Rendalen Between Gorge and Cultural History

Rendalen offers striking landscapes, traces of culture and activities with different focuses. If you are looking for a hotel in Rendalen, you can plan your trip around whether you want to focus on gorge views, historic sites, a summit hike or a seasonal event. The destinations below give you specific ideas to help with your planning.

Landscapes and Trails in Rendalen

Jutulhogget Gorge has walls up to 240 metres high and is between 150 and 500 metres wide. At the western end, there is a car park, toilets and picnic facilities. A good trail leads to Veslehogget and into the central areas of the gorge; there are several viewpoints along the entire northern edge. You can choose between viewing the gorge from the viewpoints and taking a trail down into it.

The Sølen Landscape Protection Area was established by royal decree on 8 February 2011. It covers 456.4 square kilometres and lies entirely within Rendalen Municipality. Its purpose is to provide nature and landscape experiences through simple, nature-friendly outdoor activities with limited infrastructure. Cultural traces in the area include, in particular, remains of trapping systems for reindeer and moose.

Pilgrim Trails and Cultural History

The marked pilgrim trail enters Rendalen in the southeast and runs via Munkbetsetra, past Søndre Osdalssjøen and through Osdalen. It then continues via Østvollen and Renåtangen, and via Søljerøsta to Åkrestrømmen. The named stations trace a specific route. Åkrestein is another testament to the history of pilgrimage: it bears carved traces left by numerous pilgrims and is considered one of the few enduring records left by pilgrims in Norway.

The Bull Museum is dedicated to the author Jacob Breda Bull: it is located in the listed vicarage where he grew up. Rendalstunet also includes the Old Berger School, “Gammelskola,” and Bergslia. The Bull Museum, also known as Prestegårdstunet, comprises eight buildings, while Bergslia has four. Rendalstunet also has a café and a country store selling local products; café opening hours may vary by season.

Kløftkoia was built around 1915 and was used by forestry workers until the 1950s. In July 2025, reports described its restoration and opening as an accessible outdoor recreation facility for nature and cultural experiences. Check current access before visiting. The history of the building and its later use give the site two distinct perspectives across time.

Activities with Different Focuses

For those considering a longer hike, Renåfjellet offers a circular route over three summits: Tøråsen is 874 metres high, Renåfjellet 1,028 metres and Renåskarven 962 metres. The total distance is about 20 kilometres. Both the approximate distance and the individual summits are specified for planning purposes; no hiking time is given.

Renåfjellet also has a ski area with its own snowmaking system. Since operating status and seasonal operations may change, check current conditions before planning your winter trip around it. Guided wobbler and spinning fishing is offered on the Mistra River. As this activity is also seasonal, it is worth checking the conditions for your planned date in advance.

In Fiskevollen, the fishing hut at the entrance is staffed during much of the summer season. Fishing licences for angling, otter fishing and net fishing, as well as kiosk items, are sold there; you can also rent a boat. Access and seasonal services may vary. If you plan to make use of these facilities, check the conditions for your visit.

For a stay with a dog, Møregga Dog Park is an option in its own right: the fenced area covers more than 6,500 square metres and allows dogs to run freely. A time slot can be booked. Sana, meanwhile, is a sandy beach at the northern end of Lake Storsjøen; its location helps distinguish it from other destinations in Rendalen.

Seasonal Events and Local Dishes

The Åkrestrømmen village festival, also called Rendalsdagene, takes place every year in mid-July during calendar week 28. If you want to combine your trip with the festival, check the date for the relevant year. Traditional local dishes are available to order in Åkrådalen. These include dishes featuring whitefish from Sølensjøen, as well as game from the forests and mountains of Rendalen.

Mefurua is Rendalen Municipality’s only state-secured outdoor recreation area and includes several buildings for overnight stays. Operating status may vary for individual facilities; check the latest information if you are specifically planning to stay there. This helps you match the different interests of your trip—from cultural heritage to outdoor activities—with the relevant planning considerations.

Discover more destinations: Åkrestrømmen, Rendalen, Hanestad, Sjølisand, Elverum, Kongsvinger, Engerdal, Hamar.

For the main travel overview: Hedmark.