Plizio Visual Lab
Dovre
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Dovrefjell is a monumental mountain range in central Norway that plays a pivotal role in Norwegian history and mythology. It spans across the counties of Innlandet, Trøndelag, and Møre og Romsdal. The highest peak in the region is Snøhetta, reaching 2,286 meters. The area is most famous for the Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, which was used in 1932 to reintroduce musk oxen, now a hallmark of the region. Historically, Dovrefjell was a feared obstacle for travelers and pilgrims heading to Nidaros. The famous oath at Eidsvoll in 1814, 'United and loyal until Dovre falls', established the mountains as a national symbol of endurance. Today, while the region is traversed by the Dovre Railway and European route E6, it maintains vast areas of pristine wilderness and alpine ecosystems.
- Location: Norway
- Top sights: Storfallet · Dovre kyrkje
- Nearby: Dombås (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -11 | -10 | -8 | -4 | 1 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 4 | -2 | -7 | -10 |
| Rain mm | 68 | 51 | 52 | 55 | 85 | 121 | 147 | 137 | 86 | 72 | 70 | 66 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
This historic mountain region is highly accessible via major train routes and primary highways connecting larger cities. The railway station at the summit is a popular and very convenient starting point for hikers.
Best season
Summer hiking is best between late June and September when the iconic high-altitude trails are clear. Winters are notoriously bitter but offer incredible cross-country skiing across the vast plateau.
Terrain & paths
The landscape is an immense, rolling alpine plateau punctuated by distinct, rounded peaks and stony ground. The trails are generally very well-marked and range from easy walks to challenging ascents.
What to bring
Prepare for sudden extreme cold and fierce winds even during sunny summer afternoons. Layered thermal clothing, a solid windbreaker, and sturdy boots for the rocky sections are always recommended.
Parking
Substantial parking infrastructure exists at the main lodges and transit hubs along the central highway corridor. These well-developed facilities cater to the high volume of seasonal visitors to the region.
Safety
The area is famous for its wild musk oxen; you must maintain a safe distance of at least two hundred meters to avoid provoking a dangerous charge. The weather can deteriorate with frightening speed on the plateau.
Time needed
Visitors can enjoy anything from a two-hour guided musk ox safari to a week-long trek traversing the entire mountain plateau. The well-spaced network of cabins allows for highly flexible itinerary planning.
Geography
Facts
- Snøhetta is the highest peak at 2,286 meters.
- Only place in Norway with a wild musk ox population.
- Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park covers 1,693 km².
- A national symbol of endurance and Norwegian identity.
- Part of the historical pilgrims' path to Trondheim.
- The Dovre Railway was officially opened in 1921.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Dovre (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Are there musk oxen in the Dovrefjell mountains?
Yes, it is the only place in Norway where you can see these arctic animals in the wild.
How high is Snøhetta?
Snøhetta is the highest peak in Dovrefjell National Park, reaching 2286 meters.
Can you go hiking in the park?
Yes, there are many marked trails, with the hike to Snøhetta being the most popular.
Are there wild reindeer?
Dovrefjell is home to one of the last wild herds of European tundra reindeer.
Is the park accessible by train?
Yes, the Dovre railway stops at stations like Kongsvoll or Hjerkinn, right on the edge of the park.
Dovre: where is it located?
Dovre is located in Norway.
Dovre: what is there to see?
Highlights include Storfallet, Dovre kyrkje.
Dovre: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Dovre: why is it worth visiting?
The Dovrefjell is a monumental mountain range in central Norway that plays a pivotal role in Norwegian history and mythology.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Norway →
Nearby cities
Ranheim
A picturesque coastal neighborhood in Trondheim, Norway, offering beautiful fjord views and relaxing outdoor spaces.
Gåseid
Gåseid is a quiet coastal suburb in Ålesund municipality, Norway, offering scenic views and direct access to the North Sea waters.
Ålesund Art Nouveau District
After a devastating fire in 1904, Ålesund was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style.
Ålesund
A unique city completely rebuilt in Art Nouveau style after a 1904 fire, situated on several islands at the edge of the Atlantic.
Hamar
Hamar is situated on the shores of Lake Mjøsa.
Kristiansund
Kristiansund consists of several islands.
Molde
Molde is located on the coast and is known as the town of roses.
Levanger
Levanger is a picturesque wooden town on the Trondheimsfjord, known for its well-preserved architecture, the historic Marsimartnan market…
Gjøvik
Gjøvik is situated on the western shore of Lake Mjøsa.
Stjørdal
Stjørdal is located in Trøndelag county.
Jessheim
Jessheim is a bustling commercial and transportation hub in Eastern Norway, located just a short distance from Oslo Airport.
Brumunddal
Located on the shores of Lake Mjøsa, Brumunddal is famous for Mjøstårnet, the world's tallest timber building.
Førde
Førde is the administrative center of Vestland county.
Florø
Florø is Norway's westernmost city, a charming coastal hub with a rich fishing history and a stunning surrounding archipelago.
Eidsvoll
Eidsvoll is historically significant as the place where the Norwegian constitution was signed in 1814.
History & landmarks
Røros
This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Europe's oldest wooden towns and a living monument to copper mining history.
Rjukan
An industrial town in a deep valley, world-famous for its UNESCO heritage and 'sun mirrors'.
Lom
The heart of Norwegian mountain culture, home to one of the country's most beautiful stave churches.