Attractions in Oppdal
Highlights
Tackle the famous Dovrefjell mountain from Snøheim cabin
Enjoy an easy hike and great views of Trollheimen
Hike Okla mountain for a panorama of Gjevillvatnet lake
Tackle one of Oppdal’s most popular mountain biking trails
Revel in real highland biking and a beautiful landscape
Ski the most popular route in Trollheimen
Enjoy classic Oppdal ski touring from Storlidalen valley
Take an easy ski-touring trip close to Oppdal with great views of Trollheimen
Discover the region
Why choose Oppdal?
- Conveniently located between Oslo and Trondheim on the Dovre railway
- Gateway to Dovrefjell and Trollheimen mountain ranges
- Only place in Norway to see the musk ox in the wild
- Trekanten, a classic 3-day hike
- Spring ski touring in April and May
- Varied mountain biking trails
Oppdal is a municipality in central Norway, between Oslo and Trondheim. The region is surrounded by two natural highlights, the Dovrefjell and Trollheimen mountain ranges, which hold many of the area’s best adventures.
In the south, Dovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella National Park is home to Norway’s lone population of musk oxen. Mountain reindeer and moose can also be spotted in the area. Towering above all is Snøhetta, the highest mountain in Norway outside of Jotunheimen National Park.
To the north, Trollheimen offers one of Norway’s most well-known hikes, Trekanten. Gjevilvasshytta, a serviced cabin along the route, is considered by some to be Norway’s prettiest tourist cabin.
An extensive trail network winds its way through the whole region and with so many mountains, hikers seeking views are rarely disappointed. Mountain bikers are increasingly flocking to the area and during the warmer months rafting on the Driva river is a thrilling way to spend a day.
Oppdal is central Norway’s premier winter destination. In the winter and spring the mountains hovering above the region’s valleys are renowned for wonderful ski touring. Oppdal is also home to a large alpine ski center and many kilometers of groomed cross-country trails.
In Oppdal village, the compact center has everything required for a comfortable stay. There are an array of hotels, shops, cafés and restaurants. For self-caterers, there are several supermarkets and a Vinmonopolet.
Oppdal is located about 2 hours from Trondheim and 5–6 hours from Oslo, on the main highway and railway line between the two cities.
The best time to visit Oppdal
Oppdal offers plenty of reasons to visit regardless of the season. For skiers, hikers, and bikers, the Dovrefjell and Trollheimen mountain ranges are perfect for discovering adventures in the mountains.
The true beginning and end of the seasons varies depending on snowfalls and general weather conditions. The Norwegian national weather service provides detailed weather reports and forecasts for Oppdal in English.
Winter
During winter Oppdal has 180 km of cross-country trails, a sizeable alpine ski center, and countless ski touring opportunities. The first snow arrives in November and it’s possible to take summit trips right into spring.
Spring
The skiing season is long in Oppdal and in April and May it becomes a ski touring paradise. With the right weather it can be possible to ski in the mountains one day and hike in the valleys the next. Long, bright days hint that summer is coming.
Summer
The popular musk ox safaris begin in mid-June. As July rolls around, the hiking season really kicks into gear with the high mountains calling. The trails have dried and are also suitable for mountain biking. Rafting, canyoning and ziplining are all possible.
Fall
Hiking and biking in fall brings a new perspective with stunning foliage in shades of orange and gold. Berry picking is a popular past time.
Trip planning
Weather
Webcams
Getting there
Public transport
Oppdal is conveniently situated on the Dovre railway between Oslo and Trondheim. Train tickets should be purchased as far in advance as possible to secure the best rates. Tickets and service information can be found on entur.no.
Directions
Oslo to Oppdal
The train between Oslo and Oppdal takes around 5 hours. There are four departures from Oslo daily with one in the morning, two in the afternoon, and an overnight train that arrives in Oppdal very early in the morning.
If you’re driving, follow highway E6 north to Oppdal. The trip is approximately 415 km and takes 5.5 hours.
Trondheim to Oppdal
The train journey from Trondheim to Oppdal is about 1.5 hours. There is one morning departure, two afternoon departures, and a late-night service.
The drive south to Oppdal, along highway E6, is 120 km and takes about 2 hours.
Onward travel
With Oppdal’s location in Central Norway, there are several possibilities for onward travel. Oslo and Trondheim serve as the main transport hubs but other stations along the Dovre railway connect to some of the Norway’s smaller centers for exploring nature.
From Dombås, south of Oppdal, the stunning Rauma railway heads to Åndalsnes on the west coast.
From Støren, north of Oppdal, the Røros railway connects to the town of Røros in the east. Røros is a World Heritage site and former mining center with a fascinating history and beautiful location.
Closest airports
If you’re flying to Norway before heading to Oppdal, the most convenient airport to arrive at is Oslo Airport, Gardermoen (OSL). The train from Oslo to Oppdal stops at Gardermoen and the journey takes 4.5 hours. You can also rent a car from the airport and follow highway E6 north to Oppdal.
Alternatively, Trondheim Airport, Værnes, is situated about 150 km north of Oppdal. Take a local train to Trondheim central station before connecting to the Dovre railway. Car rental is also available.
