Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park: High mountains and musk oxen

The Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park covers 1,693 km² and impresses with its expansive high mountain landscape. Between rugged peaks and wide open spaces, musk oxen and wild reindeer find a protected habitat, making the national park a popular destination for nature lovers.

• Dovrefjell is one of Norway’s most pristine high mountain landscapes.
• It is known for its musk oxen and the Snøhetta viewpoint.
• Ideal for hiking, trekking tours and challenging ski tours.

Where is Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park?

The original Dovrefjell National Park was expanded in 2002 to include the Sunndalsfjella area and has since been known as Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park. The national park is located between the towns of Dombås and Oppdal and stretches across the provinces of Innlandet, Møre and Romsdal. There are other national parks in the area, such as Rondane National Park, Jotunheimen National Park and Forollhogna National Park.

Map of Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park

Climate and weather

Like other high mountains in Norway, Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park has a harsh climate. Winters are cold, with temperatures dropping to -20 degrees, and in summer temperatures rarely exceed 15 degrees. The weather can change quickly throughout the year, so visitors should always be well prepared and check the current weather conditions. Even in summer, fog or rain can roll in quickly on sunny days, making conditions in the high mountains difficult.

Sights and activities in Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park

Snøhetta Viewpoint

The Snøhetta viewpoint is located in the middle of the plateau of Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park. The modern, architectural building blends into the rugged high mountain landscape and offers a sheltered place to enjoy the view and look out for the impressive musk oxen and wild reindeer.

In good weather, the Snøhetta viewpoint can be reached via an easy path from the car park, while in bad weather the road may be closed at short notice. Visits are only possible during the snow-free months, although snowfall can occur even in summer due to the location – it is essential to check the current conditions before visiting.

Hjerkinn Visitor Centre

The Wild Reindeer Visitor Centre (Norwegian: Besøkssenter villrein) in Hjerkinn offers interesting information and exhibitions about the wild reindeer in the area. During the season, guided tours of the indoor and outdoor exhibitions are offered, and you can learn a lot about the history and significance of reindeer for Norway. If you want to get active yourself, you can sign up for archery at the visitor centre or ask the guides about hikes in the area.

Hiking in Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park

Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park is a popular area for hiking and trekking tours through the high mountains. One of the most popular hikes is to the Snøhetta viewpoint, which is located on the highest peak in the national park. The Snøhetta summit is 2,286 metres high and yet easy to reach as there is a car park nearby. Alternatively, you can start the hike to Snøhetta in Snøheim, which is a distance of approximately 14 kilometres and 900 metres of elevation gain.

The hiking trails in Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park are well marked, but should not be underestimated due to the often rocky and slippery terrain.

St. Oluvsweg pilgrimage route

A well-known section of the historic St. Oluvsweg trail runs through Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park. The pilgrimage route is one of the oldest connections between the cities of Oslo and Trondheim and runs through Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, passing historic sites and beautiful landscapes – if you are interested in Norwegian history, this is the place for you. Many people visit the historic and listed pilgrim farm Budsjord in the Gudbrandsdal valley along the way.

Cycling in Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park

You can also go on wonderful cycling tours in the national park and marvel at the impressive landscape. The cycle route between Dombås and Hjerkinn is particularly popular, combining breathtaking scenery with well-maintained gravel paths. The “Tour De Dovre” can be extended to almost 115 kilometres and also passes the famous Snøhetta viewpoint.

Ski touring

The Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park offers challenging ski tours, for which good preparation and knowledge of alpine terrain are absolutely essential – due to the high mountain location, there is often a risk of avalanches in winter and the conditions on most routes are only suitable for experienced skiers.

The Oppdal ski area has a classic ski slope for all beginners and advanced skiers, with 40 kilometres of easy slopes for skiing and snowboarding. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also possible in the national park and offer a beginner-friendly alternative to the demanding ski tours in the high mountains – so everyone can find a suitable winter sport in Dovrefjell.

Animals in Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park

Musk oxen are probably the most famous inhabitants of Dovrefjell and attract many tourists every year. Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park is one of the only places in Europe where you can see musk oxen in the wild. Musk oxen originate from the Arctic and are therefore perfectly adapted to the harsh climate of the high mountains. Since the animals were reintroduced to the national park, they have been roaming freely across the vast plateau. As with all wild animals, you need a lot of patience and a little luck to see them – under no circumstances should you approach musk oxen closer than 200 metres, as they will attack quickly if they feel threatened.

Musk ox safari with a guide

For those who don’t want to miss out on seeing musk oxen, a guided musk ox safari is the way to go. This offers the best chance of actually encountering these shy animals and observing and photographing them from a safe distance. Various tours are available, ranging from a few hours to day trips or specific photo tours, so there is something for everyone.

Accommodation in Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park

Dovrefjell Lodge

Dovrefjell Lodge is located in the immediate vicinity of Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park and offers cosy accommodation with a good starting point for activities in the area around the national park. Most of the accommodation is equipped with a kitchen and offers everything you need for a holiday.

Hjerkinn Fjellstue

The Fjellstue in Hjerkinn has been offering accommodation to travellers for over 1,000 years – today there are a variety of accommodation options such as hotel rooms, apartments for the whole family and campsites for tents and campers. There is a restaurant on site and the opportunity to take part in various activities. Hjerkinn Fjellstue is particularly popular as a starting point for horse riding tours through the breathtaking landscape of Dovrefjell.

DNT cabins

There are several cabins belonging to the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) in Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park and the surrounding area. There are both serviced cabins and self-catering cabins – you can find out more about the individual cabins on the DNT website and book some of them in advance. The cabins are located in the most beautiful landscapes and offer the ideal starting point for short and long hikes.

Camping in Dovrefjell National Park

There are several campsites along the national park that offer a perfect starting point for hikes or other activities. The right of public access (Norwegian: Allemannsretten) also allows camping in the national park, provided you follow the rules for wild camping. However, it should be noted that the terrain in Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park is often rocky and finding a suitable spot can be challenging in some areas.