8-day self-guided trek through Rondane and Dovre for experienced hikers

Imagine this: eight days of hiking through a landscape that has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years. No cars, no signs of civilization—just you, a backpack, narrow trails through rocky highlands, and the chance to come face to face with a musk ox. That’s the Classic Rondane & Dovre Traverse: a self-guided multi-day hiking tour through Norway’s first and most impressive national parks, bookable directy through our local specialist.

This hike isn’t for anyone looking for a leisurely stroll. But it is for those who want to know what it feels like to truly immerse themselves in nature, the way Norwegians have done for generations: this is that experience.

Rondane & Dovre: two national parks, one great adventure

Rondane was designated Norway’s first national park in 1962. It is one of Scandinavia’s most pristine mountain regions, with peaks rising above 2,000 meters and a landscape shaped by the ice ages. Dovre National Park borders Rondane directly to the north and is internationally known as the last habitat of the musk ox in Europe. Read more about Rondane here in our blog about Central Norway.

Together, these two parks form a contiguous wilderness area of exceptional size and beauty. The Rondanestien—the hiking trail that cuts through both parks—is one of Norway’s classic long-distance trails, and it is precisely the route you will follow on this hike.

The route runs from south to north: you start in the gentle, rolling highlands around Venabu and gradually work your way up to the rougher, more challenging mountain terrain toward Hjerkinn on the edge of Dovre. The landscape changes every day.

Day by day: what’s in store for you?

The trip lasts eight days, including seven days of hiking with daily distances ranging from 12 to 22 kilometers. Below is an overview of the route.

Day 1: Arrival in Venabu

You’ll depart by train from Oslo to Ringebu, after which a transfer will take you to Venabu Fjellhotell on the peaceful Venabygdsfjellet plateau. You’ll pick up your welcome package, get oriented for the coming days, and enjoy your first dinner in the mountains. This is the peaceful start, the calm before the adventure.

Day 2: From Venabu to Eldábu

16 km / 5–7 hours

Your first full day of hiking takes you through high mountain terrain with sweeping views of Rondane and the Gudbrandsdalen. With an ascent of about 350 meters, you’ll pass tranquil mountain lakes and rolling hills before reaching the cozy self-service Eldábu hut. The first night in a DNT hut (Den Norske Turistforening): here you cook for yourself, using the supplies provided by the hut.

Day 3: From Eldábu to Bjørnhollia

17 km / 7–8 hours

Today you’ll hike the Rondanestien, the backbone of the route. You’ll pass the Vulutjønna lakes, climb through Steindalen, traverse the western slopes of Geitsida, and descend steeply to Myldingi. Via a picturesque cart track, you’ll reach Bjørnhollia, an award-winning DNT lodge in the southern part of Rondane known for its warm atmosphere.

Day 4: From Bjørnhollia to Rondvassbu

13 km / 6–7 hours

Via Illmanndalen—the valley along the Illmannåe River—you’ll climb through birch forests up to a moraine landscape of impressive scale. The descent to Rondvassbu is steep but manageable. Once you arrive: the lodge is located in the heart of Rondane National Park, with views of the surrounding peaks, including Rondeslottet.

Day 5: From Rondvassbu to Øvre Dørålseter

17 km / 7–8 hours

This is the most challenging day of the first half. After crossing Store Ula, the trail climbs steeply up via Rondhalsen, offering spectacular views of Svarthammaren. You’ll pass mountain lakes, cross the Døråe River via a bridge that’s open year-round, and reach Øvre Dørålseter: a family lodge that has been run by the same family for five generations, located in the valley at the northeastern foot of Rondane.

Alternatively, if you find the climb too strenuous, you can also take the boat across Rondvatnet. This shortens the hike to 12 km with 240 meters of elevation gain. Tickets are available at the reception desk or directly on the boat.

Day 6: From Øvre Dørålseter to Grimsdalshytta

16 km / 6–7 hours

Today you’ll hike through Dørålsglupen: a deep mountain gorge with dramatically steep walls, one of the most impressive landscapes along the entire route. The route alternates between rocky trails, forests, and open meadows. Grimsdalshytta is located in the beautiful Grimsdalen valley, right on the border between Dovre and Rondane National Park, and, following its renovation in 2008, offers both a traditional atmosphere and modern comfort.

Day 7: From Grimsdalshytta to Hjerkinn

20 km / 8–9 hours

The longest and final day of hiking. Twenty kilometers through open, expansive countryside with panoramic views of both Rondane and Dovrefjell. The terrain is mostly gentle, but it’s quite a distance. At the end of the trail, Hjerkinn Fjellstue awaits: an inn with over 1,200 years of history, once a stopping point for travelers and stagecoaches, now the place where you can conclude your journey with a well-deserved dinner.

Day 8: Departure from Hjerkinn

After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the Hjerkinn train station. From there, you’ll travel back to Oslo. Or you can opt for an extra adventure and book a train ticket to Trondheim or the legendary Rauma Line to Åndalsnes, one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world.

Staying overnight in the Norwegian mountains: DNT lodges—a home away from home

A big part of this route’s appeal lies in the accommodations. You’ll mainly be staying in DNT lodges: cabins run by the Norwegian Tourist Association. They combine simplicity with warmth: shared bathrooms, hearty meals made with local ingredients, and an atmosphere you can only find in the mountains.

You’ll spend one night in a self-catering cabin (Eldábu), where you’ll prepare your own meals using the supplies provided. That might sound spartan, but it’s exactly what the Norwegians mean by “hiking the Norwegian way.” The app provides recipes and instructions.

Our local specialist will arrange for your luggage that you won’t need during the hiking trip to be transported from Venabu to your final destination, Hjerkinn. While hiking, you’ll only carry what you really need.

Please note: bedding and towels are not included. A sleeping bag liner is required. At the full-service lodges, bedding and towels are available for rent.

Musk oxen and mountain wildlife: the nature of Dovre

Dovrefjell is the only area in Europe where the musk ox—an ancient mammal that survived the last ice age—still lives in the wild. If you leave late on Day 8, you can book a musk ox safari: a guided tour in search of these impressive animals in their natural habitat.

But even without a safari, there’s a good chance of spotting something special. Reindeer, arctic foxes, birds of prey, and a rich variety of alpine flora are all part of the daily hiking experience. Rondane is also home to wild reindeer, Norway’s largest free-roaming reindeer population.

Books: direct from the specialist

You can book (and pay for) this hiking tour directly through our experienced local specialist—a Norwegian expert with years of experience in self-guided hikes through Rondane and Dovre. You’ll be booking with the people who know the trails, personally select the lodges, and guide you from start to finish via the app.

Through Nature Travel Lab, you can get in touch with this organization directly.

Difficulty level

Moderate to difficult. Daily distances up to 20 km, elevation gains up to 1,000 meters, rocky and varied terrain. Recommended for experienced hikers in good physical condition. Minimum age 12 years.

Equipment

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are required. Trail running shoes and sneakers are not suitable. Recommended: hiking poles, waterproof layered clothing, sunscreen. You will receive a complete packing list after booking.

Rondane & Dovre hike on the map

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rondane & Dovre Traverse

Is the Classic Rondane & Dovre Traverse suitable for beginners?

No, this hike is designed for experienced hikers in good physical condition. The daily distances (12–22 km), the elevation gains (up to 1,000 m), and the rugged mountain terrain require preparation and experience. Not sure? The local organization is happy to help you explore alternatives with more amenities.

Can I do this tour with children?

Yes, but only if all family members (including children) are truly ready for six consecutive days of long hikes. The minimum age is 12. The organizers are honest in their advice: this is not a child-friendly trek in the lightest sense of the word.

How independent am I when I’m out and about?

Fully self-guided: there is no guide walking with you. Before you set off, you’ll receive access to the app, which includes GPX routes, daily descriptions, and all necessary documents. The trails are well-marked, and you’ll encounter other hikers. The local team is available to provide support along the way.

What if I find a day too hard?

On Day 5, there is an option to take a boat across the Rondvatnet, which shortens the hike from 17 to 12 km. Furthermore, most of the routes are one-way, so turning back or taking a break is not an option. After all, you are dependent on the lodges for lodging and meals. Good preparation is therefore essential.

How sustainable is this trip?

The organization offsets the entire carbon footprint of the trip (142 kg). You’ll travel by train from Oslo, and the route follows existing hiking trails through protected national parks. Staying in DNT lodges supports the Norwegian Trekking Association, which has been managing and preserving the mountain landscape for over 150 years.

When is the best time to go?

The season runs from mid-June to early September. July and August are the busiest months and offer the most stable weather conditions. Early June and September are quieter and ideal if you prefer less crowded trails, though it can be colder then and there may be snow on the ground.