Family Adventure in Rondane National Park, Norway

Chasing Views and Ancient Echoes

Today was a day of embracing the open road and discovering some of Rondane National Park's hidden treasures. With Maximilian and Sofia by my side, we set out to explore the scenic routes and historical landmarks that this stunning region has to offer. It's days like these that remind me why I love sharing these experiences with my family, creating memories that we'll cherish for years to come.

Our morning began with a hearty breakfast at the Rondane Høyfjellshotell.
The hotel exuded a cozy, traditional charm, and the breakfast buffet was a delightful spread of fresh breads, cheeses, and local jams. Fuelled up for the day, we packed our essentials – hiking boots, water bottles, and of course, my camera – and headed out to our first destination: Rondasvingen.
The drive itself was breathtaking, with the winding roads offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Even Sofia, usually engrossed in her storybooks, couldn't help but be captivated by the scenery.

Rondasvingen, as I discovered, is a viewpoint along the National Tourist Route Rondane, offering a particularly stunning vista of the park.
We parked the car and took a short walk to the edge, where we were greeted by an awe-inspiring panorama of rolling hills, snow-capped peaks, and lush green forests. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers.
I couldn't resist snapping a few photos, trying to capture the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape, though I know that no picture can truly do it justice. Maximilian pointed out some of the distant landmarks, sharing interesting facts about the geology and history of the area.
Sofia, meanwhile, was busy collecting small stones and leaves, her imagination running wild with stories of trolls and mythical creatures that might inhabit these mountains. Perhaps it's the influence of my Finnish heritage, but I, too, felt a certain magic in the air, a sense of connection to the ancient landscape.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Rondasvingen, a premier tourist attraction in Otta, Norway, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found not in grand monuments, but in the quiet corners of nature, where the whispers of the past mingle with the beauty of the present.

After soaking in the views at Rondasvingen, we continued our journey towards Klokkesteinen, an ancient stone formation with a fascinating history.
The drive took us through charming villages and past sparkling lakes, each turn revealing a new postcard-worthy scene.
We stopped briefly at a roadside stand to buy some local berries – sweet and juicy cloudberries, a true taste of Norway.
Arriving at Klokkesteinen, we were immediately struck by the sheer size and presence of the stone.
Legend has it that this rock was used in pre-Christian times for gatherings and rituals, its surface worn smooth by centuries of footsteps.
I imagined the ancient people who once stood here, their voices echoing through the valley as they celebrated the changing seasons and honored their gods.
Sofia was fascinated by the stories I shared, asking endless questions about the people who lived here long ago.
Maximilian, ever the pragmatist, was more interested in the geological aspects of the stone, examining its texture and composition with a keen eye. As we explored the area around Klokkesteinen, we discovered several smaller rock formations, each with its own unique shape and character.
We spent a good hour simply wandering and taking in the atmosphere, feeling a sense of peace and connection to the past.


Experience the serene beauty and cultural richness of Klokkesteinen in Vinstra, Norway's hidden gem for nature lovers and adventurers.

For lunch, we stopped at Spidsbergseter Resort Rondane.
The resort was lovely! We enjoyed a meal at the restaurant.
Spidsbergseter is located in the southern part of Rondane National Park, and I learned that they offer many activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the summer, and cross-country skiing and dogsledding in the winter.
I made a note to look into returning during the winter season, as dog sledding sounds like an amazing experience.
After our meal, we walked around the grounds of the resort, and I learned that the Aquavitfjøset Spidsbergseter bar is located there.
I found it interesting that the bar is an old stone barn from 1850 that features almost 220 different Aquavits.
We didn't stay for a drink, but I made a mental note to perhaps return later without Sofia.


Experience breathtaking nature and comfort at Spidsbergseter Resort Rondane - your gateway to adventure in Norway's stunning wilderness.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to head towards Otta for dinner.
I had read about Parken Grill & Cafèbar, a local diner known for its delicious Norwegian cuisine.
The restaurant was cozy and welcoming, with a menu featuring a variety of traditional dishes.
I opted for the reindeer stew, a hearty and flavorful dish that warmed me from the inside out. Maximilian chose the grilled salmon, while Sofia happily devoured a plate of waffles with lingonberry jam.
As we ate, we chatted about our favorite moments of the day, laughing and sharing stories.
It's these simple moments of connection that I treasure the most, the feeling of being together as a family, exploring the world and creating memories that will last a lifetime.


Discover delicious dining at Parken Grill & Cafèbar in Otta - where classic diner favorites meet modern culinary delights.

After dinner, we considered a nightcap at Aquavitfjøset Spidsbergseter, but Sofia was getting tired, so we decided to head back to our campsite.
As we drove, the sky was ablaze with the colors of sunset, painting the mountains in hues of orange, pink, and purple. It was a truly magical sight, a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Tomorrow, we plan to explore Strømbu and Jørundgard Middelaldersenter, and I am excited to discover more about the history and culture of this fascinating region.
For now, though, I'm content to curl up in my sleeping bag, listening to the gentle sounds of the forest and dreaming of the adventures that lie ahead.

Today reinforced something I already knew: that travel isn't just about seeing new places; it's about connecting with the people and places we encounter along the way. And, of course, sharing it all with my wonderful family makes it even more special. It's funny, I almost forgot to pack the binoculars. I am sure Sofia would have loved to use them to look for wildlife. Oh well, maybe tomorrow!