Grimsbu: Hiking, Ski Trails and History

Grimsbu offers several reasons to stay: hiking trails, cross-country ski trails, the Kroktjønna outdoor recreation area and traces of history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Grimsbu, you can start by thinking about whether hiking, winter sports, a day by the water or cultural history will shape your stay.

Cultural History in Grimsbu

The BP gas station in Grimsbu was built in 1955 for the English oil company BP. It remains largely unchanged and has a high degree of authenticity as well as educational value. Another historical trace is the large trapping system, with several dozen trapping pits. It dates from the Iron Age or the Middle Ages.

Hiking Trails from Circular Routes to Peaks

The marked Stormoegga nature and cultural trail is a 9.8 km circular route with eleven stops. It starts and ends at the ski jumps. Another loop goes via Grimsmoen: this easy 10 km circular route has an elevation gain of about 30 metres and starts at Grimsbu Turistsenter. It follows a large glacial gravel moraine along car-free paths. This gives you a choice between a trail with stops and a circular route with a stated elevation gain.

The marked family trail to Kakelkletten starts in Grimsbu, takes about 1.5 hours and reaches an elevation of 958 m. Along the way, there are views of Rondane National Park, Alvdal Vestfjell and the valley. The marked trail to Høneskletten also starts in Grimsbu, takes about two hours and leads to a summit cairn. On the Vismannskletten–Storskarvola trail, the route follows an old cart track to the tree line, then continues along a path to the summit; here too, the walking time is about two hours. For planning your time, you can compare the estimates directly: around 1.5 hours for Kakelkletten and about two hours each for the other two trails.

Ski Trails, Ski Arena and Cycling Routes

The interconnected ski trail network around Grimsbu covers about 100 km. You can ski to Grimsbu from Hjerkinn or Alvdal. As seasonal grooming may change, it’s a good idea to check current conditions before setting out. The Stormoegga Ski Arena is located by Kroktjønna, with ski trails in winter, a biathlon stadium and a roller-ski track. Access is via Grimsbu Turistsenter.

The ski route from Grimsbu Turistsenter to Fatfjellsætran follows the Kakella River to Langbekken. The approximately 4 km route passes through easy terrain and pine forest. From the same starting point, you can hike toward Jensasætra and join the ski trail network at Krokhaug and Gruvekroa; the Kakella runs directly behind the Turistsenter.

There’s also a cycling loop through Grimsbu: first, head east from Folldal to Grimsbu on the county road, then continue on gravel roads south of the Grimsa through Folldal. As route conditions may change, check them before setting out.

Kroktjønna and Time Outdoors

The Kroktjønna outdoor recreation area in Grimsbu has a swimming area with a sandy beach, a barbecue shelter and a bathing jetty. There are also jetties specially designed for wheelchair users. Hiking trails run around Kroktjønna by the swimming area and nearby ponds.

Several small lakes lie at Kroktjønnan, close to Grimsbu. They formed in large kettle holes after the last Ice Age and are suitable for picnics and swimming. This adds another outdoor option to the range of trails, while the swimming area and its specific facilities offer a separate place to visit.

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