Plizio Visual Lab

Sunndalsfjella

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

Sunndalsfjella is a mountain range in Møre og Romsdal county, forming part of the expansive Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park. The region is renowned for its dramatic landscape contrasts, where steep mountains plunge almost vertically into lush green valleys and deep fjords. The highest elevation in the area is Storskrymten at 1,985 meters, which marks the triple point of three Norwegian counties. Geologically, the mountains are composed of hard gneiss, significantly rounded and polished by ancient glacial activity. Historically, this territory was a vital hunting ground, evidenced by archaeological finds of reindeer pitfall traps dating back over 2,000 years. The area is home to the Vinnufossen waterfall, which is among the highest in Europe. Sunndalsfjella is also one of the few places in Europe where wild musk oxen can be found, having been reintroduced from Greenland. For hikers, the range features an extensive network of trails that provide a challenging experience due to the rugged terrain and extreme elevation changes.

Location: Norway
Nearby: Dombås (46 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	-9	-8	-6	-3	1	7	11	10	5	-1	-5	-8
Rain mm	138	114	116	92	99	143	161	158	135	110	129	140

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The mountain range is best accessed through the spectacular deep valleys like Innerdalen or Sunndalen. These valleys serve as natural, scenic gateways to the network of higher, more demanding mountain trails and elevated plateaus.

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Best season

The period from late June to early September typically provides the most stable and welcoming conditions. Snow often lingers very long into the summer months in the higher mountain passes and the heavily shaded, deep alpine valleys.

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Terrain & paths

The region is characterized by exceptionally steep, dramatic valley sides that lead up to rugged, glaciated alpine environments. The hiking trails can be physically very demanding, steep, and occasionally exposed in certain areas.

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What to bring

Visitors must bring reliable hiking boots with a very strong grip, as the trails can be extremely slippery when wet. Versatile layered clothing and basic emergency bivouac gear are highly recommended for any longer excursions.

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Parking

Trailhead parking is generally available in the lower sections of the valleys, often located near mountain lodges or at the very end of local toll roads. These areas can become quite busy during the absolute peak of the summer.

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Safety

Hikers must be constantly aware of the potential for rockfalls in the steep couloirs and rapidly changing alpine weather conditions. Navigation can become incredibly tricky and disorienting when heavy fog or low visibility sets in.

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Time needed

Standard day hikes to specific scenic viewpoints or alpine lakes usually take between 4 to 8 hours. The vast area is also extremely popular for undertaking extensive multi-day cabin-to-cabin hikes deeper into the remote mountains.