbu, Bjørnhollia, and Dørålseter in 3 to 4 days. You’ll cross broad valleys, climb to airy passes, and watch the light play across stone and lichen. Distances are reasonable, trails are marked, and the cabins make logistics easy. It’s a solid introduction to Norwegian mountain travel and perfectly suited to confident beginners with fitness and good gear.
Day Hikes I Recommend
Here are several routes I’ve returned to with friends and visiting family:
Spranget to Rondvassbu and back
A welcoming first taste. The track is mostly flat and fast, giving you big-mountain views with minimal effort. Add a lakeshore stroll or a short ridge detour if the weather’s kind.
Veslesmeden from Høvringen or Rondvassbu
Veslesmeden looks dramatic but is manageable for sure-footed hikers. The final approach involves boulders, so take your time. On a clear day you see far into the park’s stony heart.
Rondslottet from Rondvassbu
A big day with sustained ascent and scree underfoot. Start early, pack windproofs, and keep an eye on the weather. Topping out on the highest point in Rondane feels like standing on the roof of Eastern Norway.
Bjørnhollia circuits
From Bjørnhollia you can make charming loops mixing birch forest, gentle moor, and open views. It’s an area I often recommend for families who want that sense of wilderness without committing to big climbs.
Respecting Wildlife and Park Rules
Rondane protects one of the last wild reindeer populations in Europe. These animals are sensitive to disturbance, especially in late winter and during calving. Give reindeer wide space and reroute if you see them ahead. Stick to marked trails in sensitive periods and respect any temporary detours or closures.
Dogs are welcome in the mountains, but leash rules apply for long stretches of the year, and more strictly inside the park to protect wildlife. Even the calmest dog can trigger stress in reindeer, grouse, or nesting birds. If in doubt, keep the leash on.
Campfires are often restricted in forested areas during the dry season. Use a stove, camp well away from cabins and trails, and follow the simple Norwegian code: leave the place as you found it, or a little better.
Weather, Safety, and Navigation
Conditions change fast in Rondane. What starts as soft sunshine can turn to cold wind and low cloud in an hour. Always carry a warm layer, waterproofs, gloves, and a hat, even on day hikes in July. Underfoot, expect loose rock on steeper slopes and broad swathes of ankle-testing scree. Good boots matter here more than in many other Norwegian ranges.
Mobile coverage is patchy. I carry a paper map and compass and a charged phone with a reliable offline topo. If you’re summiting or crossing high passes, start early, give yourself turn-around times, and keep an eye on cloud building from the west. Streams are common but can swell after rain. In early summer, snow bridges over creeks can look solid and be anything but. Test gently, detour if needed.
Winter and Shoulder-Season Tips
In winter, Høvringen and Mysuseter maintain extensive cross-country networks with classic and skate tracks. The prepared trails are great for families or anyone wanting a taste of winter mountain life without committing to wild terrain. If you head beyond the groomed tracks, remember that Rondane is serious winter country: bring avalanche knowledge, proper layers, and the trio of shovel, probe, and transceiver when conditions call for it. Short daylight and cold wind ask for margin in your plan.
Shoulder seasons can be brilliant and fickle. In May and early June, you might meet deep snow in shaded valleys even if the sun is out. By October, early snowfalls can dust the high routes. Microspikes can make a surprising difference on morning ice.
Packing: What Works Here
I keep my Rondane pack simple and robust:
- Layers that block wind, not just rain. A breathable shell, a warm midlayer, and a light puffy live in my bag year-round.
- Sturdy boots with good rock grip. Trail runners can work in dry late summer, but the scree will tax your ankles.
- Trekking poles for long descents and early-season snowfields.
- Map, compass, and headlamp, plus a small first-aid kit and repair tape.
- Food you actually want to eat in cool weather. Cabins feed you well, but bring dependable snacks between meals.
- A lightweight sleep sheet if you’re staying in staffed cabins, and earplugs for communal dorms.
- Cashless payment is standard at most staffed cabins, but have a backup in case of card machine hiccups.
Water is usually available from streams at higher elevations, but I avoid filling near grazing areas or popular trails. A quick filter keeps things simple.
Suggested 3- to 5-Day Itineraries
The Triangle, unrushed (4 days)
Day 1: Approach Rondvassbu and shake out the legs with a lakeside walk.
Day 2: Rondvassbu to Bjørnhollia over an airy pass, watching the landscape soften as you approach the birch belt.
Day 3: Bjørnhollia to Dørålseter on gentle, wide-open terrain.
Day 4: Dørålseter back to Rondvassbu; add a small summit if the weather is on your side.
Peaks and plateaus (5 days)
Base at Rondvassbu for two nights, climb Storronden one day and Rondslottet the next. Traverse to Dørålseter for quieter ridges, then walk out along the northern valleys. This plan keeps daily distances reasonable while giving you two big summit days if conditions allow.
Family-friendly base week
Stay in Høvringen or Mysuseter. Pick low-commitment loops most days, then add a cabin visit to Rondvassbu via Spranget as a special outing. Mix in a day on the Scenic Route with stops at viewpoints and a café in Folldal or Ringebu.
Photography and Quiet Places
Light in Rondane loves mornings and late afternoons. The stone holds color then: gray becomes silver, lichen glows, and the blues in distant peaks deepen. If you want solitude, start early and choose the edges of the park: the northern approaches near Dørålseter, or the eastern valleys rolling toward Bjørnhollia. Even in July, you can walk for an hour and hear nothing but wind and ptarmigan calls.
One personal tip: bring a sit pad. It sounds trivial until you find the perfect view on chilly rock. A warm pause with coffee becomes a small luxury.
Food, Supplies, and Staying Comfortable
You can buy meals and sometimes simple snacks at the staffed cabins, but don’t rely on cabin shops for full resupply. Stock up in Otta or Ringebu before heading in. If you’re self-catering in a rental cabin, plan for one hearty meal per day and use the mountain cafeteria treats as morale boosters. In peak season, book dinners at cabins as early as you can in the day; kitchen teams appreciate knowing numbers.
Weather can turn cool quickly in the evenings, even in July. A light down or synthetic jacket makes that post-hike hour on the porch far more pleasant. Most accommodations have drying rooms; use them. Your next day will thank you.
Final Practicalities
- Maps: Look for a 1:50,000 Rondane map. Digital maps are great, but batteries die faster in the cold.
- Transport: Aim for trains to Otta or Ringebu, then local bus or shuttle. If you drive, keep an eye on gravel road openings to Dørålseter in early summer.
- Wildlife: Reindeer, grouse, and occasionally foxes. Keep distance, respect closures, and enjoy sightings quietly.
- Dogs: Leash up according to posted rules, and assume stricter regulations inside the park.
- Etiquette: Say hi on the trail. It’s normal here. If you pass a slower group on a narrow section, a quick “takk” keeps the mood light.
Rondane doesn’t shout for your attention; it invites you in. Put steady miles under your boots, let the wind clear the head, and end your days with simple food and big views. That’s the essence of this place, and why so many of us come back year after year.