Experience a real Norwegian mountain adventure in the Rondane National Park — a land of vast valleys, sparkling lakes, and gently rising peaks. This self-guided itinerary is tailored for first-time hikers and families with children aged 8 and over, combining gentle scenic daily hikes with warm hospitality in traditional, family-run mountain lodges. Luggage is transferred each day so you can hike with just a daypack.
With well-marked trails leading the way, you can choose between two hiking levels depending on the age and experience of your family. The area has several trails to explore, so you may wish to extend your stay with extra nights, giving you more opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty of Rondane.
Top and tail your adventure with stays in Lillehammer and Oslo – both family friendly cities to explore together, we’d be happy to discuss suitable options.
From £845 per person (excluding flights)
This is based on two adults sharing a room at the lodges, with all meals, train travel from Oslo, transfers from/to Otta, luggage transportation and route maps. Child discounts are available when sharing with two adults.
This roughly converts to 1,006 EUR | 1,090 USD
Departures: This trip has set arrivals on request basis. Please ask our team for details.
Accommodation:
The three mountain lodges on the trip are in a traditional Norwegian style with lots of history and charm. Rooms are simple, but comfortable, and have a private bathroom with a shower, always welcome at the end of the day!
Each lodge has a communal area with lounges, as well as a sauna and games room. Perhaps the highlight of each lodge is the food - plenty of good wholesome rustic Norwegian food, just what you need after a day in the mountains. All meals are included during the trip, with packed lunches made from the breakfast buffet - a typical hikers lunch in the mountains.
The hiking adventure begins - Today’s scenic route is well-suited for families, with the option to summit gentle peaks such as Karihaugen or Anaripigg for confident young hikers. The route takes you 1260 metres above sea level with astonishing views of the mountains beyond. Trails lead past shimmering lakes, silver birch forests, and mountain tarns — perfect for a cooling dip on warmer days.
Level 1: Moderate hike with optional summits. Approx. 5–6 hours including stops.
Level 2: Include summits and ridge walks for older or more experienced children.
The destination is Putten Seter, your next overnight lodge stay where a delicious dinner is served. The lodge is very simple but a welcoming base with hearty food and a family-friendly atmosphere. From here, enjoy the scenic views towards Gudbrandsdalen Valley and the Jotunheimen National Park.
This is your longest day on the trail, but a memorable one. Follow a waymarked trail to the Peer Gynt Cabin, a remote mountain café where you can pause for waffles and hot chocolate in the summer season. You’ll hike through a heather-covered landscape of the Rondane National Park, then continue past rivers and wildflower meadows to Smuksjøseter, beautifully located beside a glacial lake.
At the lodge, enjoy a generous buffet dinner and perhaps join in with local celebrations if your visit coincides with a fea stival. The lodge also has a sauna and games room — ideal for relaxing after the hike.
Level 1: 12 km gentle trails via Peer Gynt Cabin.
Level 2: Longer or summit options available.
After a hearty breakfast, an easier 5 km hike this morning, looping back to Høvringen via a scenic riverside trail, an easy and satisfying conclusion to your lodge-to-lodge journey. You can also extend the hike with additional trails in the area. You'll arrive in time for a sauna, local beer, or a final wander in the mountain air.
We have included a final night in Hovringen, giving you the opportunity to enjoy more time to soak in the magnificent scenery and relax after your hiking adventure. It is also possible to add additional nights as a supplement for more hikes or simply to relax.
