Trip code: W07VB 4.8 (9 reviews)
Guided group walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
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.
Your hosts for the week - assisted by knowledgeable local guide, Joy O'Flanagan - are the Tvete family, who have been looking after guests at the Venabu Fjellhotel for over 75 years. 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.
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.
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.
Room upgrades: West Wing Single Room, West Wing Twin / Double room or West Wing Corner
West Wing rooms are more spacious than the East Wing ones. The West Wing Twin rooms have got Scandinavian beds (single beds with end to end). West Wing Single rooms are effectively West Wing Twin rooms so double for sole occupancy with 2 beds (single beds with end to end). The single supplement is included in the room upgrade supplement for the applicable weeks. West Wing Corner rooms have got double beds.
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.
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 only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £161.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £161.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
Air prices include our standard flights/transfers
Out: Scandinavian Airlines Heathrow to Oslo Gardermoen, then rail Oslo Lufthavn to Ringebu, transfer to hotel 25 minutes.
Return: Transfer to Ringebu train station 25 minutes then rail Ringebu to Oslo Lufthavn via Lillehammer, then Oslo Gardermoen to Heathrow
Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
Standard transfers
Transfers can be arranged from Ringebu train station at 18:51, and back to Ringebu train station at 09:15.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we open again 9am tomorrow) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Guided group walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
20.0Kg CO2e