We wish you warmly welcome to Rondane River Lodge!

Since 2019 we are the proud Belgian owners after taking over the previous Rondane Gjestegård. Before moving to Norway, we had a travel agency specialized in the Nordic Countries. This gave us the opportunity to travel around Scandinavia for over 20 years. When we got to know this unique spot on earth was for sale, we didn’t have to think long and started a new life at the doorstep of Rondane National Park.

Over the years we have been improving the quality and experiences for our guests. Step by step modernizations are taking place always respecting the traditional atmosphere. Activities have been developed, either guided by ourselves or in close cooperation with local partners. Not to forget the kitchen which keeps focusing on homemade food and use of local ingredients from the nearby mountains, rivers and forests. Every single day we give the best of ourselves to share our passion for the Norwegian mountain life together with our dedicated staff.

Rondane River Lodge is Greenkey-certified and we do whatever we can to preserve our untouched natural environment. We hope you will enjoy the authentic charm and unspoiled surroundings as much as we do. Perhaps you have some ideas or suggestions? We would be honored if you share them with us.

Enjoy your stay!
Benjamin, Karin, Liv & Mia

Coming by plane and public transport

You can rent a car at Oslo airport or drive with your own car to Norway. If you travel from mainland Europe you can drive over land by using the Øresund bridge that links Denmark and Sweden. But it’s a long drive and more convenient to take a ferry from Germany or Denmark to Norway. The most common connections are:

• Kiel-Oslo (Colorline)
• Kiel-Gothenburg (Stena Line)
• Hirtshals-Larvik (Colorline)
• Hirtshals-Kristiansund (Colorline)

From Oslo it takes about 4 hours to drive to Rondane River Lodge. You can either drive E6 in the direction of Trondheim until you reach Ringebu. There you turn off on road 27 (Rondaneveien) which you follow about 40km over the Venabygdsfjellet mountain plateau until you reach Enden. Turn left in the direction of Folldal and you will reach Rondane River Lodge after a few hundred meters. Please notice it might happen that road 27 between Ringebu and Enden gets closed during winter due to heavy wind or snowfall. Check www.vegvesen.no for current driving conditions. You pass the last gas station next to the Kiwi supermarket on Venabygdsfjellet. There is a small gas station in Sollia too at Atnasjø Kafe, about 10km north of the lodge in the direction of Folldal.

Alternatively you can leave E6 a few kilometers north of Tangen and turn off on road 3 towards Elverum. Turn left at the roundabout just before Elverum and keep following road 3 through endless forests and farmland. You will pass Koppang and stay on road 3 until you reach Atna. There you turn left on road 219 towards Sollia. After circa 30 minutes you drive through Sollia and further along the shores of Setningen lake. At the end of the the lake you drive straight on towards Folldal and you will reach Rondane River Lodge after a few hundred meters. The last gas station you pass, is just north of Koppang but there is a small gas station in Sollia too at Atnasjø Kafe, about 10km north of the lodge in the direction of Folldal.

We get this question often and it’s highly depending on what you aim for and the length of your stay. If you plan on relaxing or hiking a few days in the nearby mountains, coming without a car is perfectly possible. Also most of our optional activities, can be arranged with transfers for an extra cost.

If you plan to explore the wider region, go to bigger towns or eat somewhere else, this might be more difficult without a car. Some optional activities also require own transportation. Please notice there is only a very limited bus service from middle of June until middle of August stopping at Rondane River Lodge.

Please also consider the nearest supermarket is 7km from Rondane River Lodge and there are no other restaurants in walking distance. When not having a private car, it’s recommended to book half board in advance.

• All guests are welcomed at the hotel reception. Here you will receive all information about your stay. You may access your accommodation from 15.00. Check-out is possible until 11.00.
• Early arrival and late check-in can only be arranged in prior consultation with us. We will do all we can to facilitate our guests in this respect.
• Our hotel reception is open daily from 8.00 until 22.00. Please ring the bell if nobody is present.
• You can also call the reception on +47 62 46 37 20.

• Everyone is welcome to use the reception area and lounge to have a drink or just enjoy the fireplace. We are always glad to help you make plans for activities or excursions. A detailed map of the area can be bought for 240 NOK.
• Please feel free to read books from the library or use the board games. You may take them to your room/cabin but please bring them back after use.
• A hair dryer can be borrowed at the reception. Please bring it back after use.
• Do not cover or dry clothes directly on the electric heaters. This might cause fire.
• Smoking inside is not allowed and pets may not enter the hotel building.
• Please notice our fire alarm system is quite sensitive and can also be triggered when taking a hot steamy shower. We recommend to keep the door between your bedroom and bathroom closed.
• Breakfast is included in the room rate. We work with an à la carte breakfast menu. We ask you to order in advance what you would like to have in the morning. See ‘restaurant’ for more information.
• A baby bed can be rented for 125 NOK per night.
• Hotel guests staying for multiple days can choose not to have their room cleaned daily. This helps to reduce the use of cleaning products. Please inform us if you do not expect your room to be cleaned daily.

• Bed linen and towels can be rented for 225 NOK per set. We make the beds for you when linen has been ordered in advance.
• Locally harvested wood for the stove is stored right next to your cabin door. Extra wood and axes can be found in the woodshed near the hotel entrance. Please use the stove only while you stay in the cabin. Several cabins have hooks above the stove to dry clothes.
• Do not cover or dry clothes directly on the electric heaters. This might cause fire.
• The final cleaning can be done yourself or ordered for 590 NOK (small cabin) or 690 NOK (big cabin). We do a check upon departure if you decide to clean yourself. See ‘final cleaning’ for more information.
• Please let us know if any equipment is missing and we will do our best to accommodate you.
• Smoking inside the cabins is not allowed.
• Pets can stay in the cabins for an additional charge of 125 NOK per night. Please don’t let them sit in the sofa or on the bed as it’s very though to clean the hairs.
• A baby bed can be rented for 125 NOK per night.

• Address: Rondeveien 17 – 2477 Sollia. Drive from Rondane River Lodge to the right towards Atna and turn immediately left again after a few hundred meters on a narrow gravel road. Drive up and park your car in front of the cabin.
• The cabin has no running water inside but a water tap with drinkable spring water on the terrace outside. Turn on the red button to activate the water pump and get access to water. Remember to turn it off again after use to stop the pump from working.
• Under the sink in the bathroom there is a water tank which needs to be refilled from time to time to maintain access to water in the bathroom (shower and sink). You can open the tank by turning the red lid. After filling, screw it back in the original position and make sure the hose is all the way to the bottom. We advise to never let the tank drain completely. You can use a watering can to fill it manually or you can use the garden hose (only during summer).
• Also fill the container above the kitchen sink from time to maintain access to water. Heat water by boiling it or put it on a hot stove.
• The electric sauna can be heated by turning the wheel underneath the heater. You can either warm the sauna directly or put on a timer if you want it to be warm later during the course of the day. Turn off the sauna again after use.
• Please read the detailed instructions about the combustion toilet in the main building carefully before use. We advise not to use the toilet with many people straight after each other in order not to overload the burning process. Please try to leave some time in between. We clean the ashes after departure.
• The living room is heated with a heating pump. You can easily adjust the desired temperature with the remote control. Other rooms have electric heaters that can be regulated individually.
• Cleaning equipment can be found in the shed behind the cabin.
• Bed linen and towels can be rented for 225 NOK per set. We make the beds for you when linen has been ordered in advance.
• Locally harvested wood for the stoves is stored right next to the cabin. Please use the stoves only while you stay in the cabin.
• Do not cover or dry clothes directly on the electric heaters. This might cause fire.
• Please turn off the lights when leaving.
• There is no WIFI access in the cabin but mobile coverage is available.
• Smoking inside the cabin is not allowed.
• Please let us know if any equipment is missing and we will do our best to accommodate you.
• Pets can stay in the cabin for an additional charge of 125 NOK per night. Please don’t let them sit in the sofa or on the bed as it’s very though to clean the hairs.
• A baby bed can be rented for 125 NOK per night.
• Final cleaning can be done by yourself or ordered for 1250 NOK.

• Address: Øverdalssæterveien 125 – 2477 Sollia. Drive from Rondane River Lodge to the right. At the T-junction drive straight on in the direction of Atna and follow road 219 for about 7km. Then make a sharp turn left on a small gravel road to Øverdalssætra. Keep on following this road up on the mountain and drive always straight on. Turn right at the end of the road and find seter cabin Klokkerstua at the end of the road at your right side.
• We advise to park your car inside the fences to avoid them from being scratched by free roaming goats. Remember to always keep the gates closed to prevent animals from coming inside.
• Seter cabin Klokkerstua consists of 3 different buildings: the main cabin which can host up to 4 persons, a small studio cabin for 2 persons and a central building with sauna, simple shower, long drop toilet and extra bedroom for 2 persons.
• None of the buildings has running water inside but there is a water tap with drinkable spring water outside (behind the central building).
• Fill the containers for the kitchen and shower with water from time to time. Heat water by boiling it or put it on a hot stove.
• The shower is a very simple system that works with a manual pump.
• The sauna can be heated by turning the switch in the hallway (to your right from the entrance to ON). Turn off the sauna again after use.
• Seter cabin Klokkerstua has no ordinary toilet and only a so called ‘utedo’ which is a common Norwegian long drop toilet. This will be emptied from time to time.
• All the rooms have electric heaters that can be regulated individually. Or you can use the stoves and fireplace to make it cosy.
• Cleaning equipment can be found in the storage in the main cabin.
• Bed linen and towels can be rented for 225 NOK per set. We make the beds for you when linen has been ordered in advance.
• Locally harvested wood for the stoves is stored right next to the cabin. Please use the stoves only while you stay in the cabin.
• Do not cover or dry clothes directly on the electric heaters. This might cause fire.
• Please turn off the lights when leaving.
• There is no WIFI access in the cabin but mobile coverage is available.
• Smoking inside the cabin is not allowed.
• Please let us know if any equipment is missing and we will do our best to accommodate you.
• Pets can stay in the cabin for an additional charge of 125 NOK per night. Please don’t let them sit in the sofa or on the bed as it’s very though to clean the hairs.
• A baby bed can be rented for 125 NOK per night.
• Final cleaning can be done by yourself or ordered for 1250 NOK.

• Address: Sonja and Edv. Barthsvei 7 – 2477 Sollia. Drive from Rondane River Lodge towards Folldal. After about 15 minutes’ drive right into the cabin field which is called Blåfjellia. Then you take the 3^rd street to the left. Mountain villa Blåfjellia is the second house to the right.
• There is private parking next to the cabin.
• Bed linen and towels must be rented for NOK 225 per set. We make the beds for you when you inform us about the desired room layout in advance.
• Locally harvested firewood is stacked next to the cabin and use is included. Please only use the wood stove while you are present.
• Mandatory final cleaning costs 1500 NOK. Please do the dishes and put everything away. Remember to turn off the lights when you leave. Remove any ash from the fireplace, hot tub or barbecue.
• Let us know if something is missing in the cabin, and we will help you as good as we can.
• Smoking and pets are not allowed in the mountain villa.
• Use of the wood-fired hot tub is included. Please fill completely with water before heating (garden hose in the shed) and straighten the chimney. Empty the water only after the fire is completely extinguished and put the chimney back down when it has cooled. Remove the ash when it has cooled before each new use.
• Rubbish must be sorted and not left in the cabin. Drive it to the recycling park opposite Atnasjø Kafe.
• At mountain villa Blåfjellia you can use the wireless network Telenor4G-301219 free of charge. Use the password YMuUDUU78U to access the network. There is only a limited capacity per month, and we therefore ask to avoid excessive video streaming. Once the data limit has been reached, there is no coverage anymore until the start of the next month. Due to the remote location the connection is unfortunately not always stable.
• Please inform us if anything was broken or needs to be replaced.
• We check the cabin after departure and reserve the right to claim compensation in the event of damage.

When you choose NOT to do the final cleaning of the cabin yourself, we expect you to:

1. 1. Clean the dishes and put everything back on its place.
   2. Separate your waste (plastic, bottles, cans, paper + drink cartons, rest and food waste) and put them in the correct bins in the garbage area (beside cabin n° 10 at the entrance). Please do NOT crush cans.
   3. Turn off the lights when leaving.
   4. Pay the cleaning fee (590 NOK for a small cabin – 690 NOK for a big cabin – 1250 NOK for forest and seter cabin – 1500 NOK for mountain villa).

When you choose to do the final cleaning of the cabin yourself, we expect you to:

1. 1. Clean the dishes and put everything back on its place.
   2. Wipe the table and clean the sink + cooking area.
   3. Clean the toilet, the shower, the sink and the mirror.
   4. Take the sheets of the beds and collect them together with the towels in the bathroom/entrance.
   5. Vacuum and mop (wet clean) each room.
   6. Separate your waste (plastic, bottles, cans, paper + drink cartons, rest and food waste) and put them in the correct bins in the garbage area (beside cabin n° 10 at the entrance). Please do NOT crush cans. When staying in the mountain villa you can bring garbage to the recycling park opposite Atnasjø Kafe.
   7. Take the ashes out of the stove and throw it in the iron bin in the garbage area. Make sure they have cooled down.
   8. Turn off the lights when leaving. Leave the heating on during winter.

Please notice the cleaning fee is mandatory for mountain villa Blåfjellia and as a result you don’t need to clean this cabin yourself.

We will perform a check upon departure when you decide to clean yourself.

• Breakfast is served daily from 8.00 until 10.00 for 225 NOK per adult and 135 NOK per child 3-11 years. We require reservation for breakfast latest at 21.00 the evening before. We work with an à la carte breakfast menu. We ask you to order in advance what you would like to have in the morning. We also ask to mention the time when you want to start having breakfast. Everything you ordered will be served to your table. You have many options to choose from but be aware our portions are quite generous. So please choose wisely to avoid food waste. You can always ask for more if you feel like not having ordered enough.
• You are welcome to make your own lunch package from the breakfast for 125 NOK per adult and 75 NOK per child 3-11 years. You can order lunch packages on the breakfast menu. We provide you with paper, an additional piece of fruit and chocolate waffle. You may put your thermos at the reception with a post-it on it and we will fill it with coffee, hot water or hot chocolate according to your wishes.
• Between 12:00 and 16:00, we serve a limited selection of soup, toast or waffles in our lunch café. Please check the menu at the reception.
• A three-course dinner is served at 19.00 for 650 NOK per adult and 390 NOK per child 3-11 years. We require reservation for dinner latest at 14.00. Please inform us about possible food restrictions and allergies in advance.
• We reserve for lastminute changes.
• Rondane River Lodge has a fully licensed restaurant and bar where we serve different kinds of beer, wine and spirits. It’s not allowed to take alcoholic drinks from the restaurant or bar outside the serving area or into the log cabins. You can however buy alcohol privately and consume it in your room or cabin.

• You can use the wireless network RRLGuest free of charge. Use the password RondaneRiverLodge to access the network.
• Due to our remote location we use satellite internet via Starlink with limited capacity. As a result the speed of the network can be reduced when many simultaneous users. We apologize for any inconvenience. Often the connection is slightly better in the main building than in the cabins.

• It’s possible to charge electric vehicles under the carport for 5 NOK per kWh. There are 4 charging stations which can be used when installing the Charge365 application. Scan the QR-code on the charging station to get started.
• There is no extra cost when staying connected to a charging station after the charging process has finished. However we ask kindly to move your car as soon as possible to give other guests the chance as well to charge their car.

Freshly baked bread and bread rolls from our local Elt Bakeri can be ordered until 21.00 the evening before by writing your name and cabin number on the list at the reception desk. They can be picked-up from 8.00 in the morning.

Prices:

• Dark bread (70 NOK)
• Sourdough bread (90 NOK)
• Bread roll (15 NOK)
• Currant bun (30 NOK)
• Cinnamon bun (50 NOK)

The closest supermarket is in Atnbrua. Drive left on road 27 and follow for about 15 minutes in the direction of Folldal. You will pass Joker behind the center of Atnbrua on your right-hand side.

Opening times: Monday-Thursday 9.00-18.00 – Friday 9.00-20.00 – Saturday 9.00-17.00

Click here for more information.

Alternatively you can also drive right and follow road 27 about 25 minutes in the direction of Ringebu. You will find Kiwi supermarket about 1km past the Venabu Fjellhotel.

Opening times: Monday-Friday 9.00-21.00 – Saturday 9.00-18.00 – Sunday 10.00-18.00

Click here for more information.

Rondane River Lodge is Green Key certified. We have strong ambitions to limit our impact on the natural environment and contribute to a more sustainable way of travelling. You are welcome to read our environmental policy.

We encourage our guests actively to think ecological in order to achieve our goals:

• Please use your towels several times and put them on the ground if you want to have them replaced. Cabin guests can ask for new towels in the reception at an additional cost.
• Switch of the lights as much as possible when leaving your room or cabin.
• You are welcome to use our fireplaces and barbecues outside but never leave it unattended and try to limit the use of wood. The same counts when using the wood stove in a cabin.
• Waste is a resource that can be reused. Garbage should be sorted behind the fence left from the big cabin n° 10 at the entrance. There are different containers for plastic, organic, paper and residual waste. Please use the green bags that can be found in the garbage area for organic waste before throwing it into the container. Please place metal cans, plastic and glass bottles separately in the designated boxes. Empty batteries can be brought to the reception.
• You can drink the water straight from the tap. It’s healthy, tastes good and is better for the environment. 1 liter of drinking water from the tap sends between 1000 and 2000 times less CO2 into the atmosphere than 1 liter bottled water.
• Around the hotel, there is great natural beauty and numerous opportunities for activities that don’t require any car transportation. We also organize several environmentally friendly activities that can avoid the use of your private car.
• It’s possible to charge your electric car under the carport for 5 NOK per kWh. There are 4 charging stations which can be used when installing the Charge365 application. Scan the QR-code on the charging station to get started.

In addition, there are various measures that we take from our side among which:

• We use certified cleaning products that are better for the environment and for your health.
• When renovating we install fittings that use less water and led bulbs instead of ordinary ones.
• We automatically turn down the temperature when rooms or cabins are not occupied.
• Thanks to solar panels on the hotel roof and carport, we can partly generate our own electricity.
• We try to limit cutting the grass in order to let wild flowers grow and create a nice environment for many insects and bees.

We accept both cash (Norwegian Crowns) and the major debit/credit cards (no Diners or American Express). Bills must be settled on presentation.

When you have booked through Booking.com we normally have charged your credit card in advance, unless otherwise agreed upon. It’s then only required to pay for eventual extras.

When you have booked through a tour operator you have already paid in advance and it’s only required to pay for eventual extras.

We would love to hear your eventual remarks and comments, both positive or negative. Please do not hesitate to share them with us, so we can take them into consideration for future improvements.

In cooperation with Visitfjellet we offer the possibility to share your opinion by participating in our online survey. It will take just a few minutes and by answering the questions, you give us valuable information to improve us. All answers are anonomyous and it’s not even required to answer all questions. Click here if you would like to participate.

We appreciate it also very much when writing some kind words in the guest book (on the reception desk), on Tripadvisor or Google when leaving us.

In case of other questions you are very welcome to contact us.

Rondane River Lodge AS

Rondeveien 34 – 2477 Sollia (Norway)

E-mail: info@rondaneriverlodge.no

Telephone: (+47) 62 46 37 20

Our area offers unlimited possibilities for hiking and trekking, both within or just outside the national parks Rondane and Dovrefjell.  There are a few very challenging hikes, mostly to the highest peaks, but thanks to the rather ’rounded’ shape of the mountains, most hikes can also be undertaken by less experienced hikers including young adventurers. Hiking and trekking can be undertaken on your own provided you are well prepared and have adequate navigation skills. When in doubt, we recommend to book a guided hike during which you acquire more in-depth knowledge about local geology, fauna and flora at the same time.

Many recommended hikes can be found in our self-guided hikes application. Here you can select hikes depending on the desired length, level of difficulty, distance from the lodge etc. When you have found the perfect hike, you can download it straight to your smarthphone by scanning the QR-code and navigate with the help of Komoot. Never forget to check the weather forecast at your destination, before setting of for a trip. When it’s nice, warm and sunny in the valley, that doesn’t mean it will be the same on a mountain top or later during the day. Make also sure to always take extra layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, enough food/snacks and drinks. There are no shops, bars and restaurants in the Norwegian mountains.

An extensive network of hiking trails is waiting right at our doorstep, partly signposted by DNT with the famous red T’s. They also exploit several of the mountain cabins, both staffed or self-serviced, which guarantee a comfortable stay during multiday trips. Not to mention the numerous shelters that offer some kind of protection from the elements too. Thanks to the Norwegian everyone’s right you can roam freely (almost) wherever you want, even on private owned land, but it’s advised to stay on tracks as much as possible. This in order not to damage vulnerable plant life such as the grey/greenish reindeer lichen. Or what about spending the night outside in a tent? Just make sure to keep a minumum 150m distance from private buildings, stay for a maximum of 2 nights on the same spot and make sure to respect the ‘leave no trace’ principle. Take into account that it’s forbidden to make wild fires between 15.4 and 15.9.

Be ready to explore spectacular mountain scenery, endless spruce/birch forests, admire spectacular waterfalls and drink fresh water straight from countless small rivers. There are good chances as well to spot wildlife including moose, flocks of wild reindeer, musk ox and birds. Did you know that the complete Scandinavian big 5 of predators also have their natural habitat over here? Think of red/arctic fox, wolf, bear, wolverine and lynx. However know that our wildlife is very shy towards humans and they deserve to be left in peace and quiet. Especially wild reindeer are very prone to disturbance and eventual encounters should be handled with extreme caution. When spotting a flock of wild reindeer: don’t go any closer, stay quiet and observe them from a distance with binoculars to avoid them start running. Please make yourself familiar with the wild reindeer rules before setting off for a trip in wild reindeer territory. Also be aware that dogs should always be kept on a leash in Norway from 1.4 until 20.8 (general rule). Within the national parks Rondane and Dovre this even applies from 1.3 until 20.8. However each municipality can impose stricter rules and fines are very expensive, so it’s recommended to keep dogs always on a leash when in doubt.

You are very welcome to come to the reception for hike suggestions or to buy a detailed hiking map for 240 NOK. We also recommend to install the free of charge app Norgeskart Outdoors, which offers you the most detailed digital hiking map of entire Norway and is a great help when navigating. Transfers for one-way hikes can also be arranged upon request. Please contact us for more information and prices.

The following activities you can do on your own:

• Hiking: make use of our self-guided hike application. Here you can select hikes depending on the desired length, level of difficulty, distance from the lodge etc. When you have found the perfect hike, you can download it straight to your smarthphone by scanning the QR-code and navigate with the help of Komoot.
• Cycling:rent our normal, fatbike or e-bikes and cycle through little Alaska. t’s a 45km roundtrip on both paved and gravel roads around mount Pika. The route winds through open farmland, dense birch/pine forest and along remote rivers valleys which for many are surprisingly similar to Alaska. With a bit of luck it’s not unusual to spot moose, reindeer or other wild animals.
• Canoeing from the lodge: you can paddle a short stretch on Vulua-river and cross the Setningen lake. At the end of the lake there is a nice shelter where you can relax and make a fire. The distance is 4km oneway and you need to paddle a bit upstreams on the way back.
• Canoeing on Atna-river: You drive about 20 minutes to Strømbu viewpoint for signing up. Then you are transferred to the starting point in Eiriksrud. Here you get the canoes and other equipment before setting off. You paddle the Atna river downstreams about 12km until reaching Strømbu again. Leave the canoes and equipment at the shore before driving back to the lodge.
• Fishing: the rivers and lakes surrounding Rondane River Lodge are bursting of trout and arctic char. Fishing license can be bought at the reception and we also have a few simple fishing rods for rent. You can also rent a rowing boat on Setningen or Finnsjøen lake.
• Pole hunting and geocashing: make hiking even more exciting while improving your navigation skills.
• Frisbee golf: there is a 9 and 18 holes frisbee golf playground on Venabygdsfjellet. It’s free to use and disks can be rented at the Kiwi supermarket.
• Indoor swimming: you can go to Spidsbergseter or Fron Badeland.

Rondane River Lodge enjoys a short but abundant summer with almost 24 hours daylight from May to August. Plenty of options are waiting for water and mountain sports enthousiasts. Not to forget the abundant wildlife of course. Rondane River Lodge offers a wide range of guided activities. Also multiday trips with overnight in mountain cabins or tents can be arranged. The choice is all yours! We recommend to book in advance as soon as possible.

Click on the following activities for more information:

• Guided hiking
• Guided e-bike trip through little Alaska
• Guided e-bike trip to Breisjøseter and hiking Storsølnkletten
• Moose safari by car
• Musk ox safari on foot
• Horse riding in different levels/durations
• Full day guided hike together with a local sheep herder
• White water rafting in Sjoa Valley
• Canyoning in Sjoa Valley
• Guided fishing introduction
• Cultural program goat farm/church/cheese factory
• Visit and breakfast at a traditional summer goat farm

Please note activities can be weather dependent and some activities require a minimum number of participants.

We sell fishing licenses from Atna Fiskeforening:

• 140 NOK for 1 day
• 210 NOK for 2 days
• 275 NOK for 3 days
• 400 NOK for 1 week
• 670 NOK for a seasonal license

You can get more information about the fishing area at the reception.

A simple fishing rod can be rented for 200 NOK per day (excluding bait and fishing license).

A fishing boat on lake Setningen or Finnsjøen can be rented for 250 NOK per day.

There is an outdoor wood-fired sauna and hot-tub available for our guests. What’s better than enjoying the relaxing warmth after an active day out in the fresh Norwegian air? And feel completely reborn after a plunge in the river!

Prices:

• 90 minutes private use of the wood-fired sauna = 500 NOK + 100 NOK per person including towel, bathrobe, fresh fruit and spring water.
• 120 minutes private use of the wood-fired sauna and hot-tub = 2000 NOK + 100 NOK per person including towel, bathrobe, fresh fruit and spring water.

Please book your desired timeslot at the reception, preferably at least 1 day in advance. It takes at least 1 hour to heat up the sauna and 4 to 5 hours for the hot tub. Maximum 6 persons can use the facilities together.

We rent the following directly from Rondane River Lodge:

• 400 NOK per canoe for a full day
• 350 NOK per fatbike for a full day (only adult size)
• 850 NOK per ebike for a full day (only adult size)

You can also rent 2 rowing boats on the lakes Setningen and Finnsjøen:

• 250 NOK for a full day

We also cooperate with Strømbu Rasteplass along Rondaneveien for canoe and bicycle rental:

• 450 NOK per canoe for the first day
• 250 NOK per canoe from the second day
• 250 NOK per bicycle for a full day

Rescue vests and paddles are always included in the rental price.

Other gear and camping equipment that can be rented:

• Hiking poles for 100 NOK per pair per day
• Goretex gaiters for 50 NOK per pair per day
• Trekking backpack 60-100l for 150 NOK per day
• Child carrier backpack for 200 NOK per day
• 2 persons tent for 400 NOK per night
• 4 persons tent for 500 NOK per night
• Sleeping bag and mattress for 150 NOK per night
• Cooking stove and utensils incl. fuel for 150 NOK per day

We recommend making reservations in advance as availability is limited and first come first serve.

Sollia, our hometown, is a scenic mountain village located in the northwestern part of Stor-Elvdal. Nestled within the Østerdalen district, the village sits along the sunny hillsides of the Setninga and Atna river valleys. It’s widely celebrated as a tranquil gateway to the iconic Rondane National Park. There live about a 100 people permanently mostly working with livestock farming and forestry.

Worth to visit while in Sollia:

• Sollia Church: an 18th-century wooden log church built in 1737, serving as the historical and cultural center of the valley. Visiting the church inside is only possible with a guide upon request.
• Atnbrufossen: located where the Atna river flows out of Lake Atnsjøen, this picturesque waterfall once served as a vintage hydropower plant for the timber-floating industry.
• Sollia War History Museum: situated on the preserved historic Amperhaugen farm, this site holds a highly interesting collection of artifacts from World War II
• Øverdalssætra Summer Cafe: a traditional mountain goat farm with summer café, located 900m above sea level. You can drive up here in about 15 minutes from the lodge (last part is a quite steep gravel road). The cafe is open between 1/7 and 10/8 from 12:00 until 18:00 and serves traditional norwegian mountain food. You can also join the milking process of the goats either in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Sollia Ysteriet: the local goat cheese factory is open from 12.00 until 16.00 during high season, but you can make an appointment too. Here you can taste traditionally made goat cheese and home-made cakes. You find the ‘Ysteriet’ next to the main road in Sollia when driving just 15 minutes southeast in the direction of Atna. When not open, it’s also possible to buy cheese from the self-serviced fridge.

Rondane National Park was established in 1962 as the first national park in Norway, mainly to protect the more than 2000 wild reindeer which have their home here. Rondane is a park of contrasts, from barren high alpine peaks to gentle slopes with cozy mountain farms and spectacular waterfalls. It covers almost 1.000 km2 and in the heart of the park, 10 peaks reach over 2000m above sea level. It requires a certain level of sure-footedness to navigate over the stony and by times steep terrain. On the outskirts of the park, there are many lighter hikes in more varied terrain, mostly suitable for recreactional hiking. There are no restrictions on where you can hike in the park, but when encountering wild reindeer, do remember they get easily disturbed by humans. So please stay on marked trails as much as possible and slowly move away from them.

Rondane has a relatively mild climate, making it one of the safer areas for avoiding hiking in pouring rain. Low precipitation means less snow in the winter and the hiking season will often start in early June, which can be a up to a month earlier than other Norwegian high mountain areas. September is probably the most beautiful time of the year when you can enjoy the golden autumn colours and search for berries and mushrooms.

More information and specific rules which you have to take into account when exploring the national park, can be found on this link.

Dovrefjell National Park has a varied landscape with a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking nature. The contrasts are great, from the dramatic almost alpine scenery with waterfalls in the northwest, to the rounded mountains and dry climate in the east. Great variation offers a range of experiences as varied as the landscape. The park contains an almost intact ecosystem that includes wild reindeer, wolverines, arctic foxes, ravens and golden eagles. And the only Norwegian population of musk oxen also lives in Dovrefjell.

The musk ox died out during the last Ice Age, but where reintroduced from Greenland between 1932 and 1953. The cold and dry climate of Dovrefjell suites their compact bodies and robust coat. You can follow the marked Musk Ox Trail from Kongsvold or Grønbakken and search for musk ox on your own. But you can significantly increase your chances when being accommpanied by a knowledgeable guide. Musk ox safaris are organized daily during the summer season and you can find more information here.

Dovrefjell National Park offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. You can walk, ski and spend the night wherever you want. Snøhetta (2286m) is the most majestic peak within the park’s boundaries. It was once believed to be the highest mountain in Norway. The mostly used trails to the summit are signposted by DNT (The Norwegian Mountain Association) which also exploits the cabins Snøheim and Reinheim. Alternatively you can learn more about the history and wildlife of the area at the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre at Tverrfjellet near Hjerkinn.

Last but not least you should not miss out on visiting the spectacular Snøhetta Viewpoint. The building was designed by Snøhetta architects and opened in 2011. It was commissioned by the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre. The pavilion is a boxed-steel construction, with a large glass surface facing Snøhetta mountain to the north, and an organic, undulating wooden shape to the south. The building is open and accessible during the summer months and is just 20 minutes walk from the car park at Tverrfjellet. On the way up a series of stone slabs tells the history of Dovrefjell over the last 10000 years. The building has won several international awards.

More information and specific rules which you have to take into account when exploring the national park, can be found on this link.

Rondanevegen is one of the 18 national scenic road sections in Norway. It runs from Muen and Sollia Church in the south to Folldal in the north along the east side of Rondane National Park. The views constantly switch between cultural landscapes and majestic mountains. There are many interesting places which invite you to stop a little longer.

The drive along the so called ‘Blue Mountains’ is a voyage of discovery in nature, culture and geology.

From south to north you will pass the following highlights:

• Muen mountain
• Sollia church
• Sollia Osteriet goat cheese factory and café
• Atnbrufossen waterfall and Vannbruksmuseum
• Atnasjø lake and café
• Viewpoint Sohlbergplassen
• Kjøllen rest area and viewpoint with a mosaic artwork from Matias Faldbakken
• Rest area Strømbu along Atna river
• Mines and viewpoint Folldal Gruver

Click here for more information about Rondanevegen.

Venabygdsfjellet is the vast mountain plateau south of Rondane National Park which you pass on the way between Rondane River Lodge and Ringebu. It lies at an altitude between 850 and 1000m, partly in the birch forest belt and partly above the tree line. It enjoys a stable and snow-proof winter climate from December to April. As a result it’s one of the best known areas for cross country skiing in Norway with wide views in all directions. Over 160km of perfectly groomed skiing trails are waiting for beginners and more advanced skiers. It’s also the starting point of the famous Troll-loypa.

Venabygdsfjellet is only snow free between June and September. During the summer it offers great opportunities for mountain biking and hiking. We can definitely recommend the short hikes to Myfallet, a powerful waterfall which falls into a narrow gorge and Muen, a prominent mountain top overlooking the plateau and Rondane National Park. Several DNT mountain huts are also within reach for multiday trekkings.

Click here for more information about Venabygdsfjellet.

Friisveien (Fv 2204) serves as a historic and highly scenic mountain route, known specifically for being the highest mountain pass connecting Norway’s prominent Gudbrandsdalen and Østerdalen valleys. The road spans roughly 50 kilometers and runs directly from the center of Ringebu up through the mountains to Atna in Stor-Elvdal. It functions strictly as a seasonal wilderness road although completely asphalted. The high-mountain pass section between Øksendalen and Storfjellsætra closes late every autumn (usually late October) due to heavy winter snow. The pass reopens for traffic no earlier than 15th of May each spring.

The Ringebufjellet area is home to freely roaming wild reindeer herds. Drivers and motorcyclists should navigate carefully, as animals frequently cross the road unpredictably. Peaking at 1.158 meters above sea level, the open plateaus offer expansive, panoramic views of dense forests, mountain bogs and nearby alpine peaks.

Dørålvegen is a spectacular and historic mountain toll road that takes you deep into the northern expanses of Rondane National Park. It branches off from road 27 (the Norwegian Scenic Route Rondane) near Stadsbuøyen and stretches for about 12 kilometers through the striking Døråldalen valley.

This is strictly a summer road which usually opens in early June (depending on snow conditions) and closes when the autumn snow arrives in October. It is a narrow, unpaved gravel road with frequent passing pockets. It winds through an open, lichen-covered alpine landscape, offering completely unobstructed views of the jagged 2.000 meter peaks of northern Rondane.

• Nedre Dørålseter: a traditional, privately owned mountain lodge offering local food and accommodation.
• Øvre Dørålseter: a historic lodge run in cooperation with the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT), serving mountain meals and catering to hikers.

The Døråldalen valley is a geological wonder, heavily shaped by the last ice age with massive moraine terraces and deep canyons. It serves as one of the best gateways for exploring the national park further on foot.

Grimsdalsvegen is a famous, scenic mountain gravel road running through Grimsdalen, often called “the world’s most beautiful mountain farming valley”. This 40km gravel road connects Dovre (from the west) to Folldal (at Fallet in the east). Driving from east to west provides exceptional panoramic views of both Rondane and Dovrefjell national parks. Even the highest peaks of Norway, in Jotunheimen National Park can be seen from a distance. The road is managed privately and automated camera tolls are operated via the YouPark system. The pass is closed during winter. It normally opens on June 5th and closes around December 1st. The connected side-road, Haverdalsvegen, opens slightly later on June 15th.

Active traditional summer mountain farming (seterdrift) dates back to the 1600s here. You will pass active livestock pastures and idyllic old wooden farms like Tollevshaugen. The road is a core segment of the famous Tour de Dovre bicycle route, a popular loop for gravel cycling and bikepacking. About half way you will pass Grimsdalshytta, a serviced mountain hut operated by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). It’s a nice place to stop for a drink and local food such as traditional sour cream waffles (rømmevafler).

Folldal is a mountain municipality bordered directly by Rondane National Park and Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park. It sits at a relatively high elevation, meaning the alpine environment begins right at the edge of the village center. The Folldal Mines (Folldal Gruver) are one of Norway’s 15 most critical technical-industrial cultural heritage sites. Copper mining began here in 1748 and lasted until the late 1960s. Today, you can take a guided museum train deep into the old mine shafts during the summer season (June to August). It’s a very interesting excursion, also with kids, especially on a bad weather day. The nearby museum is also well worth a visit where you can even see a stuffed mammoth!

Branching off from Folldal, Einunndalen is a magnificent, 55km long mountain valley widely recognized as ‘Norges lengste seterdal’ (Norway’s longest traditional summer farming valley). Unlike many valleys where old mountain dairy farms (setre) have been converted into modern holiday cabins, Einunndalen maintains active, traditional summer farming. From mid-June through August, local farmers bring their dairy cattle and goats up to the valley to graze on lush mountain pastures. A private toll road cuts straight through the valley. You can enter either from Dalholen in the west or Moskardet/Grimsbu in the east. The road is winter-closed and normally reopens to vehicle traffic around May 28th to June 1st, depending on how fast the snow melts and the gravel dries up.

Lillehammer and Gudbrandsdalen represent the heart of traditional Norwegian culture, Olympic history and rugged alpine landscapes. Lillehammer sits at the northern tip of Lake Mjøsa and acts as the gateway to the valley. It is highly celebrated for its pedestrian street (Storgata), lined with historic wooden houses.

Worth to visit:

• Olympic Legacy: explore the venues of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Visit the Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena for panoramic views, ride a bobsleigh at the Lillehammer Olympic Sliding Center or browse the interactive Norwegian Olympic Museum.
• Cultural Highlights: step back in time at Maihaugen, one of Norway’s largest open-air museums with over 200 historic buildings. For fine arts, check out the architecturally striking Lillehammer Art Museum.
• Historic waterways: ride the DS Skibladner, the world’s oldest operating paddle steamer still in scheduled service.

Stretching 230 kilometers north, Gudbrandsdalen is a dramatic valley carved by the Gudbrandsdalslågen river. It is deeply rooted in folklore, farm tourism and severe mountain terrain. The lower part of the valley is highly family-friendly. Children enjoy Hunderfossen Adventure Park (built around traditional Norwegian fairy tales) and Lilleputthammer, a miniature replica of Lillehammer town designed for smaller children.

Ringebu is a picturesque mountain municipality located in the middle of the Gudbrandsdalen valley and the nearest commercial centre about 40 minutes driving from the lodge. Its vibrant administrative center, Vålebrua, was established in 1899 and operates as a beautifully preserved, traditional village center. The famous Ringebu Stave Church is located 3 kilometers southeast of the village center. This striking wooden church dates back to approximately 1220 and is one of only 28 remaining authentic stave churches in Norway. It stands out due to its distinctive red 17th-century spire. Right next to the church sits the historic rectory, which acts as a cultural center holding art exhibitions, a pottery workshop and a rose garden.

Click here for more information about Lillehammer and Gudbrandsdalen.

Røros and Femunden form a spectacular destination where UNESCO-protected living history meets one of Northern Europe’s last great wilderness frontiers. Located in central Norway, this region offers a stark, beautiful transition from an iconic 17th-century wooden mining town to an expansive labyrinth of pristine lakes and pine forests.

Perched 628 meters above sea level, Røros (Bergstaden) is a remarkably preserved copper mining town founded in 1644. Unlike an open-air museum, it is a bustling, functional community where locals still live and work inside historic properties. Røros is widely celebrated as one of Norway’s most prominent local food capitals. The harsh sub-arctic climate causes crops and livestock to grow slowly, concentrating rich, distinct flavors.

Worth to visit:

• Historic Streets: walk down Kjerkgata and Bergmannsgata to find local design stores, workshops, and cozy cafes like the century-old Trygstad Bakeri.
• Slegghaugan & Sleggveien: explore the iconic slag heaps (remains from copper smelting) and the tiny, authentic, blackened timber miners’ cottages lining Sleggveien.
• Røros Church (Bergstadens Ziir): built in 1784 by the Copper Works, this towering white stone landmark seats 1.600 people and stands as one of Norway’s most architecturally significant churches.
• Olav’s Mine (Olavsgruva): head 13 kilometers outside town to take a guided tour 50m deep into the mountain plains to see 300 years of mining history firsthand.
• Sami culture: the region is deeply tied to Southern Sami reindeer herding. Visitors can feed reindeer, ride sleds, and taste traditional dishes around an open fire at Koia restaurant.

An hour south of Røros lies Lake Femunden, Norway’s third-largest lake, bordering Femundsmarka National Park, a legendary paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Østerdalen is one of Norway’s longest and most distinct valleys, stretching from the wilderness borders of Røros down towards Elverum. Carved by the Glomma, Norway’s longest river, this region is characterized by vast, silent pine forests, rolling mountain tundras, rich wildlife and deep-rooted cultural traditions.

Unlike the steep, dramatic fjords of western Norway, Østerdalen offers an expansive, peaceful and atmospheric landscape that appeals to those looking to escape the crowds. The valley floor is covered by massive pine forests that form the westernmost tip of the Siberian Taiga. Østerdalen is also famous for having Europe’s densest population of moose. Keep an eye out for the world’s tallest moose statue, Storelgen (The Big Elk) standing 10m tall along road 3 between Atna and Koppang.

Worth a visit:

• Elverum & The Norwegian Forestry Museum: located at the southern entrance of the valley, Elverum features the Norwegian Forestry Museum and Anno Museum which focuses on the history of hunting, fishing, and forestry that shaped Norway.
• Alvdal: visit the Aukrust Centre in Alvdal to experience the whimsical world, inventions, and drawings of Kjell Aukrust, one of Norway’s most beloved cultural personalities.
• Jutulhogget: one of Northern Europe’s largest and deepest canyons. Located on the border between the Alvdal and Rendalen municipalities, it cuts a dramatic 2.4km long scar right through the mountains.

Click here for more information about Østerdalen.