Classic Rondane and Dovre Traverse
8 Days | Self-guided | Summer | Hiking | Rondane
Embark on this hiking holiday through Norway’s first national park, Rondane, and Dovre National Park, home of the musk ox. Starting in the gentle lowlands in the south and progressing through the more challenging northern peaks, with summits over 2000 meters, this trip offers a spectacular mountain adventure, a true hiker’s dream.
Highlights
- Rondane and Dovre National Park
- Mountain wildlife
- Hiking in the Norwegian style
- Norway’s first national park
Included
- Train from/to Oslo
- Transfer from/to the train station
- 1x Luggage transport from Venabu to Hjerkinn
- 6x Accommodation in services cabin
- 1x Accommodation in self-serviced cabin
- 7x Breakfast (6x served and 1x self-made)
- 7x Packed lunch
- 7x Dinner (6x served and 1x self-made)
- JVB App with access to maps, tracks, vouchers and all necessary travel documents
- Organizational support and backup from our team
- CO2 compensation
Season and Price 2026
June – September
Daily departures
First arrival day:
19.06.2026
Last arrival day:
06.09.2026
Prices:
Adult (double room):
NOK 18.400
Single room suppl.:
NOK 3.400*
Children (12-17 yrs):
NOK 15.200
*not available at Rondvassbu and the self-serviced cabin
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 will follow 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 Norway.
Day to day
Inspired by DNT
Our Inspired by DNT hikes offer a different experience compared to our standard hiking packages, giving you the opportunity to explore like a Norwegian. Please take note of the following details for these tours:
- Luggage Transport: We provide luggage transport only from the starting point to the last destination of your hike. There is no daily luggage transport available as you are staying in remoted cabins.
- Self-Service Cabin: One of these cabins is self-serviced, 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, bedlinen and towels can be rented at the full-service lodges if desired.
- Trail Markings: Trail markings may be limited at times, but you have access to our app containing the GPX-files what will help you finding your way. Some knowledge of how to use a map and compass can be an advantage.
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: NOK 750
You meet at 9.40 am with your guide before getting ready for a hike in Dovrefjell National Park to search for musk ox. Depending on where the musk oxen are, you might need to hike for 1-2 hours to reach them. Since these are wild animals, it is difficult to predict how long your hike will be, but with more than 200 musk oxen in Dovrefjell, there are big chances to spot some of them. In general, it is a medium demanding hike of 7-15 kilometres which lasts between 5-6 hours. You will be back between 3-4 pm in Hjerkinn. If you are travelling by train, you should not book a train departure before 6 pm.
Horseback riding: NOK 1.900 (tue, wed, fre, sun)
You meet with your guide at the stable in Hjerkinn at 9.30 am where you will be given a horse for the day. Saddle on and head out for an unforgettable horse ride surrounded by beautiful nature. Bring with you a packed lunch and something to drink for the day. The tour ends by 3-4 pm.
NB: weight limit of max. 90 kg per participant on this tour, as you will ride on Icelandic Horses which are quite small.
Important details
To fully enjoy your hiking adventure in the mountains, 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, sunscreen and sunglasses. It is not recommended to wear trail running shoes, 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 a mix of lodges and self-serviced cabins, most of them run by DNT – the Norwegian Trekking Association. Most of them are full serviced cabin where you will be served food and will have access to sanitary facilities to share, while at the self-serviced cabin you will have to prepare your own meals with food from the storage and there isn’t any running water in this cabin, so you’ll have to use the dry outdoor toilet.
Venabu
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 DNT self-serviced cabin
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 DNT-Lodge
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 DNT-Lodge
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 DNT-Lodge
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-Serviced Lodges:
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 evening.
Self-Serviced Cabin:
You’ll prepare your own meals with ingredients that you’ll find in the storage at the cabins. In our app, you will receive more details and some inspiration with recipes based on ingredients usually available in the cabins. This will allow you to make your own breakfast, lunch, and dinner using a designated amount of available supplies.
Route
Our selected daily hikes are well-marked, and you will meet other hikers. The trails are narrow, often rocky, and sometimes you need to cross rivers and streams. Therefore, we recommend ankle-height mountain boots and hiking poles.
You will receive an access to our JVB-app before travelling. This one contains GPX-files, itineraries description and detailed information for your trip.
Difficulty
Medium-Hard
Kilometre: up to 20 kilometres
Ascent: up to 1000 ascent meter
Terrain: Varied trail, where longer sections are hilly and rocky, there may also be sections with exposed terrain.
On these trips, it is mountainous terrain, and there can be long ascents and descents. The tours are usually around 5-7 hours, while the last stretch is a bit longer. It can be rocky and demanding surfaces, which require that you are in normal to good physical shape. On some of the tours, there may be exposed parties, but most of these are possible to avoid by choosing another variant.
Equipment list
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 train connection options available, feel free to reach out, and we’ll help plan a smooth trip. For your return, you can also book your train towards Trondheim or travel west on Raumabanen to Åndalsnes, ranked as one of the most scenic railways in the world. Contact us for assistance with your travel plans.
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