Dovre: Mountains, Culture and Trails

Dovre features striking contrasts between high-mountain landscapes, wetlands and cultural sites. The northern part of Rondane National Park in Dovre includes the peaks of Høgronden and Digerronden. Vast expanses, deep valleys and jagged ridgelines define a high-mountain landscape shaped by the Ice Age. The protected areas and landscapes of Dovre and Dovrefjell also each have their own distinctive features.

Mountains, bogs and wildlife

Dovre National Park lies between the E6 highway across Dovrefjell and Grimsdalen. Its landscape features include vast plateaus, rounded peaks and some of Norway’s southernmost palsa mires with permafrost. Grimsdalen is one of Norway’s longest mountain-farm valleys. Part of Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park lies within Dovre Municipality.

Wild reindeer live in the Snøhetta wild reindeer area; wolverines and Arctic foxes are also found in Dovre Municipality. Fokstumyra Nature Reserve is a Ramsar wetland protected for its importance to migratory and breeding birds. The reserve features a constructed trail and a birdwatching tower. Seasonal access restrictions apply during the breeding season; take these into account when planning your visit.

Churches and historical heritage

Dovre Church is a wooden cruciform church. It was completed and put into use in 1736, and officially consecrated in 1740. Large slate slabs clad the building. Eysteinkyrkja, also known as Eysteinskyrkja, is located in Hjerkinn. Built in 1969, the church has a fan-shaped floor plan and is named after King Eystein. As a pilgrim church, it lies along the pilgrim route across Dovrefjell. It also serves in part as a parish church and as a meeting place for the three administrative districts that meet in Hjerkinn.

Budsjord is a protected historic farm first mentioned in 1400. The farmyard has 17 listed buildings; historic furnishings and old tools have been preserved. Budsjord lies along the pilgrim route and the old King’s Road towards Dovrefjell. The church architecture, pilgrim trails and farm history reveal different aspects of the region’s cultural heritage.

Hiking trails and places to visit

Dombåsmorkje rundt is a family hike that starts either at Trolltun Gjestegård or at the Dombås ski area. The route follows the old Fjellvegen to Hjelle seter and returns via a trail and Liadroget. Jøndalsrunda, by contrast, is a signposted circular hike through varied terrain with numerous cultural heritage sites. It starts at the confluence of the Ilka and Lågen, climbs to Jønndalen and returns to the starting point via Jønndalsvegen. There is a car park by the Ilka near the E6. Dombåsmorkje rundt’s designation as a family hike and the cultural heritage sites along Jøndalsrunda offer different points of reference when choosing a route.

The National Park Road runs between Dombås and Hjerkinn. It is a separate gravel road for pedestrians and cyclists, and motorized traffic is not permitted. The surface and access conditions may change seasonally; check the current conditions if you plan to use the road.

The Besøkssenter villrein in Hjerkinn features an exhibition about wild reindeer, reconstructed trapping facilities and a replica of a shelter for travellers crossing Dovrefjell. Visitor services and seasonal access conditions may vary. A trail at Norsk Villreinsenter starts just outside the building and offers insights into hunting and travel in earlier times.

Explore more destinations: Dombås, Dovre, Hjerkinn, Dovreskogen, Sel, Skjåk, Sør-Fron and Østre Toten.

For the regional travel overview: Oppland.