Walking in the Heart of Norway
- Hike from lodge to lodge through Norway’s mountainous Rondane National Park
- Immerse yourself in Norwegian nature and dramatic landscapes
- Overnight in Oslo and take a scenic train journey from Oslo to Otta
- Feast on delicious waffles at the spectacularly located Peer Gynt cabin
- Stay in traditional wooden mountain lodges in private rooms with en-suite facilities
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive OsloOslo International Airport is easily accessible by plane from all worldwide destinations.
The capital of Norway, Oslo, is a compact city brimming with museums and interesting modern architecture. Visit the National Gallery to see the famous ‘The Scream’ by Edvard Munch, or simply wander around the attractive harbour area and get to know Europe’s 2019 ‘Green City’.
A boutique hotel located in the centre of Oslo right behind the Royal Palace.Offers comfortable, stylish rooms and a charming chill-out area to relax in after a busy day's sightseeing in the capital city.
A modern yet historical building in central Oslo housed within one of Norway’s only Art Deco buildings, locally known as the “skyscraper”.
Take a train this morning from Oslo to Otta. The journey takes about 3.5 hours, so sit back, relax and take in the scenery. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Høvringen (30 mins).
Enjoy a hearty homemade, Norwegian meal. After dinner, your host will brief you about the trails and answer any questions you may have.
This lodge is located in the mountain village of Høvringen, the gateway to the Rondane National Park. The rooms are comfortable and cosy, making this lodge the perfect place to realx after a day on the trails. Breakfast is a buffet and dinner is a three-course menu.
This lodge is located in the mountain village of Høvringen, the gateway to the Rondane National Park. As well as comfortable rooms, there are multiple living rooms with open fireplaces and comfy seating, the perfect place to relax after a day on the trails. Breakfast is a buffet and dinner is a three-course affair.
Hotel is located at Høvringen at the intrance to the Rondane National Park. At an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, Haukliseter commands a panorama view of Høvringen an the surrounding mountains.
Walking through the village of Høvringen, you’ll quickly leave civilization behind. Ascend to the summit of Karihaugen at 1,450m above sea-level. From the top admire fantastic views over Putten Seter and the high peaks of Rondane. From here, it’s a gentle descent all the way to the Putten Seter cabins, a unique overnight location in a former mountain farmyard.
This mountain lodge is nestled at the foot of Formokampen mountain and its various traditional buildings is located around a former mountain farm. As well as fantastic views of Rondane, on a clear day views extend to the Jotunheimen mountain range. Fill up on the fantastic breakfast before heading off on the trails.
Take a morning hike to the Kluftåthaugen viewpoint for far-reaching views of the Gudbrandsdalen valley 800m below. Spend the afternoon relaxing in your cosy lodge.
Alternatively, take a fishing excursion to picturesque Harrtejern lake. Your host will accompany you and share their knowledge with you.
This mountain lodge is nestled at the foot of Formokampen mountain and its various traditional buildings is located around a former mountain farm. As well as fantastic views of Rondane, on a clear day views extend to the Jotunheimen mountain range. Fill up on the fantastic breakfast before heading off on the trails.
Today is the most challenging yet rewarding hike of the tour. A steady ascent brings you to Formokampen (1,428m), a popular local peak. Soon you’ll come to the Peer Gynt cabin, named after the Norwegian fairy-tale which spawned the famous poem, play and classical music piece. Why not stop here for some well-deserved waffles – rumoured to be the best in Norway! Continue to the Smuksjøseter lodge, located on the shore of beautiful Høvringsvatnet lake.
Smuksjøseter is located on the shores of tranquil Høvringsvatnet lake and is surrounded by mountains. A warm welcome is waiting from your hosts, the Skaugen family. Why not make use of the on-site sauna, a perfect way to relax after hiking.
If you are looking for a more challenging hike, today you have the option to walk to Bråkdalsbelgen viewpoint at 1,915m for more outstanding views of the Norwegian mountains. Prefer to take it easy? Choose from one of the easy short hikes near the cabin, or simply relax by Høvringsvatnet lake before enjoying a delicious traditional dinner.
Smuksjøseter is located on the shores of tranquil Høvringsvatnet lake and is surrounded by mountains. A warm welcome is waiting from your hosts, the Skaugen family. Why not make use of the on-site sauna, a perfect way to relax after hiking.
Your final day on the trail brings you full circle back to where it all began; Høvringen. Follow an easy-going mountain road for 7km. Take it easy in the lodge in the afternoon or take an optional hike up to Vardhøe to work up an appetite for dinner.
This lodge is located in the mountain village of Høvringen, the gateway to the Rondane National Park. As well as comfortable rooms, there are multiple living rooms with open fireplaces and comfy seating, the perfect place to relax after a day on the trails. Breakfast is a buffet and dinner is a three-course affair.
Hotel is located at Høvringen at the intrance to the Rondane National Park. At an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, Haukliseter commands a panorama view of Høvringen an the surrounding mountains.
This lodge is located in the mountain village of Høvringen, the gateway to the Rondane National Park. The rooms are comfortable and cosy, making this lodge the perfect place to realx after a day on the trails. Breakfast is a buffet and dinner is a three-course menu.
After breakfast, check out of the mountain lodge and beginning your onward travel. Take the shuttle back to Otta train station, from where you will take the train back to Oslo. From Oslo you can travel by plane or train to many other European and worldwide destinations. If you have more time to explore Norway, why not continue on our Oslo to Bergen Rail and Hike adventure? Just ask us for more details.
Other Information
Is it for me?If you would like to experience Norwegian country-side without the crowds and dizzying hikes, while staying in comfortable accommodations and benefiting from bag transfer, then this is the tour for you. Rated easy-moderate, walks range in distance from 6 - 14 km in length (with an optional hike at 16.5 km), the most ascent in one day is 600m and trails are well way marked. Stay in traditional yet recently renovated lodge cabins with private rooms and private bathroom facilities.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers
The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years
This tour is rated easy-moderate. Distances range from 6km to 14.5 km (optional hike up to 16.5 km) on relatively easy-going terrain. Paths are a mixture of rocky and grassy trails and mountain roads. The ascent/descent is reasonable, ranging between 50m and 600m each day. There is an optional hike which is more strenuous and involves an ascent of 950m. To get the most from this tour you should be in decent physical shape, however it is also perfectly suited to walking holiday first-timers!
Spend 1 night in a 3* hotel and 6 nights in high-quality mountain lodges. The lodges are traditional and family run. You will be staying in private rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities. You will find an example of the accommodations we normally use below. If these accommodations are not available we will use an accommodation of a similar or better standard.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This trip is available to solo walkers but a single supplement is payable. If members of your party would prefer a single room, this can be arranged, also at an additional supplement.
Meals
7 breakfasts are included in the cost of your trip. Breakfast is always buffet-style with various options available. Expect a continental breakfast with bread, jams, pastries, yoghurt and muesli available. Usually there are also local meats and cheeses, eggs and fruit on offer. 6 dinners are included at the mountain lodges. These are always 3 courses and will be typical Norwegian cuisine such as soup, fish, game, meat, potatoes, dill etc. Waffles are very popular in Norway, particularly as a sweet treat in the mountains. Dinner is not included in Oslo, allowing you to choose from one of the many options available. 5 packed lunches are included, so you can enjoy a picnic al fresco when out walking. This includes a thermos flask, allowing the luxury of a hot beverage while en-route!
All trails are well-waymarked, however we will also provide you with turn-by-turn instructions for each walk, maps and access to our GPS smartphone navigation app, so you will definitely have no problem finding your way.
- 1 night in a 3* Hotel and 6 nights in private rooms in high standard mountain lodges
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 dinners
- 5 packed lunches, including a thermos flask for hot drinks
- Train from Oslo to Otta and back
- Shuttle from Otta Train station to Øigardseter and back
- Detailed information pack, route notes, maps and access to our navigation app
- 24/7 support from our UK office
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to and from Oslo
- 1 dinner and 1 lunch (in Oslo)
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights before, during or after the walk
You can start your adventure on any day between the beginning of July and the end of September. The weather in Norway can be changeable, and one should be prepared for 4 seasons in one day, at any time of the year. Generally speaking though, the summer is the most pleasant time of year for hiking as there are plenty hours of daylight and warm daytime temperatures.
Your tour begins in Olso. Fly into Oslo International Airport which can be reached from various European and Worldwide destinations. The airport is about 45km from the city centre. From the airport, the easiest way to the city is by 'Flytoget’ train which takes 20 minutes. Oslo can also be reached by ferry from Copenhagen (Denmark) and Kiel (Germany). Check here for more info.
Your return travel from Otta to Oslo on Day 8 is included in your arrangements. From Oslo, use one of the options mentioned above for your onward travel. Alternatively, if you would like some additional nights in Oslo just let us know.
Baggage transfers are included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20 kg). If you require excess baggage allowance do contact us prior to travel.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.
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Why Macs
The Biggest Choice
Founded in 2003
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At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided hiking or biking adventure.
This is active travel led by you.
You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.
We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.
We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.
Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.