Dovrefjell Hotel

Dovregubben

by Rusket

Trolls live in the norwegian mountains. If the sun rises while they are outdoors, they turn into stone. This is how many of the norwegian mountains are made. Just take a look while hiking or driving through Norway, you might see the face of a sleeping giant! This particular troll is very fameous: He is Dovregubben. There is a sign under his feet saying: "I have been standing here night and day for 9125 years, and have become old and frail, so please don't climb on my body! But guess who was allowed to sit below his feet!

Dovre is THE no 1 mountain massif in Norway. 192 years ago today, 17 may 1814, Norway got it's first constitution after 400 years of danish reign. The men gathered at Eidsvoll at that occasion swore to be "united and loyal until Dovre falls". This made Dovrefjell our national mountain, and Dovregubben our national troll.

Dovregubben is standing right outside his home; Dovregubbens Hall, at the northeastern end of lake Vålåsjø, along road E6.

Lesja Rural Museum

by Rusket

At Lesja, one train stop away from Dombås on Raumabanen, or 18 km along E136 towards Åndalsnes, there is a farm museum showing traditional buildings from the area. It was closed when we were there, thus we could not get inside the buildings. But we had a nice time walking between - and photographing the old houses.

More pictures in TL Lesja

Downhill and cross country

by Rusket

There are kilometers of prepared skiing tracks, partly with light until 9:30 pm, and lifts for downhill. And there is a biathlon arena. The arenas are very close to eachother. Refreshments can be bought at Trolltun and by the ski lift. The lowest point of the prepared track is at 930 meters, the highes 1210. At this altitude the season lasts long, this year (2006) until mid april.

You can also start longer trips into the mountains here.

Eldorado for hiking and mountain climbing!

by Rusket

There are miles and miles of marked trails in the four national parks, and several high peaks. The highest peak in Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park is Snøhetta: 2286 meters. Rondane has 10 peaks higher than 2000 meters. The historical trails Pilegrim Road and Old Kings Road are found in Dovre National Park. A bit further south, in Jotunheimen, you find the fameous Besseggen (see mntcorgs Jotunheimen page), which is on a 7 hours tour between Gjendesheim and Memurubu, and the gorge Ridderspranget. The two highest mountains in Norway, Galdhøpiggen (2469) and Glittertind (2464) are in Jotunheimen.

You can walk from cabin to cabin, or bring your own tent. Tenting is free as long as you do not disturb wildlife, and you can pick berries and mushrooms for own consumation. Hunting and fishing is allowed if you have the right licences. Fishing licences can be obtained at local shops / gas stations / kiosks: ask the locals or at your accomodation. Motorised traffick is not allowed. Warm clothes even in summer, it might get below freezing point at these altitudes! Walking sticks is a good idea. And please remember to bring garbage bags, littering is prohibited!

62.1 N, 9.1 E

by Rusket

"In the middle of (southern) Norway"

The small town Dombås, in a mountain valley Norway, is actually very central. The main railway line between Oslo and Trondheim stops there, and it is the start / end point of the scenic Raumabane. Road E6, which runs along Norway from south to north passes through Dombås, and you can get to many fameous (or places that SHOULD be fameous) destinations from here.

"Dovre"

Dombås is situated in the municipality Dovre, with 2900 inhabitants and accomodation for 1800 guests! The small town has everything you need: Banks, post office, hair dresser, pizzeria and shopping center ;-)

"Four National parks"

The three national parks Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella, Rondane and Dovre are right next to Dombås, and Jotunheimen a bit south. There are several protected habitats, and the fameous Fokstumyra Nature Reserve.

More about hiking in the national parks under sports travel tips.