Guided group walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Flights
available
20.0Kg CO2e
This seven-night guided walking holiday is set in Venabu in central Norway, on the edge of the Rondane National Park, looking down on the Gudbrandsdalen Valley, just north of Lillehammer. The landscape is dramatic and full of contrasts from spectacular gorges and lofty peaks to pretty fells and verdant valleys that extend as far as the eye can see. This is Norway's vast yet beautiful, untouched wilderness at its very best.
Over the course of the week, each day's walk reveals a new facet of the region's striking natural beauty and cultural heritage. We begin with panoramic views from local peaks such as Dynjefjellet, before heading into the heart of the Rondane National Park to explore the high alpine terrain, where wild reindeer still roam. Trails through the park take us past glacial valleys and bird habitats, offering the chance to spot local species like merlin and fjellvak. We also follow in the footsteps of pilgrims along St Olav's Road, and enjoy a cultural detour to one of Norway's last remaining medieval stave churches. A traditional summer farm lunch beneath the rocky peak of Forbundsfjellet immerses us in local life, while the final day's walk to the lakes of Finnsjovola provides a fitting farewell, with sweeping views across Atnasjoen and the Rondane massif.
Your hosts for the week - assisted by knowledgeable local guides, are the Tvete family, who have been looking after guests at the Venabu Fjellhotel since 1950. Birgit and Arvid Tvete built the hotel from scratch, choosing the original plot because of its tremendous views. Now run with daughter, Line, in charge, it has developed into a friendly, relaxing 'home from home' in a fabulous setting. The dining room in particular - which offers traditional Scandinavian cuisine - affords glorious panoramic vistas out across the mountains.
Walking is always with a guide across a range of terrain and contrasting landscapes: rural farmland, mountain plateau and through the impressive massif of the Rondane National Park.
Your guide will run through the week's activities before dinner. Your evening meal is included every night for the week, as are picnic lunches.
You stay at Venabu Fjellhotel.
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This traditional hotel is in a magnificent isolated location on the plateau above Ringebu. You can choose to stay in either the east wing (20 standard rooms) or the west wing (36 superior rooms) and everyone can use the hotel's saunas.
All rooms in the hotel are en-suite and are mostly twin with the traditional single beds which are end to end. There are no tea/coffee making facilities in the rooms, however, both tea and coffee are available from reception all day. Wi-Fi is available for free in the hotel although signal is best in the comfortable bar area with fireplace.
Within the main building you have a sauna, games room, TV room, traditional hand-made product shop, a large lounge area with a bar for relaxing after dinner, and two spacious sitting rooms with open fireplaces.
Today sets the scene for the rest of the week's walking. After a short transfer, we climb steadily to the summit of Dynjefjellet for superb 360-degree views of the wild yet beautiful Venabygd plateau, with the high peaks of Rondane visible in the distance. Wild reindeer have lived here since the last Ice Age and still roam freely on these untamed lands.
We hike to the peak of Stiore Ramshogda at 1463m in the heart of the Rondane National Park. The National Park was created in 1962 to protect the genetically unique reindeer that live here. We'll descend to discover a valley with the chance to see some of the birdlife of the area - merlin and fjellvak.
Our longest day starts with a transfer to the Rondane massif where we traverse through the heart of the National Park to explore the high mountains of Norway.
Today, we follow St Olav's Pilgrim Road above the wide river valley of Gudbrandsdalen. Scandinavian painted farmhouses dot the landscape as we climb to the remains of a 4th to 6th century hillfort, where we learn more about the life of St Olav. We end the day with a visit to one of Norway's last remaining medieval stave churches.
Setting off from Holterseter, savour the contrasting views of the open, lush river valley to the rocky lichen-covered peaks of Venabygdsfjellet. We reach the summer farm set in the pastures below Forbundsfjellet in time for a traditional Norwegian lunch, regaled by stories of local folklore. We return via farmland and meadows to our hotel. This evening after dinner, there is the option to join the moose safari.
We end the week with a fantastic walk to the crystal clear lakes of Finnsjøvola, with far reaching vistas to the Rondane massif and the graceful curves of Atnasjøen lake. We visit the unusual and delightful Sollia church before returning to the hotel for our final dinner.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Cecil, Oslo.
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The Hotel Cecil is a modern 3 star hotel situated next to the parliament and is in an ideal location for exploring the city centre. All rooms are light and airy with full en-suite facilities. They also come equipped with direct dial telephone, cable television and air-conditioning. Breakfast is buffet style and there is a selection of restaurants within walking distance for your evening meal.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
These tour prices are per person, based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £161.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, we will advise you of any group transfer arrangements and corresponding flight options. Standard group transfers are included in the price above.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
The Venabu Fjellhotell is a traditional hotel in a magnificent isolated location on the plateau above Ringebu. It has the perfect blend of homely, cosy comfort, excellent food and expert guides.
Guided group walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Flights
available
20.0Kg CO2e
