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    • PRACTICAL INFORMATION BEFORE ARRIVAL - WINTER

    We look forward to your stay with us. In order to make your stay as pleasant as possible, we would like to share some important practical information with you.

     

    1. How to reach Rondane River Lodge?

     

    Rondane River Lodge is situated in beautiful Sollia at an altitude of 780m above sea level. The crystal clear Vulua river flows through our garden and our nearest neighbours are the Rondane and Dovrefjell National Parks. Located midway between Oslo and Trondheim, along one of Norway’s 18 national scenic routes, this is a great place to stay for a relaxing holiday or an overnight stop.

     

    Coming by plane

    The most convenient way to travel from abroad is by plane. There are good connections to Oslo Gardermoen Airport from most European cities. At the airport you can rent a car or take the train. If you come by public transport, we recommend to take the train to Atna station. There is at least one direct train between Oslo Airport per day and more options when changing in Hamar station. We can arrange a transfer from Atna train station to Rondane River Lodge for 900 NOK one way (up to 8 persons). This needs to be booked in advance.

     

    Please notice it’s not recommended to take the train to Ringebu station during winter because of the road across the mountains (between Ringebu and Enden) can be closed in case of heavy wind or snowfall! If you decide to arrive in Ringebu during winter, it’s at your own risk and you might end up having to pay for a 3-4 hours transfer around the mountains or even have to stay overnight on the other side of the mountain.

     

    Coming by car

    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 you should count about 4 hours driving time to reach Rondane River Lodge. Maybe your navigation system will tell you to follow a different route but be aware that you might end up driving an extra 3 hours because of the road across the mountains (between Ringebu and Enden) being closed in case of severe wind and snowfall. The actual road conditions can be checked on www.vegvesen.no and www.vy.no for the most accurate weather forecast.

     

    It’s therefore better to follow the following route:

    1. After leaving Oslo or Gardermoen Airport, you drive in the direction of Trondheim on the E6.
    2. Take exit number 65 (Kolomoen) to the right in the direction of RV3 Tynset/Elverum.
    3. Just before Elverum you come to a roundabout. Take the second exit on to RV3 in the direction of Rena/Koppang/Alvdal/Tynset. You have another 2 to 3 hours to go from here.
    4. Stay on the RV3 until you are about 25 kilometers behind Koppang. Here you leave the RV3 and take a left turn on RV219 in the direction of Sollia/Folldal.
    5. After another 40 kilometers you will be at Rondane River Lodge. You will see us on your left hand side 200m behind the crossing to Ringebu, where you drive straight forward towards Folldal.
    6. Most probably you will have a beautiful trip through the winter landscapes as soon as you are heading up in the mountains, but if you need help or get lost, keep our telephone number at hand and give us a call. Respect the speed limits! It is very expensive if you drive too fast. If you see a blue sign with a camera on it, you can be sure there is a speed camera to be expected soon.

     

    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. Please make sure to refuel in Norway when you come with your own car, especially when using Diesel, as it has been adapted to the arctic winter conditions in Norway. Snow chains are not often used in Norway and most cars have winter tires (no all season!) or spikes. It can be wise to bring snow chains if you have them anyway in case of heavy snowfall.

     

    2. Do I need a car?

     

    We get this question often. This is highly depending on what you aim for. If you plan on relaxing, wandering and hiking or skiing in the nearby mountains, coming without a car is perfectly possible. Also a lot of our offered activities, can be arranged with transfers for an extra cost.

     

    If you plan on visiting the wider region, towns or want to lunch in various locations, this might be more difficult without a car. A few activities we offer also require own transportation. Please notice there is no public bus stopping at Rondane River Lodge.

     

    Please also consider the nearest shop 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. For lunch we serve a limited offer of soup and waffles or you can ask for a lunch package.

     

    Free parking is available in front of the hotel. All log cabins offer free parking space right next to them. We also offer possibility to charge electric cars for 100 NOK per night. At the moment we only have a normal power outlet but we are in the process of installing car charging stations.

     

    3. Check-in

     

    • All guests are welcomed at the hotel reception, where 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.

     

    4. Hotel building

     

    • 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 100 NOK per night.

     

    5. Log cabins

     

    • Bed linen and towels can be rented for 190 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.
    • Final cleaning can be done by yourself or ordered for 490 NOK (small cabin) or 590 NOK (big cabin). We do a check upon departure if you decide to clean yourself. More information underneath.
    • 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 100 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 100 NOK per night.

     

    6. Final cleaning of the cabins

     

    • When you choose NOT to do the final cleaning of the cabin yourself, we expect you to:
      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 (490 NOK for a small cabin – 590 NOK for a big cabin).
    • When you choose to do the final cleaning of the cabin yourself, we expect you to:
      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.
      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.
      7. Take the ashes out of the stove and throw it in the iron bin in the garbage area.
      8. Turn off the lights when leaving. Leave the heating on during winter.

     

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

     

    7. Environmental policy – Greenkey

     

    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.
    • We have a normal outdoor power outlet for charging electric cars which works during nighttime. Please inform us before using it. We charge a reasonable 100 NOK per night.

     

    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, 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.

     

    8. Internet access

     

    • You can use the wireless network RRLguest free of charge. Use the password RondaneRiverLodge to access the network.
    • Due to our remote location the connection is unfortunately not always stable. We are sorry for this. Often the connection is slightly better in the main building than in the cabins.

     

    9. Restaurant

     

    • Breakfast is served daily from 8.00 until 10.00 for 190 NOK per adult and 115 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 100 NOK per adult and 60 NOK per child 3-11 years. You can order lunch packages on the breakfast menu. We provide you with 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 more limited selection of soup, cake or waffles. Please check the menu at the reception.
    • A three-course dinner is served at 19.00 for 590 NOK per adult and 355 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.
    • On Christmas Eve (24/12) and New Year’s Eve (31/12) we serve a festive tasting menu for 990 NOK per adult and 595 NOK per child 3-11 years. Weather permitting, we also arrange tobogganing, a short torchlight tour and glühwein or warm berry juice around the open fire.
    • 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.

     

    10. Elt Bakeri

     

    • 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 (65 NOK) – sourdough bread (85 NOK) – bread roll (12 NOK) – currant bun (30 NOK) – cinnamon bun (50 NOK).

     

    11. Wellness

     

    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 totally reborn after a plunge in the river or snow?

     

    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.

     

    Carpe diem plunge (60 minutes):

    Make your sauna session even more memorable with a refreshing plunge in the river. Our instructor will help you facing the icy water with a combination of breathing exercises, dynamic stretching and a relaxing after dip sauna ceremony.

    750 NOK for 1-6 persons

     

    Early morning social sauna and carpe diem plunge during summer:

    During summer season (20/6-18/08) you can sign up, until the evening before, for our social sauna sessions. They will be announced on spot and include an early morning carpe diem plunge followed by a sauna session and infusion ceremony. This offer is open to all guests.

    300 NOK per person (min. 2 and max. 6 persons)

    Towel and bathrobe can be rented optionally for 100 NOK per person

     

    12. How to dress in winter?

     

    You are travelling to one of the coldest areas in Europe, so it’s important to bring good winter clothes. Norwegians say there is no bad weather, just bad clothing!

     

    Here are some tips to stay warm and dry:

    • Wear several layers with enough space in between. This leaves more space for air to insulate you.
    • Good thermal underwear is the most important layer. We recommend to bring underwear in merino-wool with long sleeves and trouser legs. Wool gives most warmth even when getting wet. You can also wear it several days in a row without it starting to smell.
    • The middle layer can be adapted according to temperatures and your personal preference. We advice for example a turtleneck pullover and/or a sweater in wool or fleece. Avoid cotton and synthetic materials as much as possible as they often become uncomfortable when getting wet.
    • The outer layer should be wind and waterproof. Most ski pants and jackets will do but a shell jacket and pants (without padding) are to prefer as you can more easily regulate by using several thin layers instead of a few thick ones. On dry days a more breathable wind stopper can be a good alternative too, especially when sweating. Ideally you have some vents or zippers allowing fresh air to cool you down when active.
    • Don’t forget to bring sturdy hiking boots or winter boots preferably Gore-Tex and insulated if possible. Wear a warm pair of woolen socks in them.
    • Last but not least you need a warm hat, buff or balaclava, scarf and gloves. Mittens are warmest but we recommend to wear a thin pair of liner gloves underneath when you want to take them out to eat or take a picture for example.

     

    Some other equipment you may find useful:

    • Backpack to store some extra pieces of clothing, camera or lunch package
    • Sunglasses, cold cream (without water), sun cream and lip balm
    • Swimming suit
    • Head light or flashlight
    • Thermos bottle
    • Heat packs (can be bought also at the lodge)
    • Comfortable clothing for inside, the dress code is informal.
    • A pair of sneakers or slippers for inside (and eventually to be used for the sauna)
    • Toiletries and personal medication
    • Camera (with extra batteries) and other personal stuff

     

    We have also thermal winter boots and thermal suits for rent which cope temperatures until -40° C.

     

    13. Equipment rental?

     

    We have different kind of winter equipment for rent:

    • Snowshoes (200 NOK per pair per day)
    • Ice skates in sizes 29-45 (100 NOK per pair per day)
    • Backcountry ski’s and boots for adults (300 NOK per pair day + 100 NOK for skins)
    • Sledges when taking with you (100 NOK per sledge per day)
    • Ice fishing equipment (300 NOK per day + 125 NOK per day for fishing license)
    • Thermal winter boots in some sizes (100 NOK per day or 400 NOK per week)
    • Thermal suit in some sizes (125 NOK per day or 500 NOK per week)
    • Pulk or children’s pulk (250 NOK per day)
    • Fatbike (350 NOK per day)

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

    You are free to use the sledges at the premises of Rondane River Lodge without extra charge.

    We cooperate with Venabu Fjellhotel for the rental of cross-country material.

    Prices: 365 NOK per day – 575 NOK for 2 days – 685 NOK for 3 days – 910 NOK for 7 days

     

    We can also arrange cross country and backcountry ski lessons in different levels.

     

    14. Activities

     

    We can arrange following guided activities depending on availability:

    • Snowshoe hike (2 hours) = 1500 NOK + 200 NOK per extra person
    • Snowshoe hike (4 hours) = 2500 NOK + 500 NOK per extra person
    • Snowshoe hike (6 hours) = 3250 NOK + 800 NOK per extra person
    • Evening snowshoe hike (2-3 hours) = 2100 NOK + 400 NOK per extra person
    • Ice fishing (3 hours) = 2100 NOK + 400 NOK per extra person excl. fishing license
    • Dogsled safari in Randsverk (2-3 hours) = 1850 NOK per adult and 1200 NOK per child 3-11
    • Dogsled safari in Randsverk (6-7 hours) = 2795 NOK per adult (1 person per sled)
    • Horse sleigh ride + lavvu experience (1 hour) = 535 NOK per adult and 285 NOK per child until 10
    • Scheduled musk ox safari (5-6 hours) = 850 NOK per person
    • Private musk ox safari (5-6 hours) = 3900 NOK (1-2 persons) + 300 NOK per extra person
    • Cultural program (goats/church/cheese factory) = 390 NOK per adult and 235 NOK per child 3-11

     

    Click here for more information about all winter activities we offer.

     

    For swimming you can go to:

    • Spidsbergseter Resort (15 minutes) = 220 NOK per adult and 110 NOK per child 5-14y
    • Fron Badeland Vinstra (45 minutes) = 145 NOK per adult and 110 NOK per child 2-16y

     

    We can also arrange transfers depending on availability: prices on request.

     

    When you have reserved activities in advance, you will receive your final schedule when checking in. Please come to the reception on time just before the start of your scheduled activity and take into account that road 27 between Enden and Ringebu can be temporarily closed due to severe weather conditions. The status of the road can be checked on www.vegvesen.no. We reserve the right for alterations in your program.

     

    We also recommend a visit to the local goat cheese farm ‘Ysteriet’ in Sollia. During winter they are open on Saturday and Sunday from 12.00 until 16.00 but you can make an appointment too. Here you can buy traditionally made goat cheese and taste home-made cakes in the café. You find the ‘Ysteriet’ next to the main road in Sollia when driving just 10 minutes south in the direction of Atna.

     

    You can combine it with a visit to Sollia church which is one of the best-preserved wooden churches in Norway. Please contact Stein Vaaler on +47/46 89 14 45 for guiding or ask us.

     

    15. Cross country skiing and skating

     

    Weather permitting you are welcome to use the 400m cross-country trail in the field right next to us. It’s ideally for children to learn the basic skills or to do some warming up on a cold morning. Please be aware it’s on private property and don’t walk between the houses of our kind neighbors. On the opposite side of the road there is a cross-country trail going up to the mountain Pika and connecting to Øverdalssætra (7km one way). The first part is very steep (skins recommended) but it becomes better once you have crossed the tree level. The trail is prepared once a week, but conditions can vary due to wind and snowfall. Other nice cross-country trails in our valley are Finnsjørunden (13km starting from Skogli Camping) and Volarunden (9km starting from Rondetunet). In just 20 minutes you also reach Venabygdsfjellet with over 150km of very well-maintained cross-country trails. Check www.skisporet.no (Sollia) or www.loyper.net (Venabygd) for actual conditions or ask in the reception for more information.

     

    When the weather permits it, you can also use the ice-skating rink which is plowed on Setningen lake. Access from the shelter at Sjøli on the southern edge of the lake, 4km in the direction of Atna. Skates can be rented at Rondane River Lodge (100 NOK per day). Please notice skating is at your own risk. We kindly ask not to make hulls in the ice rink for ice fishing or throw any snow on the ice.

     

    The best applications, useful for navigating in the Norwegian mountains are Ut and Norgeskart Outdoors.

     

    16. Supermarket

     

    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

    Special opening times during Christmas, New Year and Easter.

    Check www.joker.no/finn-butikk/joker-atnbrua.

     

    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

    Special opening times during Christmas, New Year and Easter.

    Check https://kiwi.no/Finn-butikk/kiwi-229-venabygdfjellet/.

     

    17. Payment

     

    We accept both cash (Norwegian Crowns) and all major debit/credit cards. 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 Inatur or a tour operator you have already paid in advance and it’s only required to pay for eventual extras.

     

    18. Feedback

     

    Since we started as the new owners quite recently, we would love to hear your eventual remarks and comments. Please do not hesitate to share them with us, so we can take them into consideration for future improvements.

     

    We appreciate it also very much when writing some kind words in our guest book or on Tripadvisor when leaving us.

     

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

     

    Rondane River Lodge AS

    Rondeveien 34 – 2477 Sollia (Norway)

    E-mail: info@rondaneriverlodge.no

    Telephone: (+47) 62 46 37 20