Highlights
- Check out the largest Viking-era graveyard in Norway
- Meet friendly locals who run the farms along the trek
- Cool off with swimming breaks in freshwater lakes
- Climb to the Gate of Innerdalen on your last hiking day
- Explore Oslo's waterfront and dining scene
Overview
There's much for outdoorsy travelers to discover in Norway, and this guided trip with an English-speaking local focuses on the natural beauty of the rural countryside. North of Oslo about 260 miles is the Trollheimen mountain area, known for its varied and dramatic scenery. Most of this region is protected as a landscape conservation area so you can be sure you'll be seeing a peaceful place with few crowds and little development.
Starting with a train ride to Oppdal, you'll meet up with your private guide for three days of hiking (approximately 6-7 hours each) crescendoing with Innerdalen Valley — oft-named the most beautiful mountain valley in Norway. This trip also appeals to those who want to experience the culture of Oslo, Norway's up-and-coming capital. You'll get to reward yourself with the city's lively restaurants and nightlife on your last night.
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Oslo - Train to Oppdal | Oppdal |
| Day 2 | Hike to Kårvatn | Kårvatn |
| Day 3 | Hike to Innerdalen | Rennsdølsetra |
| Day 4 | Hike to Oppdal | Oppdal |
| Day 5 | Oppdal - Train to Oslo | Oslo |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Oslo - Train to Oppdal
Welcome to Norway! This rapidly growing capital is still considered a small city, helped by the fact that it's surrounded by mountains and sea. Depending on your arrival, you may have time to explore sights of interest in Oslo.
This is a perfect opportunity to arrange a local guided walking or boat tour of your choice. Otherwise, the city center and outlying neighborhoods are easily accessible by public transport, so jump on a tram, train, or bus and explore all of what Oslo has to offer.
Depart Oslo in the early afternoon for Oppdal. Following your five-hour train ride, you will meet your guide this evening to go over final details about the trip — fitting your backpack, adjusting your gear for the weather forecast, and answering any remaining questions you may have. Once your planning session is complete, your guide will take you to the largest Viking-era graveyard in Norway, just five minutes from Oppdal. This is a wonderful area for an easy first walk together.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 2: Hike to Kårvatn
On this first day of hiking, you'll join your guide after breakfast to drive to Storlidalen, just under an hour away.
Storlidalen is in the heart of Trollheimen, and you'll begin hiking along the gravel road to Lake Tovatna. From there, you'll follow the marked trail to Kårvatn. This first day is a longer hike with minimal climbing and exceptional views. You can lunch by the lake and enjoy a swim before continuing on with the hike.
Stay overnight in a cabin at a charming farm in Kårvatn. Enjoy the town's atmosphere or visit the local adventure gear store while your guide prepares dinner.
Hike Duration: 7 hours
Day 3: Hike to Innerdalen
After breakfast, you'll set out for Innerdalen. This hike is shorter but steeper than the other days, so there is plenty of time to move at your own pace in the challenging sections and simply revel in the fantastic scenery.
After a 1.5-mile (2.5 km) stretch of gravel road, you begin the climb up the mountain where you meet the trail from Todalen. Here you'll enjoy an easier stretch before the final climb to Bjøråskaret, with breathtaking views as your reward! From here, you can see all of Norway's most beautiful valley, the aptly-named Innerdalen Valley.
Your final stretch is a relaxed descent (.5 mile / 800 m) into the valley and to the summer farm Rennsdølsetra, where you'll spend a peaceful night — check out those stars!
Hike Duration: 6 hours
Day 4: Hike to Oppdal
You'll be eager to lace up your boots this morning, as this final day of hiking is perhaps the most beautiful part of the entire tour. You'll hike through the Innerdalen Valley to Storlidalen, then through the Gate of Innerdalen.
After a start in mildly swampy terrain, you will begin the climb to the Gate of Innerdalen; the summits of Kringlehøa and Storsalen frame your view. At the summit of Meskaret, you've earned an extensive vista of the 12.5-mile (20 km) Storlidalen Valley. You'll then return to the opposite side of Lake Tovatna, where you can have a swim or relax on its sandy shores before hiking the final two miles (3 km) down to Storlidalen and your transportation back to Oppdal.
Hike Duration: 7 hours
Day 5: Oppdal - Train to Oslo
You'll take a morning train from Oppdal to Oslo in order to enjoy an afternoon and long evening exploring this thriving capital city.
Suggested activities include:
- Walk along the Havnepromenaden (harbor promenade) — a new five-and-a-half-mile waterfront park, which combines sightseeing, history, art, architecture, and a little bit of adventure.
- Get your history on at the Viking Ship Museum or your art fix at the Munch Museum.
- Enjoy a late afternoon stroll through the Vigeland Sculpture Park where you can see 200 larger than life sculptures depicting the ups and downs of life and the raw emotions of human beings. Bring your camera!
- For dinner and drinks, head to Aker Brygge, an area on the Oslofjord full of beautiful, modern buildings where you can find bars and abundant nightlife.
Map
