Katlberget, Lønset

About 20 kilometers west of Oppdal, you'll find Lønset - a starting point for both short and long hikes, attractions, and cultural landmarks. The journey begins along a gravel road, an old transport route, and crosses a bridge. Beautiful cultural landscapes with diverse nature and old buildings evoke memories of rural Norway over the years. Here, you'll end up at a towering historical site from the Middle Ages: the soapstone quarry at Katlberget.

This hike is recommended for slightly older children, as it takes a full 3 hours to complete on foot. It can also be done by bicycle. Start by following the old transport route built in the 1600s down towards the Driva River. The terrain is sheltered, and the road is easy to traverse. Cross the new bridge completed in 2003 after a major community effort. On the other side of the bridge, there is also a fire pit. Then, continue up the hillside, passing by 3 farms on the way to the soapstone quarry.

At the soapstone quarry, you can see clear signs of how the mining was conducted. Marks from tools like picks are visible in several places, and many prepared stone pieces still protrude from the rock face, some as large as half a meter in diameter. These were components for pots and bowls, as soapstone was used to make cups, pots, and other vessels during the Middle Ages.

Parking: Drive west on E70 for 20 kilometers. You can park at the convenience store in Lønset. Continue west from the store towards National Road 70. After about 200 meters, turn left at a parking bay. Follow the signs and information boards along the trail.

Distance: 4.6 kilometers one way

Elevation gain: 360 meters