Lønset – Mountain Trails, Church and Climbing

Trails, water and mountain scenery

Lønset combines trails through mountain scenery with a short loop around the village centre, the Ishol climbing area and cultural and historical sites. This offers different scales to consider when planning a stay: a loop in the village, activities by the Driva and trails in the wider landscape.

Lønset’s varied mountain landscape is connected by a large network of trails and paths. The Lønsetstien is a short, family-friendly loop around the centre. The route is included in the municipal trail plan, adopted in 2018. Check local trail conditions before setting out. This lets you choose between two different scales: a short loop around the centre or the larger trail network in the mountain landscape.

Nearby Ångardsvatnet is in Storlidalen, is 5 km long and lies 15 km from Lønset. The lake has a long, shallow beach suitable for children and adults. There are also plenty of fishing opportunities in Lønset and the side valleys. These include larger lakes where you can use a boat or canoe, mountain lakes, small rivers and the Driva River. Permits and conditions may vary; check them before fishing.

Climbing and cross-country skiing

The Ishol climbing area is by the Driva in Lønset. Its routes range in difficulty from 4 to 8a+ and are equipped with bolts. There is parking and a fire pit at the area.

Lønset Ski Stadium has a floodlit cross-country ski trail belonging to Lønset School. If your plans depend on the lighting, check current operating conditions.

Church and cultural landscape

Lønset Church is a red-painted, octagonal wooden church dating from 1863. It is one of Norway’s 67 octagonal churches. The altarpiece was created and carved by local artists Sjur Jamtsæter and Ole Moene. The church therefore brings together a distinctive architectural form and a specific example of local craftsmanship.

The church is in the centre of Lønset on Fv 511, about 800 m north of the junction with Rv 70. A route from Lønset also leads to the medieval soapstone quarry at Katlberget. The sites represent different periods: the church dates from the 19th century, while the quarry goes back to the Middle Ages. Klevgardan in Lønset, Oppdal, is one of Norway’s nine newly selected agricultural cultural landscapes. This adds the agricultural cultural landscape as a distinct focus alongside the church and quarry.

Cultural history in Oppdal

In Oppdal, the Vang burial ground contains more than 900 large and small burial mounds and cairns. During clean-up and safety work in 2026, the municipality advises against visiting. Today’s Oppdal Church was built around 1650 and consecrated by Bishop Erik Bredal on 12 March 1651. Its baptistery has 12th-century stave construction decorated with painted apostles.

Discover more destinations: Fagerhaug

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