Classic Rondane and Dovre Traverse
8 Days | Self-guided | Summer | Hiking | Rondane
Embark on a 8-day hiking holiday in Norway through Rondane and Dovre National Park. Starting in the gentle lowlands of the south and progressing through the more challenging northern peaks, with summits over 2000 meters, this hike offers a classic mountain adventure—a true hiker’s dream!
Highlights
- Rondane and Dovre National Park
- Full-service lodges and self-service cabins
Included
- Train from/to Oslo
- 6x Accommodation incl. breakfast
- 1x Accommodation in self-service cabin (incl. self-prepared breakfast)
- 7x Packed lunch (1x self-prepared lunch)
- 7x Dinner (1x- self-prepared dinner)
- Luggage transport (Venabu – Hjerkinn)
- Map
- Detailed tour description
Season and Price 2025
June – September
– daily departures
First arrival day: 20.06.2025
Last arrival day: 09.09.2024
Price:
Adult (Double room): NOK 17.550
Children (12 – 17 yrs): NOK 14.600
Single room suppl.: NOK 2.300
Map
Description
Embark on an 8-day self-guided hiking holiday in Norway through the breathtaking landscapes of Rondane and Dovre, Norway’s first national parks. This adventure takes you from the gentle southern lowlands to the rugged mountain terrain in the north, covering 12 to 22 km each day. Designed for experienced hikers, this tour is a challenge that will immerse you in Norway’s natural beauty. Families are welcome, but only if all members, including children, are prepared for six consecutive days of long hikes, as it can be tough.
You’ll stay primarily in DNT lodges, where breakfast and dinner are served, and you can make a packed lunch at breakfast. One night will be spent in a self-service cabin, where you’ll prepare your own meals using the cabin’s food storage—detailed instructions are included in your travel documents.
The trails are classic Norwegian single tracks, with rocky terrain in the higher elevations, making the hike more demanding. If desired, there’s an option to take a boat to shorten one of the toughest sections. After arriving in Hjerkinn, you’ll find your luggage, which we transfer from Venabu, ready for the next leg of your journey in Rondane and Dovre.
Day to day
Inspired by DNT
Our Inspired by DNT hikes offer a different experience compared to our standard hiking packages. Please take note of the following details for these tours:
- Luggage Transport: We provide luggage transport only from the starting point to the final destination of your hike. There is no daily luggage transport available.
- Self-Service Cabin: One of the cabins is self-service, meaning you will need to prepare your own meals using the food supplies available in the cabin’s storage.
- Bedlinen and Towels: Bedlinen and towels are not included. You must bring a sleeping bag liner. However, bed linen and towels can be added at the full-service lodges if desired.
Learn more about our Inspired by DNT concept here.
If you’re uncertain whether this hike is suitable for you, feel free to contact us. Alternatively, explore our standard hiking packages, which include daily luggage transport and full-service cabins for your comfort throughout the hike.
Practical information
Below you will find practical information about this trip.
Can not find what you are looking for? See our frequently asked questions page, or send us an email – we will help you!
Add-on
Accommodation Oslo
We can arrange accommodation for you in Oslo. Please get in touch with us for prices.
Musk ox safari
You meet at 9.40 am with your guide. Depending on where the musk oxen are, we need to hike for 1-2 hours to reach them. Since these are wild animals, it is difficult to predict how long we need to hike. Underway, we take breaks, and the guide will share their knowledge about the flora, fauna, and culture of the region. When we are so lucky to spot the musk oxen we will use the time to watch them from a safe distance to not disturb them. The guide will bring a telescope and it is possible to rent binoculars beforehand if you like. We will be back between 3-4 pm. Then you can take the train back home, or take your car. It is also possible to stay one more night at Hjerkinn.
Horseback riding
We meet in the stables at Hjerkinn at 9.30 am. You will be given a horse for the day, saddles on and ride out for walks. Bring a packed lunch and drink in the saddle box. We finish by 4 pm, then you can take the train back home, or take your car. It is also possible to stay one more night at Hjerkinn.
Equipment list
To fully enjoy your hiking adventure in the mountainous areas, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and local temperatures. For a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend wearing warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy mountain hiking boots that provide ankle support, and sunscreen and sunglasses. It is not recommended to wear trail runners, everyday shoes, or sneakers. We also recommend bringing hiking poles in this type of terrain.
Luggage transport
The luggage you won’t need during your hike will be delivered to Hjerkinn, your final accommodation.
Accommodation
You will stay in the following lodges and hotels along your hike:
Venabu Fjellhotel
Venabu Fjellhotell, surrounded by serene mountain landscapes, offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and preparing for your upcoming hike. Located on the peaceful Venabygdsfjellet plateau, it’s an ideal spot to unwind, enjoy nature, and gear up for the adventure ahead.
Eldåbu
Eldåbu, built in 1966, is a cozy self-service DNT cabin with 12 beds in the main cabin and 6 in the annex. Offering great hiking in summer and skiing in winter, the area has relatively easy terrain. It’s a perfect base for exploring Ramshøgda and enjoying stunning views toward Rondane.
Bjørnhollia
Nestled in the southern part of Rondane, Bjørnhollia offers a warm welcome to hikers with its scenic valleys and beautiful nature. Whether you’re seeking summit hikes, leisurely walks, or fishing trips, this award-winning lodge provides it all. With its cozy atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home.
Rondvassbu
Rondvassbu, located at the heart of Rondane National Park, is a popular base for hikers exploring the region’s majestic peaks, including Rondeslottet. The lodge offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Øvre Dørålseter
Øvre Dørålseter Turisthytte, located in the beautiful Dørålen valley in Folldal municipality, lies at the northeastern foot of Rondane. Privately run for five generations, this charming lodge offers a cozy atmosphere and serves as a perfect base for exploring the area’s stunning mountain landscapes.
Grimsdalshytta
Grimsdalshytta offers stunning views of Rondane’s majestic peaks. Set in the open and beautiful Grimsdalen valley between Dovre National Park and Rondane National Park, it’s surrounded by easy hiking terrain and historic cultural buildings. Renovated in 2008, the lodge combines traditional charm with modern comfort, making it a perfect spot to relax and explore.
Hjerkinn Fjellstue
Hjerkinn Fjellstue, privately owned and operated for over 1200 years, is a historic lodge that has long served as a stagecoach station for travellers. Known for its warm hospitality and horseback riding opportunities, it’s the perfect base for exploring the beautiful Dovrefjell region.
Meals
Full-Service Lodge
The restaurant serves meals made with local ingredients. Breakfast is a buffet where you can also prepare a packed lunch for the day. Thermos refills are available, so check with the accommodation. Dinner is served in the afternoon or evening.
Self-Service Cabins
You’ll prepare your own meals, with detailed instructions provided upon booking. Each cabin has a stocked food pantry, allowing you to make your own breakfast, lunch, and dinner using a designated amount of the available supplies.
The Trails
Rondane offers typical Norwegian single trails, where hikers follow each other on narrow paths. The trails can be muddy, and you’ll often need to cross small rivers or hop from rock to rock for extended periods, so good footing and balance are essential.
While the trails are marked with the familiar DNT “T”, they may not be as clearly marked as in other parts of the world. Therefore, it’s important to navigate with a map or app to ensure you’re safely oriented to your next destination.
There are typically no shelters along the routes, so it’s crucial to carry adequate equipment, food, and water to fully enjoy the hikes and stay prepared for all conditions.
Hiking poles and sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are strongly recommended.
Equipmentlist
When you book with us, we’ll provide you with a packing list to ensure you have all the necessary clothing and gear.
Transport
Travel sustainably with us as we organize your journey from Oslo to Rondane. With various connection options available, feel free to reach out, and we’ll help plan a smooth trip.
For your return, you can also rebook your train towards Trondheim or travel west on Raumabanen to Åndalsnes, ranked as one of the most scenic railways in the world.
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