Family Adventure in Rondane National Park, Norway

A Day of Rejuvenation in Rondane's Embrace

Today was all about embracing the serene beauty and unique experiences that Rondane National Park has to offer. From the rejuvenating waters of Karlsvogna Fjellbad to the breathtaking views from Høvringen, it was a day filled with nature's wonders and delightful moments with my family. The crisp mountain air and the stunning landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation and exploration.


Experience the ultimate water adventure at Karlsvogna Fjellbad, a top water park in Venabygd, Norway, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

Our day started with a hearty breakfast at Spidsbergseter Resort Rondane. It's amazing how much better food tastes when you're surrounded by such incredible scenery. Maximilian enjoyed his usual strong coffee, while Sofia devoured a stack of pancakes with lingonberry jam, a little taste of home for me. I savored some local cheese and freshly baked bread, fueling up for the day's adventures. It felt like a perfect start, setting the tone for a day of exploration and relaxation. We made sure to pack some snacks from Joker Atnbrua (Atnbrua Handel), remembering our forgotten portable charger from the essentials. We definitely didn't want to run out of battery while capturing the stunning views!

Our first stop was Karlsvogna Fjellbad, a mountain bath that promised relaxation amidst nature. The drive there was stunning, with views that seemed to stretch on forever. As we arrived, the crisp mountain air filled our lungs, and the sight of the bath nestled against the landscape was simply magical. The water was wonderfully warm, a welcome contrast to the cool air. It was invigorating and soothing all at once. Sofia loved splashing around, while Maximilian and I enjoyed the therapeutic warmth, letting the water ease our muscles after several days of hiking. It was a truly unique experience, soaking in a bath surrounded by the grandeur of Rondane's mountains. The experience reminded me of the saunas back in Savonlinna, Finland, but with a Norwegian twist.

Sometimes, the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn't mean to take.

After our refreshing dip, we headed towards Høvringen, a mountain village known for its panoramic views. The drive up was an adventure in itself, with winding roads and picturesque landscapes at every turn. We stopped at several viewpoints along the way, each offering a different perspective of Rondane's majestic peaks. Sofia was particularly excited, pointing out every reindeer-shaped cloud she could find. When we finally reached Høvringen, the view was simply breathtaking. From the vantage point, we could see the entire national park laid out before us, a tapestry of mountains, valleys, and forests. The air was crisp and clean, and the silence was broken only by the occasional call of a bird. It was a moment of pure serenity, a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Høvringen, Norway's premier hiking destination with stunning trails and unparalleled mountain views.

For lunch, we stopped at Rondane Gjestegård, a charming restaurant with a cozy atmosphere. We enjoyed traditional Norwegian fare, including hearty soups and open-faced sandwiches. Sofia, always the adventurous eater, tried a bit of everything, declaring the reindeer sausage her new favorite. It was a welcome break, a chance to refuel and recharge before continuing our exploration. As we ate, we chatted about our favorite moments of the trip so far, reminiscing about our hike to Dørålen and our encounter with the muskoxen. It's amazing how quickly time flies when you're having fun.

After lunch, we decided to take a leisurely hike along one of the many trails around Høvringen. The trail wound through forests of birch and pine, with glimpses of distant peaks through the trees. We stopped frequently to admire the wildflowers, their vibrant colors adding a splash of life to the landscape. Sofia collected stones and leaves, creating a small nature collection to take back to Heidelberg. Maximilian, ever the photographer, captured the stunning scenery with his camera, determined to preserve the memories of our Rondane adventure. I felt a sense of peace and contentment, grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with my family.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Rondane Haukliseter Fjellhotel for dinner. The hotel had a rustic charm, with wooden beams and a roaring fireplace. We enjoyed a delicious meal of locally sourced ingredients, savoring the flavors of Norway. Sofia was particularly fond of the cloudberry dessert, declaring it the perfect ending to a perfect day. As we ate, we reflected on our experiences, feeling grateful for the opportunity to explore this incredible corner of the world. It's moments like these that make travel so rewarding, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Otta stolene and Peer Gynt seterveg. I'm particularly excited about Peer Gynt seterveg, as I've always been fascinated by Nordic folklore, and I hope to find some inspiration for my translation work. I'm also looking forward to trying the local cuisine at Rondane Høyfjellshotell for breakfast, Rondane Fjellstue for lunch, and Parken Grill & Cafèbar for dinner. And perhaps a stop at Pillarguri Cafe for a relaxing drink. I'm sure it will be another day filled with adventure and discovery.

As I sit here, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences we've had today. From the rejuvenating waters of Karlsvogna Fjellbad to the breathtaking views from Høvringen, it's been a day of pure bliss. Rondane National Park has a way of captivating the soul, reminding us of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. And as we prepare for another day of exploration, I can't help but feel excited about what tomorrow will bring. I am also happy that we didn't forget our hiking boots and warm clothing, as they have been essential for our comfort and safety.

I'm so glad we decided to bring Sofia along on this adventure. Seeing the world through her eyes, with her boundless curiosity and enthusiasm, has made this trip even more special. It's a reminder that travel isn't just about seeing new places, but about experiencing them with the people you love. And as we continue our journey through Rondane, I know that we'll create memories that will last a lifetime.

And that’s all for today. Hyvää yötä from Norway!