👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Rondane Family Weekend: easy trekking with children

Rondane National Park is a place where fairy tales come true and adventures are available even for the youngest travellers. Imagine walking along soft paths among Norway's oldest mountains, where the air smells of wild herbs and pine needles, and falcons and eagles fly overhead. Your children will be amazed by the reindeer grazing in the green alpine meadows and picking berries along the roadside that are ready to eat.

Rondane National Park is a calm place, far away from the noise of the city. Here, you can only hear the wind and the sounds of nature. The safe trails in the park are fun for both children and parents. Pack your bags and get ready for a weekend that the whole family will remember.

Rondane is a great place for a family holiday.

Rondane is Norway's oldest national park. It is famous for its cosy huts and easy navigation. All the trails here are clearly marked and planned so that even small children can enjoy covering long distances without getting tired.

Families like the park because it's easy to get to and it has a friendly atmosphere. There are never too many tourists here, and the surrounding area is dotted with tranquil lakes, pine groves and mountain valleys, which are ideal for picnics and outdoor recreation.

Here's how to get there and where to start your journey.

The best place to start if you want to go trekking with your family is the tourist centre and mountain hut at Rondvassbu. To get there, you can take a train or bus from Oslo to Otta station (the journey takes about 3.5 hours). Then, you can take a bus or taxi to the Spranget car park.

From the Springet car park, there is a flat and easy 6 km trail to Rondvassbu. Even small children can walk there without any problems, and it takes about two hours.

Tip: Stop often and have small picnics so that the children can rest and recharge their batteries.

Day 1: Easy trek to the Rongdwaasbu hut (6 km)

The route starts at the Spranget car park and immediately takes you through a pretty valley. Flowering meadows stretch out on both sides of the trail, and if you are lucky, you may see sheep and reindeer grazing.

The road is so easy that even a pushchair can get along most of the way. After half an hour of walking, you will see the beautiful Ronda Mountains reflected in the clear Ronda Lake.

When you arrive in Rondvassbu, you will be welcomed by the cosy atmosphere of a mountain hut. You can enjoy hot waffles with lingonberry jam and homemade cream, and children can try delicious hot chocolate. After dinner, go for a family walk to the lake — the sunsets here are amazing!

Day 2: Walk around Lake Rondvatnet (about 10 km)

Start the next morning with a tasty breakfast, then take a short trip around Lake Rondvatnet. The trail has no steep slopes, so it's great for young people too.

Stop at different places on the way for games and mini-picnics. There are lots of berries and mushrooms growing around, which you can pick — children will love this! The picnic areas have wooden tables and benches, and the water in the lake is so clean that you can drink it without treating it.

Then, return to the Rondevassbu hut for dinner. After that, you can warm up by the fireplace and read Norwegian fairy tales about trolls and giants with your children.

Day 3: Animal watching and return to Spranget car park

After breakfast, you can go for a short walk to a viewpoint above the lake. This offers a wonderful view of the whole valley and the surrounding mountains.

This is where you are most likely to see reindeer, and children will love watching the animals in their natural habitat.

Then take your time on the well-known path back to the Spränget car park. Take your time, stop for photos and make the most of your family holiday.

Where to stay: cozy mountain huts

• Rondvassbu is the park's main mountain hut, offering cozy rooms, delicious home cooking, and a friendly atmosphere. There are always lots of families with children here, so your kids are sure to make new friends.
• Spranget parking is the starting point for the route and has a campsite and basic facilities.

Tip: Book in advance on the Norwegian Tourist Association (DNT) website, especially in July and August.

What to bring

• Comfortable, waterproof boots (for children and adults).
• Raincoats and warm clothing (the weather changes quickly).
• A small backpack with snacks, drinking water, and a thermos.
• Binoculars for observing animals.
• Sun protection and mosquito repellent.
• Books or games for evenings in the hut.

Rules and tips for family travel

• Be sure to stick to marked trails.
• Keep your distance when encountering wild animals.
• Teach your children to respect nature: all trash must be taken with you.
• Check the weather in advance on Yr.no and plan your children's clothing accordingly.

The Rondane National Park is a great place to show your children real mountains, forests, and wild animals for the first time. Here, you will get more energy and feel great. You will also have a really good time with your family and find new things to enjoy.

Everything here is designed to make your family weekend a simple, enjoyable and inspiring adventure that you will want to return to again and again.

Let Rondane become part of your family history — set off on your journey and let the adventure begin!