Dovreskogen – Cycling Routes, Hikes and History

Dovreskogen offers a range of options for planning your trip: cycling routes lead to the Gudbrandsdalslågen, hiking trails provide access to destinations such as the Pin-Anders Stone and Vardhøe, and the Building History Park is dedicated to historic architecture. Activities range from a short circular walk to a 15 km stage. Consider what kind of outing is important to you during your stay, and check local conditions on seasonal trails.

Cycling

The cycling route from Dovreskogen to Storrustbrua starts at the Skogvang community hall near the E6. From there, it follows quiet paved and gravel roads, passes the Vollheim campsite, and continues to the Gudbrandsdalslågen and Storrustbrua. The route is about 8 km long there and back and is described as easy and family-friendly; it is also suitable for families with small children. Check local conditions before setting out.

A cycling route leads from Skogsætrin to Høvringen. This is another cycling connection, while the route to Storrustbrua has a specific starting point and a destination by the river. If you are considering different cycling routes for your trip, you can distinguish between a circular route with a stated distance and the connection from Skogsætrin to Høvringen.

Hikes and trails

The trail to the Pin-Anders Stone starts at Solsidevegen, north of the Ryddøla. It first follows the Pilegrimsleden along a gravel road, then a blue-marked route. Check the trail markings and access locally before hiking. The stone is associated with the story of Pin-Anders: around 1800, he was reportedly outlawed for murder and hid beneath the stone to evade his pursuers.

Another hike leads through Ryddølsdalen. It starts in Dovreskogen on a gravel road north of the Ryddøla and leads to the Ryddøla micro-hydropower plant and its water reservoir. The route offers views of Mount Jetta and the surrounding mountains on the opposite side of the valley. Seasonal trail conditions may vary.

From Skogsætrin to Vardhøe, an easy circular route covers about 4 km with 150 metres of elevation gain. From Vardhøe, there are views of Rondane and Jotunheimen; visibility and weather affect what you can see. The hike therefore combines a manageable distance with a specifically stated elevation gain. Here too, you should take seasonal hiking conditions into account.

Building history and local folklore

The Building History Park in Dovreskogen contains 12 buildings from different periods and showcases the variety of historic building techniques. A tar kiln is generally fired there every year. Visitors can take part and learn about the production of kiln tar. The park therefore highlights both historic buildings and a traditional craft activity.

Longer stage and winter trail

The 15 km Dovreskogen–Budsjord stage passes through lush forest, goes by Veslfjellet and continues to Solsidevegen, offering views across the valley and of the mountains opposite. It is significantly longer than the approximately 4 km circular route to Vardhøe. This comparison can help with planning if you are choosing between a shorter hike and a longer stage.

The Dovreskogen–Skogsætrin cross-country ski trail is another seasonal option; its grooming status varies. Dovreskogen campsite is located by the Gudbrandsdalslågen and is associated with cabins used as pilgrim accommodation along the Gudbrandsdalsleden. If you are looking for a hotel, your planned activities and preferred type of accommodation can help guide your choice for the stay.

Discover more destinations: Hjerkinn, Dovre, Dombås.

Go to the main travel overview: Dovre.