Are you heading north in Norway? The E6 motorway between Oslo and Trondheim passes right through the Dovrefjell mountain plateau, making it easy and convenient to explore the area.
It's also very easy to travel more sustainably, by comfortable trains, to the Dovrefjell Mountains, aboard the Dovre Railway.
The Dovrefjell Mountains, home to two national parks, Dovre and Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella, are located very centrally in Eastern Norway, close to other popular mountain areas like Rondane and Jotunheimen.
This is an excellent area for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding and wildlife safaris. Dovrefjell is also the backdrop to sections of the famous pilgrim trail, the St. Olav Ways, from Oslo to Trondheim.
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Dombås is the southern gateway to the Dovrefjell Mountains, with its own train stop.
Dombås is a popular departure point for several cycling routes, including the popular Tour de Dovre, and you can also join a guided moose safari there. Bike rental is available.
A little further north, you reach the junction at Hjerkinn (where the train also stops).
Make sure to visit the traditional, family-run Hjerkinn Mountain Lodge, which has been welcoming travellers for more than 1,200 years (!).
Enjoy hearty mountain food and a good night's sleep, before you saddle up the next morning!
You don’t have to be an expert to join a guided horseback riding tour from Hjerkinn Mountain Lodge and the nearby Kvistli Farm.
At Hjerkinn, the 1.5 km (20 minute) hike up to Viewpoint Snøhetta, is also highly recommended. It's a spectacular viewing pavilion…
...with a panoramic view of the famous Snøhetta Mountain.
And, yes – it was designed by the renowned Norwegian architects at Snøhetta (who also designed the Oslo Opera House). They were so impressed by the mountain that they named their firm after it!
The pavilion is also a part of the Wild Reindeer Visitor Centre.
Dovrefjell is home to plenty of reindeer, moose, and other wildlife. They don’t like to be disturbed, so it is important that you don’t approach them or make a loud noises, if you encounter them.
The wild reindeer are endangered, and wary of humans.
You should therefore keep to the marked trails, and not enter the areas where wildlife is protected.
Don't worry, there are plenty of trails!
Dovrefjell is also home of the famous musk oxen.
Join a guided tour with Hjerkinn Farm or Oppdal Safari if you want to catch sight of them in a safe and responsible way! Even though you have to keep a safe distance, at least 200 metres, you’ll be able to admire them without binoculars. Awesome, right?
If you’re lucky, they’ll strike a nice pose – so bring your camera (and a zoom lens to get a good shot like this)!
Don't miss these highlights.
Musk oxen safaris also start from Kongsvold Fjeldstue, another unique, historical mountain lodge, right beside the E6, with roots dating back to the 12th century!
It's just a five-minute walk from Kongsvoll train station.
Kongsvold Fjeldstue offers traditional sour cream porridge, baked goods, and local treats in its Kroa café. You can also enjoy a full candle-lit dinner made with local produce, herbs from the mountains, and menus that change by season, in its cosy restaurant.
You can also follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims and hike along the famous pilgrim’s path, the St. Olavs ways, across the Dovre Mountain plateau.
This journey lets you connect with your inner self, as well as nature.
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
Pro tip! From Oppdal, you can head west to experience a unique natural phenomenon in the northern part of the Dovrefjell Mountains.
The waterfalls in Åmotan are called 'the Niagara of the North' for a reason: three impressive waterfalls, Svøufallet, Lindalsfallet and Reppfallet, meet in this wild, deep canyon.
Plan your trip to Dovrefjell with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.
You can take the Dovre Line from Oslo and Trondheim to Dovre, Dombås, Hjerkinn, and Kongsvold. Dombås also connects with Åndalsnes via the Rauma Line.
Both long-distance express buses and local buses stop in Dovre.
If you’re driving from Oslo or Trondheim, follow the E6 to Dovrefjell.
From Fjord Norway, you can drive the Rv70 from the Northwest, the E136 past Bjorli and Lesjaskog, the Rv15 over the Strynefjellet mountain, or the Fv55 over the Sognefjellet mountain. Some of these have stretches that classify as Norwegian Scenic Routes.
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The nearest airports are Oslo Airport and Trondheim Airport. From there, take the train to Dovre, Dombås, Herkinn, or Kongsvoll in Dovrefjell.
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