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Rondane Hut-to-Hut 2008

Rondane National Park, Norway
Hut-to-Hut

The Trip

For those who are interested in a traditional Norwegian hut-to-hut hiking experience, we are offering a hike through Rondane National Park. Established as Norway’s first National Park in 1962, this is an intriguing and much beloved hiking area. With the Rondane massif as its centerpiece, many regard these mountains as the finest and most beautiful in Norway. A much-celebrated painting by Harald Sohlberg of the Rondane Mountains of Rondeslottet and Hogronden, called "Winter night in the Mountains", hangs in the National Gallery in Oslo.

The park is divided into three distinct groups of mountains, all over 2,000 meters, or roughly 6,600 feet, in elevation. To the east are Rondvasshogda, Storronden, and the highest of all Rondeslottet at 2,178 meters. To the west are Smiubelgen with Veslesmeden (2,016), Storsmeden (2,017') and Sagtinden (2,018') all linked by narrow saddles creating a wild and picturesque cirque. The third group, divided from Rondvasshogda and Smiubelgen by the deep valley of Langglupdalen, consists of (2,114'), Midtronden and Digerronden.

Beginning in the north of the park, we will hike south through this landscape carved by the Ice Age. Impressive, barren mountains, narrow canyons and deep cirques characterize this high plateau that is still home to Norway’s last herd of wild reindeer. By staying in classic huts and mountain lodges, and hiking past ancient trapping sites, through the expansive terrain that lies beneath the guiding peaks of Hogronden, Midtronden, and Digerronden, Norway’s robust natural and cultural history should reveal itself abundantly.

We will begin and end our trip in the vibrant mountain resort town of Lillehammer, site of the 1994 Winter Olympics.

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Itinerary

Day 1:Independent travel to the hotel in Lillehammer.

Day 2: Transfer by bus to Sletten. Our transfer from Lillehammer to our farm at Sletten will take the better part of the day. At the foot of the Dovrefjell mountain range, we'll leave the E6 heading east to Sletten and our accommodations for the night.

Day 3: Hike from Sletten to Grimsdalshytta. This area is rich in evidence of ancient Viking settlements dating back to 800 AD. Near the Grimsdalshytta are said to be graves from this period, and there are also remnants of animal pit traps in the area as well.

Day 4: Hike to Øvre Dørålseter . From Grimsdalshytta, we cross the bridge over the Grimsa River, and begin our climb up to the flat terrain between the peaks of Gravho and Gravhodalseter. Crossing this plain, we then descend through woods to the valley of Haverdalen. We ascend again following a stream up the slope of Stygghoin into the wild, rocky gap Doralglupen surrounded by fairytale-like mountains. We'll end our day at the hut at Øvre Dørålseter.

Day 5: Today we will head southwest up the Doralen valley. Our route will trace the river for couple of kilometers before turning south. Our gradual ascent traces the west of the stream of Bergedalsbekken, past a series of small lakes bringing us to the junction of three valleys, the Bergedalen, and Langglupdalen. Continuing up the Rondvassdalen we will reach the northern end lake of Rondvatnet. Here we will board a ferry that crosses the lake to Rondvassbu,

Day 6: Rest day at Rondvassbu. Today can be spent relaxing at the hut or hiking up to one of the nearby summits of Rondeslottet, Storronden, or Veslesmeden.

Day 7: Hike to Bjørnhollia. From Rondvassbu, we continue east along the valley of Illmanndalen. The day begins with a short, steep ascent before the route eases into a pleasant traverse of the valley as it skirts a series of small mountain lakes.

Day 8: Hike to Eldåbu. Leaving Bjørnhollia, we follow a track to the old farm of Gamalseter. Crossing the bridge over the stream of Myldinga we'll begin our climb up the western slope of Geitsida. Joining the Steindalen valley as it wedges its way between the slopes of Hornflagan to the west and Geitsida to the east, we'll descend to North Vulutjorn Lake. Continuing along South Lake to the brook, we pass several small mountain lakes as we follow along the foot of Bagaskardshogdin. Our hut is near a babbling brook nestled in a beautiful birch forest.

Day 9: Hike to Venabu. From Eldåbu, we continue to the old farm at Eldaseter. Rising up through wooded terrain to a long moraine ridge, we continue to the hotel at Venabu.

Day 10: Transfer by 20-minute taxi to Ringebu, and then take the train to Lillehammer.Farewell dinner followed by a spelling bee of Norwegian place names!

Day 11: Depart Lillehammer.

Additional Information

Included:

All accommodations, all breakfasts, most lunches except one, all dinners, all group transportation as described in the itinerary, guides, great hiking and wonderful memories!

Not Included:

Airfare, optional/individual transfers or excursions, items not on set dinner menu, beverages, personal items, tips to guides.

Luggage:

This hike is not vehicle supported. You will need to carry a small to moderate sized pack with only the clothing and accessories you will need for the duration of hike. (See our sample packing list.) With advances in synthetic clothing and other travel gear, it's possible to keep your pack weight to 20 lbs. including lunch and water. Any extra luggage or belongings you may have can be left at the hotel in Lillehammer.

Accommodations and Facilities:

In Lillehammer we will be staying at a three-star hotel, located within easy walking distance of the town center. Breakfasts are served at the hotel. Rooms are double occupancy with private baths.

Breakfasts and dinners are served at the refuges and lunches are picnic style along the trail.

About the huts:

We will be staying in privately run huts, as well as huts owned and operated by the DNT (the Norwegian Mountain Touring Association.) The huts typically have a common dining area and sleeping accommodations are dormitory style, generally with 4 to 6 persons to a room. Meals are provided including dinner, breakfast and a packed lunch. Beverages, including wine and beer, are also available, as are showers.

Travel:

It is easiest to fly to Oslo's Gardermoen Airport. Trains leave directly from Gardermoen Airport for Lillehammer and take about two hours.

Meeting Point and ending point:

The hotel in Lillehammer.

For a more detailed itinerary or to register please call.