Rondane

Rondane refers to a mountainous region in central Norway, including Rondane National Park. The range lies in Innlandet county, spanning parts of the municipalities of Dovre and Sel. Rondane is one of Norway’s oldest protected mountain areas; Rondane National Park was established in 1962 as the country’s first national park and was subsequently enlarged to cover most of the range.

Geography: The park features rounded, rugged peaks and wide alpine valleys formed by glaciation. The highest point is Rondeslottet, at 2,178 meters above sea level. The range is known for its extensive tundra and coniferous forests at lower elevations, with numerous tarns and streams.

Ecology and conservation: Rondane hosts a population of wild reindeer, among other wildlife. The area's fragile alpine ecosystems support specialized flora such as mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs. The park is managed to protect natural processes and provide opportunities for low-impact recreation.

Recreation and access: The region is a popular destination for hiking and cross-country skiing, with a network of marked trails and mountain huts operated by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). Access is via roads and turnoffs from Dovre and Otta, with several trailheads leading into the range.

Significance: Rondane is recognized for its long-standing conservation history in Norway and for its role in Norwegian outdoor culture, serving as a gateway to the broader Rondane landscape and the surrounding Scandinavian Mountains.