Alternative access to the most spectacular summit hike in our area. Expect over 1.100m height meters over stony terrain during this challenging hike to the second highest peak in Rondane National Park (2.115m). Due to its pyramidal shape, Høgronden is often compared to the famous Matterhorn in Switzerland, beit less steep, but not to be under-estimated. Start at the parking area near Øvre (or Nedre) Dørålseter mountain cabin which is accessible via a 12km private gravel road from Stadsbuøyen along road 27 south of Folldal. You have to pay 50 NOK toll by card at the barrier before entering the road.

From Øvre (or Nedre) Dørålseter, follow the trail marked with red T-s towards Bjørnhollia and Høgronden. The first 1.5km is quite flat and you have to cross some smaller rivers from time to time. At the next junction, turn left towards Bjørnhollia and Høgronden to reach a bridge suspending the Atna River. Cross the bridge and keep following the trailhead until you get to another junction. There you have to turn left again in order to access the route to Bjørnhollia, via Høgronden (there is another route to Bjørnhollia circumpassing the mountain also). The path starts climbing on a sandy hillside before turning flat again through lush terrain. You get closer and closer to a river on your left which you have to cross further on. The path continues on the left side of the river and will start to turn away from it after about 4km since the start. You slowly start going upwards until you reach a small lake which often is completely dried out during summer time. After the lake it gets somewhat steeper again before staying more or less on the same altitude again for quite a while. After going up again you will notice the steep mountain face of Høgronden to your right. There is big lake too which is difficult to see before you start going up really steep on the mountain ridge in front of you. The higher you get, the more narrow the ridge gets, the steeper it gets and the more you have to use hands from time to time to stay balanced on the big rocks. This part of the hike requires extreme sure-footedness and is definitely not recommended for people with severe vertigo. But once on the summit the 360 degrees view is simply breathtaking! Same way back to Dørålseter, which is a serious challenge too, especially for the knees as this means 1.100m down again.

Very good fitness, sure-footedness and navigation skills required. The track is completely signposted with red T-s all the way to the summit but be prepared for shifting weather conditions and much colder temperatures or windy conditions on the summit. It’s not uncommon there is still snow higher up even in the middle of summer. Be prepared for stony/slippery tracks, a few wetlands and some smaller river crossings. Walking sticks are recommended and bring enough warm/waterproof clothing and drinking water with you. There is no possibility to buy supplies or find shelter indoors execept for the mountain cabins at Dørålseter.