Mehørunden – A Scenic Mountain Loop from Dovrefjell Lodge
Some of the finest hiking in Norway starts right outside the door of Dovrefjell Lodge. Mehørunden is a 12 km loop trail that takes you through the wilderness of Dovrefjell — past ancient wetlands, along the historic Pilgrim Path, and up to sweeping views of Snøhetta and the national park.
No transfers, no planning, no other hikers in sight. Just the mountains — and five hours that you won't forget.
The trail winds through untouched, pristine nature — please take all your rubbish home with you and leave no trace. Don't be surprised if you barely meet another soul out there. Enjoy the silence. It's one of the rarest things you'll find anywhere.
Trail Overview
Distance: Approx. 12 km
Duration: 3–5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Dovrefjell Lodge, 17 km from Dombås
Season: Summer season (June - October)
Marked: Yes – red markers on wooden posts
What to Expect on the Trail
The trail heads down from Dovrefjell Lodge around the eastern side of Mehøe mountain. The first stretch is gentle — a quiet path with the mountains slowly opening up around you.
After about 0.6 km you reach a small junction. Continue straight ahead, across the wooden sleepers at the edge of Haukskardmyra Nature Reserve — one of the last remaining wetlands with permafrost in southern Norway. A strange, beautiful place. Completely silent. Completely wild.
Further along, the trail joins the Pilgrim Path (Pilegrimsleden), the historic route from Oslo to Trondheim that has been walked for centuries. From here the views are incredible — Snøhetta (2,286 m) to the northwest, Fokstumyra Nature Reserve below, and the vast Dovrefjell plateau all around you.
Keep your eyes open for wild reindeer and, if you're really lucky, musk oxen in the distance. Birds are everywhere.
If you want to make sure you see the musk oxen in the wilderness, try our Musk Ox Safari.
About the Weather — Expect Everything
Dovrefjell weather doesn't follow a script. In a single day you might get sunshine, snow, wind strong enough to stop you in your tracks, and sunshine again — sometimes three times over.
That's Dovrefjell. And it makes the whole trip more memorable.
Pack layers for all conditions — warm sun and freezing wind can happen within the same hour. Add a waterproof jacket, a warm mid-layer and dry spare clothes.
Add a Summit – Mehøe (1,271 m)
If you have the energy, add a short climb to the summit of Mehøe (1,271 m). The ascent is straightforward and well worth it — from the top you get a panoramic view across Dovre National Park, Fokstumyra Nature Reserve, and deep into Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park.
Allow an extra hour or so if you plan to include the summit.
View from a peak of a Mehøe mountain
What to Bring on the trail
Sturdy hiking boots — the trail crosses some wet and boggy sections
Layers, layers, layers — pack for sunshine, snow and everything in between
A waterproof jacket and spare dry clothes
Packed lunch and plenty of water
Binoculars — great for spotting reindeer and birds
Camera — you'll want it
Before and After the Hike
The path starts right outside the Dovrefjell Lodge door. So start your day with the breakfast buffet at Dovrefjell Lodge (07:00–10:00) and head out with a full stomach. When you get back — and you will be hungry — book a table for our three-course Nordic dinner in the evening. You've earned it.
Getting to the dovrefjell
Mehørunden starts directly from Dovrefjell Lodge, located at Furuhauglie 80, approximately 17 km north of Dombås via the E6. Free parking on site. No further transportation needed.
