Ultimate Guide to Rondane National park in Norway

Rondane National park in Norway

blog authorBy Johanna Hansen shield verificationVerified Expert

    Rondane National Park is located in the heart of Norway, about a 3-hour drive from Oslo. It's the oldest national park in Norway, having been established in 1962. The park covers an area of 963 square kilometers (372 square miles), making it one of the largest national parks in Norway.

    If you're looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, I highly recommend visiting Rondane National Park. The park is a beautiful and wild place that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.

    What is Rondane National Park

    Rondane National Park is located in the heart of Norway, about a 3-hour drive from Oslo. It's the oldest national park in Norway, having been established in 1962. The park covers an area of 963 square kilometers (372 square miles), making it one of the largest national parks in Norway.

    The park is named after the Rondane Mountain Massif, which is a series of mountains that rise over 2,000 meters (6,562 feet). The park is also home to a number of glaciers, lakes, and forests.

    Rondane National Park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing. The park has over 500 kilometers (311 miles) of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. There are also a number of campsites and cabins in the park, where you can stay overnight.

    Rondane Park in Norway

    When to Visit Rondane National Park

    The best time to visit Rondane National Park is during the summer (June-August). The weather is mild and sunny during this time, and the days are long. However, the park can be crowded during  summer in Norway, so if you're looking for a more peaceful experience, you may want to consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October).

    If you're interested in skiing, the best time to visit Rondane National Park is during the winter in Norway (December-March). The park has a number of ski resorts, where you can enjoy downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

    Where to Stay in Rondane National Park

    There are a number of places to stay in Rondane National Park. If you're looking for a rustic experience, you can camp in one of the park's campsites. There are also a number of cabins available for rent, which can be a great option if you're traveling with a group.

    If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, there are a number of hotels and lodges located near the park. These hotels typically offer a variety of amenities, including restaurants, bars, and spas.

    Waterfall in Rondane

    What to Pack

    When packing for your trip to Rondane National Park, be sure to pack for all types of weather conditions. The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so it's important to be prepared for anything.

    Here is a list of essential items to pack for your trip:

    • Hiking boots
    • Warm clothes
    • Rain gear
    • Sunscreen
    • Sunglasses
    • Hat
    • Water bottle
    • Snacks
    • First-aid kit
    • Map of the park
    • Compass

    Tips for Planning Your Trip

    Here are a few tips for planning your trip to Rondane National Park:

    • Do your research. There are a number of websites and guidebooks that can help you plan your trip.
    • Book your accommodations in advance. The park can be crowded during the summer months, so it's important to book your accommodations in advance.
    • Get a map of the park. This will help you plan your hikes and get around the park.
    • Be prepared for the weather. The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so it's important to be prepared for anything.

    Additional Tips

    • If you're short on time, consider taking a guided tour. There are a number of guided tours available, which can be a great way to see the highlights of the park.
    • Be respectful of the environment. Rondane National Park is a special place, and it's important to leave no trace.
    • Take your time and enjoy the scenery. Rondane National Park is a beautiful place, and it's worth taking your time to explore.

    Mountains in Rondane National Park

    Top Things to Do in Rondane National Park

    Hiking

    Rondane National Park is a hiker's paradise. There are over 500 kilometers (311 miles) of hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging. Some of the most popular hikes include the Rondane Round, the Knutshøe Traverse, and the Snøhetta Hike.

    • Rondane Round: The Rondane Round is a 130-kilometer (81-mile) loop that takes you around the heart of the park. The hike is moderately challenging and offers stunning views of the mountains, lakes, and forests.

    • Knutshøe Traverse: The Knutshøe Traverse is a 60-kilometer (37-mile) hike that takes you across some of the highest mountains in Rondane National Park. The hike is challenging but offers incredible views of the surrounding peaks.

    • Snøhetta Hike: The Snøhetta Hike is a 19-kilometer (12-mile) hike to the top of Snøhetta, the highest mountain in Rondane National Park. The hike is challenging but offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

    Small village in Rondane National Park

    Camping

    There are a number of campsites in Rondane National Park, where you can stay overnight. Camping is a great way to experience the beauty of the park and to get closer to nature.

    • Selbusæter campsite: The Selbusæter campsite is a popular campsite located in the heart of the park. The campsite has a variety of amenities, including toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
    • Hovringen campsite: The Hovringen campsite is a smaller campsite located near the village of Høvringen. The campsite has a more rustic feel than Selbusæter campsite, but it's still a great place to stay if you're looking to enjoy the peace and quiet of the park.
    • Mysuseter campsite: The Mysuseter campsite is a large campsite located near the village of Mysuseter. The campsite has a variety of amenities, including toilets, showers, a kitchen, and a restaurant.

    Fishing

    Rondane National Park is home to a variety of fish, including trout, salmon, and char. Fishing is a popular activity in the park, and you can fish in a number of lakes and streams.

    • Ljøsvatnet lake: Ljøsvatnet lake is a large lake located in the heart of the park. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including trout and salmon.
    • Grønsjøen lake: Grønsjøen lake is a smaller lake located near the village of Mysuseter. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including trout and char.
    • Stor-Uvdal lake: Stor-Uvdal lake is a large lake located near the village of Høvringen. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including trout, salmon, and char.

    Lake in Rondane

    Skiing

    Rondane National Park is a great place to go skiing. The park has a number of ski resorts, where you can enjoy downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

    • Rondane Skisenter: Rondane Skisenter is a large ski resort located in the heart of the park. The resort has 23 kilometers (14 miles) of downhill runs, 30 kilometers (19 miles) of cross-country skiing trails, and a snowshoeing area.
    • Mysuseter skisenter: Mysuseter skisenter is a smaller ski resort located near the village of Mysuseter. The resort has 10 kilometers (6 miles) of downhill runs, 20 kilometers (12 miles) of cross-country skiing trails, and a snowshoeing area.
    • Hovringen skisenter: Hovringen skisenter is a small ski resort located near the village of Høvringen. The resort has 5 kilometers (3 miles) of downhill runs, 10 kilometers (6 miles) of cross-country skiing trails, and a snowshoeing area.

    Wildlife Viewing

    Rondane National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including reindeer, moose, bears, lynx, and wolves. Wildlife viewing is a popular activity in the park, and you can often see animals from the hiking trails.

    • Reindeer: Reindeer are the most common animal in Rondane National Park. They can be seen grazing in the meadows or crossing the trails.
    • Moose: Moose are also common in Rondane National Park. They are larger than reindeer and can be more difficult to see.
    • Bears: Bears are less common in Rondane National Park, but they do live in the area. Bears are shy and will usually avoid humans.
    • Lynx: Lynx are also less common in Rondane National Park. They are nocturnal animals and are difficult to see.
    • Wolves: Wolves are the rarest animal in Rondane National Park. They were reintroduced to the area in the 1980s and have been slowly increasing in number. Wolves are shy and will usually avoid humans.

    River in Rondane in Norway

    Photography

    Rondane National Park is a photographer's paradise. The park is home to stunning scenery, including mountains, lakes, forests, and glaciers. You're sure to take some amazing photos in Rondane National Park.

    Here are some tips for taking great photos in Rondane National Park:

    • Plan your shots: Take some time to plan your shots before you go hiking. This will help you to capture the best views of the park.
    • Use a tripod: A tripod will help you to keep your camera steady, which is important for taking sharp photos.
    • Use a wide-angle lens: A wide-angle lens will help you to capture the vastness of the park.
    • Experiment with different settings: Experiment with different camera settings to see what works best for you.
    • Be patient: The best photos in Rondane National Park take time and patience to capture.

    Views of Rondane Natioanl Park

    Discovering Rondane National Park in Norway

    To sum it up, Rondane National Park is a hiker's paradise. Located in the heart of Norway, the park is home to over 500 kilometers (311 miles) of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. 

    If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding hiking experience, I highly recommend visiting Rondane National Park. The park is home to stunning scenery, including mountains, lakes, forests, and glaciers. Rent your campervan in Norway and have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful place. 



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