EXPLORER WEEK

Name: Boutique Hotel Herangtunet
Address: Vølbusvegen 17, Heggenes, 2940
Telephone: +47 97633310

RONDANE & JOTUNHEIMEN

In cooperation with Rondane River Lodge we offer a unique selfdrive winter adventure week program. The first 4 nights are spent at Rondane River Lodge where you join a guided snowshoe hike, a backcountry skiing introduction and a musk ox safari. The last 3 nights are spent at Herangtunet, at the doorstep of Jotunheimen National Park. Here you can participate in dogsledding, snow rafting and horse riding. Young adults from the age of 10 with an active mindset are welcome to join this package. The program below is an example and can be tailormade according to your wishes.

Let's start the adventure!

Day 1

Arrival in winter wonderland

From Oslo you reach Rondane River Lodge after about 3-4h driving over beautiful countryside roads. The hosts welcome you and inform you about the program for the next days. For sure you will be charmed instantly by the cosy lodge and the snowy forest around. Relax in your comfortable hotel room or traditional log cabin and enjoy a home-made 3 courses welcome dinner in the restaurant.

Day 2

Snowshoe hike to a mountain top

After a delicious breakfast it’s time to try out snowshoe hiking. You will be explained the technique and set-off for a guided circa 4 hours hike. Depending on the level of the group and the weather conditions, we try to reach a mountain top with panoramic views over the Rondane National Park. We also look for traces of wild animals such as moose and wild reindeer. When lucky we might even be able to see them. Half way we stop for a tasty wilderness lunch around the open fire. Feel free to use the snowshoe equipment further the rest of the day. Young kids can eventually be pulled in a sled/pulk during this activity.

Day 3

Backcountry skiing

Rondane National Park has unlimited possibilities for backcountry skiing. This is the oldest form of skiing, once developed in Norway to cross the vast plateaus. These slightly wider skis offer more stability than cross country skis and skins can be attached for extra grip when going up- or downhill. It’s not very technical and previous experience with skiing is not necessary. The destination will be chosen depending on the weather and abilities of the group. Halfway we enjoy a tasty wilderness lunch in the middle of nowhere. Young kids can eventually be pulled in a sled/pulk.

Day 4

Musk ox safari in Dovrefjell national park

The iconic musk ox has its natural habitat in Dovrefjell National Park. It can be easily searched from Hjerkinn, about a one hour drive from Rondane River Lodge along the national tourist route Rondanevegen with its several impressive viewpoints. Accompanied by a local guide from Dovre Lesja, your chances to find the musk ox will be significantly increased. There are good opportunities to spot also snow grouse, arctic fox and maybe even a flock of wild reindeer. Snowhoes will be used during the musk ox safari which takes about 3 to 5 hours depending on the location of animals. This activity is suitable for kids from 10 years old and can be replaced when travelling with younger children.

Day 5

Drive to Jotunheimen National Park

Enjoy the last breakfast at Rondane River Lodge before setting off to Jotunheimen. The drive will take about 3-4 hours and starts with crossing the spectacular Venabygdsfjellet, a vast mountain plateau which looks like a snow desert during winter. Through the famous Gudbrandsdalen, you head for Lillehammer. This cosy town is worth a visit and best known for having organised the winter olympics in 1994. It’s also possible to go alpine skiing in the nearby resorts of Kvitfjell or Hafjell. Or try ice skating on Mjøsa, the biggest lake in Norway, before continuing the scenic drive to Jotunheimen.

Check-in at Herangtunet Boutique Hotel, surrounded by endless forests and right next to Jotunheimen National Park. The 5 rooms and 4 suites are tastefully decorated and a delicate 3 courses dinner will be served in the cosy restaurant.

Day 6

Dogsled safari in Jotunheimen national park

After you breakfast it’s only a short drive to Beitostølen. Upon arrival at the dogyard, you will be enthousiastically greeted by your new furry friends. After some basic instructions on how to handle the sled and gathering the dogs, you set-off for a 12-15km tour through snow covered forests and into the mountains. This is an experience simply not to be missed. You share the sled with 2 persons: one is the driver while the other is the passenger. Young kids will be packed in a sleeping bag to stay warm.

Day 7

Snow rafting and horse riding

Today you enjoy an activity out of the ordinary: snow rafting! After a short introduction and while sitting on your knees in the raft, you slide down the 450m long slope at high speed. It’s an exciting activity and you will definitely feel the adrenaline rush. Transportation by snowmobile and a hot-drink around the campfire are included as well.

Your last adventure awaits in the evening when you will be horse riding through the mystical woods. During this 45 minutes tour, we try to spot moose and tracks of other animals whilst you enjoying the silence and glittering snow under the moon light. Even a glimpse of the magical northern lights might be possible. After un-saddling the horses you enjoy a warm drink in the charming barn before returning to Herangtunet.

Day 8

Departure

Time to say goodbye to the Norwegian mountains. The drive from Herangtunet to Oslo takes about 3 hours.

What is included:

4 nights in a superior hotel room at Rondane River Lodge
3 nights in a hotel room at Herangtunet Boutique Hotel
Daily breakfast and 3 courses dinner
2 x wilderness lunch
4 hours guided snowshoe hike with wilderness lunch
4 hours backcountry skiing with wilderness lunch
3-5 hours musk ox safari
2-3 hours dogsled safari with wilderness lunch
1-2 hours snow rafting
2 hours evening horse riding program
All sports equipment needed for the various activities

Prices 2024/2025:

1 person in a single room = 29.785 NOK per person
2 persons in a double room = 20.960 NOK per person
3 persons in a triple room = 18.685 NOK per person

Optional:

Upgrade to a suite at Herangtunet Boutique Hotel = On request
Optional activities
Rent of thermal dresses and winter boots
Use of the private sauna at Rondane River Lodge = 500 NOK + 100 NOK per person
Use of the private sauna and hot-tub at Rondane River Lodge = 2000 NOK + 100 NOK per person
Use of the private sauna and hot-tub at Herangtunet = 1250 NOK
Travel insurance

Availability:

This program is available upon request during the whole winter season. When staying on 24/12 or 31/12 there is an additional charge for festive dinners.

Transport:

We recommend to fly to Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Here you can pick-up a rental car and drive to Rondane River Lodge in about 3-4 hours. It’s also possible to come by ferry from mainland Europe with your own car. Make sure your car is winter proof and has winter tires / snow chains in that case. The drive from Rondane River Lodge to Herangtunet takes 3-4 hours and it’s another 3 hours from Herangtunet back to the airport.

Alternatively you can also take the train to Atna where we can pick you up for 900 NOK one way (up to 8 persons). On day 5 we can arrange a transfer to Ringebu station for 900 NOK one way (up to 8 persons) from where you can take the train to Lillehammer. From Lillehammer there is a bus going straight to Herangtunet. On day 8 you can take the bus from Herantgtunet back to Oslo Airport.

Please take into account however there will be extra transfer costs for the different activities when not having a rental or private car at your disposal. Contact us for more information about transfer prices.

Clothing:

We recommend to bring winter sports clothing and to dress in layers as much as possible. For sure it can be freezing cold, but you might also get very warm while being active outdoors. Thermal underwear in merino wool is the best investment in order to stay comfortable in all kind of weather circumstances. And don’t forget a pair of sturdy/waterproof hiking or snow boots. It’s also possible to rent winter dresses (500 NOK per week) and boots (400 NOK per week) at Rondane River Lodge. Please inform us about the required sizes in advance.

Participants:

This program can be offered on request throughout the winter season for a minimum of 2 persons.

Deposit:

When booking for this trip, a 30% deposit is payable upon confirmation. This deposit is non-refundable unless the program would be cancelled from our side due to insufficient snow.