National park · Norway
Rondane National ParkRondane nasjonalpark
Enter Rondane for a day hike to Rondeslottet (2 h round‑trip, 2 km (1.2 mi), moderate) or a multi‑day trek across the plateau (5‑7 days, hard); go June‑August for dry trails, avoid mid‑winter snow.Enter Rondane for a day hike to Rondeslottet (2 h round‑trip, 1.2 mi (2 km), moderate) or a multi‑day trek across the plateau (5‑7 days, hard); go June‑August for dry trails, avoid mid‑winter snow.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
960 km² (371 sq mi)371 sq mi (960 km²)
approximate
Established
1962
Best months
Jun–Aug
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 9Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Nordic countries ↗Decide light or dark before anything else: summer trips (June–August) and aurora trips (September–March in the Arctic) need different countries, clothes and bases.
- Nordic countries ↗Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroes sell stronger alcohol only in state shops with short hours; buy before evening and before Sundays and holidays.
- Norway ↗Norway is not in the EU but is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources.
- Norway ↗Wine and spirits are sold only at the state Vinmonopolet shops; supermarkets sell beer, and not in the evenings or on Sundays.
- Norway ↗The right to roam (allemannsretten) lets you hike and camp on most uncultivated land, keeping a distance from homes and leaving no trace.
- East Norway ↗Freshwater fishing needs a permit from the landowner; saltwater fishing from shore is free for visitors.
- East Norway ↗Tolls and ferries are billed by plate (AutoPASS); renters are charged afterwards.
At a glance
- Country
- Norway
- Area
- 960 km² (371 sq mi)371 sq mi (960 km²)
- Park covers about 960 km²; exact figure differs slightly between sources.
- Established
- 1962
- Best months
- Jun–Aug
- Permits
- Not needed
Rondane, Norway's oldest national park, safeguards alpine plateaus, ten peaks over 2 000 m and a vital wild reindeer habitat.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national siteNorway's oldest national park, protected for nature and recreation.
Size and age
960 km² (371 sq mi)371 sq mi (960 km²) · national park since 1962
Park covers about 960 km²; exact figure differs slightly between sources.
Why go
- High‑altitude plateau with ten peaks over 2 000 m.
- Key habitat for wild reindeer.
- Classic Norwegian mountain scenery that inspired painters and poets.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayGo
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepGo
- OctCaution
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- JanHeavy snow, limited trail access.
- FebSnowbound, many routes closed.
- MarEarly melt, possible ice on higher sections.
- AprVariable weather, some snow remains.
- MayLonger daylight, trails opening.
- JunDry, stable weather, full trail network.
- JulWarmest, low precipitation.
- AugDry, good visibility.
- SepCooler, still accessible.
- OctFirst snowfalls possible.
- NovSnow returns, limited services.
- DecWinter conditions dominate.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild reindeerJun–Sep · Best seen in open plateau areas. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Lichen mats (food for reindeer)Jun–Sep | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Oslo
Take the E6 north to Høvringen (≈ 250 km (155 mi), 4 h by car) or train to Dombås then bus to Høvringen.Take the E6 north to Høvringen (≈ 155 mi (250 km), 4 h by car) or train to Dombås then bus to Høvringen.
4–5 h
Open the page →
From Lillehammer
Drive east on road 27 along the southern edge of the park, stop at parking at Dørålseter or Høvringen.
1.5 h
Open the page →
From Trondheim
Train to Dombås, then bus or car east on road 27.
3–4 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Dørålseter area | Main trailhead for short hikes to Rondeslottet and surrounding peaks. | Free parking, marked trails. |
| Høvringen valley | Access point for longer plateau traverses and reindeer spotting. | Parking and DNT huts nearby. |
| Rondvassbu zone | Backcountry lodge area, base for multi‑day routes. | Hut reservation required for overnight. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
4 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate centre of the park; trailheads and huts are nearby.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | person | Free, no gate or ticket required. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Camping in the backcountry no permit
Park rules
- Camping
- Allowed only away from huts and lodges; respect 150 m distance.
- Dogs
- Leashed in all areas, especially near reindeer.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use stove only.
- Off‑trail travel
- Stay on marked tracks to protect fragile lichen.
- Litter
- Carry out all waste.
Where to stay
In the park
DNT lodges (Rondvassbu, Høvringen)
Simple cabins with meals, reservation required.
Near the park
Høvringen village
Guesthouses and hotels, 5 km (3.1 mi) from park edge.Guesthouses and hotels, 3.1 mi (5 km) from park edge.
Safety
Sudden weather change medium
Navigation errors on long routes high
Wild reindeer disturbance low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Parking at Dørålseter and Høvringen is car‑accessible.
- Short trails to Rondeslottet have some steep sections; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay in DNT huts to support the non‑profit trekking association.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles, especially protecting lichen mats.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Rondane National Park?
Entry is free; there is no gate or ticket. Some DNT huts charge a modest fee for accommodation.
What are the best hikes in Rondane National Park?
Short: Rondeslottet summit (2 km, moderate). Longer: the Plateau Loop crossing several 2 000 m peaks (5‑7 days, hard). Also Jutulhogget gorge walk (easy).
When is the best time to visit Rondane National Park?
June to August offers dry, stable weather and full trail access. Late spring (May) is possible but some high routes may still have snow.
Do I need a permit to camp in Rondane?
Backcountry camping is allowed away from huts and lodges; no permit needed, just respect the 150 m distance rule.
How do I get to the park from Oslo?
Drive or take a train to Dombås, then continue east on road 27 to Høvringen (≈ 250 km, 4 h). Parking is available at Dørålseter and Høvringen.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go