Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park
A high-plateau national park in central Norway where you can join guided musk ox safaris and gaze out at Snøhetta — a natural stopover on the Oslo–Trondheim railway.
Dovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella National Park lies in central Norway, spanning the counties of Innlandet, Trøndelag and Møre og Romsdal, and forms the natural divide between the north and south of the country. At its heart are vast alpine tundra, glacial lakes and 2,286 m Snøhetta. It is one of the few places in Europe where you can see wild musk oxen, and it is also home to wild reindeer, Arctic foxes and golden eagles. The plateau climate is cold; the best season is June–September, with hiking and musk ox viewing in July–August and the tundra turning red and gold in September. Winter brings deep snow, ideal for cross-country skiing, though most hiking facilities close.
Most visitors focus on the eastern side along the E6 highway and the Dovre Railway. Hjerkinn is the gateway, with the Snøhetta Viewpoint nearby and a summer shuttle bus to the Snøheim mountain lodge. To the north, Kongsvold has a centuries-old mountain inn and an alpine botanical garden, and is the main starting point for musk ox safaris. To the south, Fokstumyra wetland near Dombås is good for birdwatching. If you have time, head south to Grimsdalen valley and Rondane National Park, and take in the scenery made famous by a classic painting at the Sohlbergplassen viewpoint.
Getting there: trains between Oslo and Trondheim stop at Dombås, Hjerkinn and Kongsvold, about 4–5 hours from Oslo; by car, take the E6. Plan to stay 2–3 days: one day for a musk ox safari, one for the viewpoint and short hikes, plus an extra day if you want to climb Snøhetta. Note that mountain weather changes quickly and it can snow even in summer; musk oxen can be aggressive, so always keep at least 200 m away; the Hjerkinn area was formerly a military firing range, so stay on marked trails.
Top sights
- Musk Ox Safari – Follow a guide on foot across the plateau to look for wild musk oxen, one of the few places in Europe where you can see them.
- Viewpoint Snøhetta – A wild reindeer viewing pavilion designed by an award-winning architecture firm, with large glass windows facing Snøhetta peak.
- Snøhetta – The highest peak in the Dovrefjell mountains, at 2,286 meters, and the highest mountain in Norway outside the Jotunheimen range.
- Snøheim Lodge – A Norwegian Trekking Association lodge at the foot of Snøhetta, reachable by summer shuttle bus, and the starting point for summit hikes an…
- Kongsvold Fjeldstue & Alpine Garden – An old royal mountain inn that has served travelers since the Middle Ages, with the Alpine Garden next door showing plants unique to Dovref…
- Hjerkinn & Dovre Line – The Dovre Line railway runs from Oslo to Trondheim and crosses the high plateau. Hjerkinn Station is one of the highest stations along the…
- Fokstumyra Nature Reserve – One of Norway's earliest nature reserves, its highland wetlands and small lakes make it a paradise for birdwatchers in Northern Europe.
- Grimsdalen – A quiet valley between Dovrefjell and Rondane, dotted with traditional summer pastures and stone huts.
- Rondane National Park – Norway's first national park, with ten peaks over 2,000 meters surrounding glacial lakes. It is famous for its classic hiking routes.
- Sohlbergplassen – A viewpoint on Norway's National Tourist Route that shows the angle depicted in the famous painting "Winter Night in the Mountains."
Where to eat
- Kongsvold Fjeldstue – A historic mountain lodge beside the E6 road in Dovrefjell, serving an evening three-course dinner featuring reindeer a…
- Moskusgrillen – A counter-service grill in central Dombås, famed for its homemade moose burger and a budget-friendly refueling stop for…
Itineraries
- High Mountains & Fjords: 14-Day Hiking Loop – Head north from Oslo to Dovre, tackling classic trails in Romsdal, Geiranger, and Jotunheimen.