Family Adventure in Rondane National Park, Norway

A Fond Farewell

As our eleven-day adventure in Rondane National Park draws to a close, I find myself filled with a mix of emotions. There's a sense of accomplishment from the trails we've conquered and the memories we've created, but also a tinge of sadness at leaving this stunning landscape behind. Today was all about soaking in the last moments of Norwegian beauty before heading back to Germany.

We started our day with a hearty breakfast at Rondane Gjestegård. The reviews I'd read online mentioned the warm hospitality, and they weren't wrong!
The staff even prepared a small breakfast-to-go for Sofia, knowing she can get a bit peckish on our morning hikes. Fuelled up, we set off to explore Hælvfarlèlia. The drive there was beautiful, with the landscape unfolding before us in layers of green and grey. When we arrived, the serene beauty of Hælvfarlèlia was breathtaking. The lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere provided a perfect backdrop for a relaxing morning walk. I made sure to take lots of pictures, trying to capture the essence of this pristine location. It was a bit of a hike to get there from where we parked the car. Maximilian was carrying Sofia on his shoulders for a bit, as she was getting tired, but she perked up once we reached the open fields. It felt like a scene from a Nordic fairytale.
Growing up in Finland, surrounded by nature, I always feel a sense of peace in places like this. I think it's important for Sofia to have these experiences as well, to connect with the natural world. My hope is that she will develop an appreciation for the outdoors, just like I did growing up in Savonlinna.


Explore Hælvfarlèlia, a serene tourist attraction in Ringebu, Norway, offering breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage for all adventurers.

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning, you didn't even think to ask.

Next on our list was a visit to the Wasserfall. I had read that it was a hiker's paradise, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. The trails were well-maintained, and the sound of the cascading water was incredibly soothing. Storulfossen, also known as Bruresløret or the Bridal Veil, was particularly memorable. The 20m waterfall was situated in an open highland plateau, which was different from the river canyons and glacial fjords we had seen earlier in our trip. It was the perfect spot for a family photo, with the waterfall providing a stunning backdrop.
Sofia was fascinated by the water, and spent a good amount of time throwing small stones into the stream. Maximilian and I took turns watching her, while also taking in the beautiful scenery. It's moments like these that make our family trips so special.
I remember when Maximilian and I first started dating; we went on a hiking trip in the Odenwald forest near Heidelberg. That's when I knew he was the one – someone who appreciated nature as much as I did. Now, years later, we're sharing that love with our daughter.


Explore the enchanting beauty of Wasserfall, a serene hiking area in Dombås, Norway, featuring stunning trails and breathtaking waterfalls.

For lunch, we stopped at Rondane Haukliseter Fjellhotel. The positive reviews I had seen online about their food were spot on. We enjoyed a delicious meal with local ingredients. I tried some traditional Norwegian dishes, while Sofia opted for something a little more familiar – a simple but tasty sandwich. The friendly staff made us feel right at home.
I even managed to practice my Norwegian a bit, ordering our meals in the local language. It's something I've been trying to improve since we moved to Germany, wanting to keep a strong connection to my Nordic roots. The view from the hotel was stunning, overlooking the plateau, adding to the overall experience. It's definitely a place I would recommend to anyone visiting Rondane.


Experience serene mountain escapes at Rondane Haukliseter Fjellhotel - your gateway to adventure in Norway's breathtaking landscapes.

After lunch, we decided to do a little shopping at Cubus. I needed to pick up a few last-minute items, and Sofia was eager to browse the children's section. Cubus is known for its fashionable and contemporary apparel, and I found some great deals on stylish pieces for both myself and Sofia. Maximilian even found a new sweater to combat the Arctic chill, as he put it. It was a fun way to end our day, indulging in a little retail therapy before heading back to our campsite.
Cubus is part of Varner, a large fashion retailer in Scandinavia, so I knew I could find some good quality items there. I appreciate their focus on natural fibers and comfortable designs, perfect for the Nordic lifestyle. Plus, Sofia loves shopping, so it was a win-win situation.


Discover stylish clothing for the whole family at Cubus in Otta, Norway, where fashion meets affordability.

As the day wound down, we had dinner at Rondane Fjellstue. We shared stories and jokes, reminiscing about our favorite moments from the past eleven days. We talked about the amazing hikes, the stunning views, and the wonderful people we had met along the way. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to Rondane, a place that has captured our hearts and created memories that will last a lifetime.
I am so glad we made the trip. It was a much-needed break from our busy lives in Heidelberg. Working as a freelance translator can be isolating at times, so it's important for me to get out and experience new things. And for Maximilian, who spends so much time in front of a computer as a software engineer, it was a chance to reconnect with nature.


Discover the natural beauty of Norway at Rondane Fjellstue—your perfect base for adventure in stunning Rondane National Park.

As we pack up our camping gear, I can't help but feel grateful for this experience. Rondane National Park has given us so much – adventure, relaxation, and a deeper connection with each other. It's a place I know we'll return to someday, to relive the magic and create even more memories. For now, it's time to head back to Germany, with our hearts full of Norwegian sunshine and mountain air. Tomorrow, we start our journey back home, cherishing the memories we've made in this beautiful corner of the world.
I already know I will be researching our next family travel destination, as I have realised how important these trips are to our family, and to my soul.