Rundhaug: History along the Målselva

Rundhaug is in the municipality of Målselv. Local history, Kalottspel, the Målselva and outdoor activities give the place its distinct character.

Culture, events and local history

Kalottspel, an internationally recognized folk music festival, is usually held in Rundhaug in August. The venue is the Mellembygd Culture and Education Centre. As the program may change and August is not a current date confirmation, check the dates and program for the year before you travel.

Another defining part of the area's history is Rundhaugbrua. The first bridge was a privately built wooden structure that opened in 1884 and was destroyed by ice in May 1893. A new, 90-meter-long suspension bridge was built in 1913; only its bridge abutments remain. The current bridge was built in the mid-1950s. The bridge's history can thus be traced through several construction phases, without confusing the former suspension bridge with the current structure.

Events are also part of Rundhaug's history: Over the past decades, the place has hosted several festivals and other events that drew visitors to Rundhaugmartna'n from farther afield. The market is also known as Spikfrostmartnan. It is associated with the first weekend in December and features stalls selling traditional handicrafts and Christmas baked goods. Check the dates for the year before you travel.

The Målselva and Rundhaug Gjestegård

The Målselva winds past the center of Rundhaug and has a long-standing reputation as a good salmon river. Salmon fishing is also an important part of the history of Rundhaug Gjestegård. The historic hotel was built in Rundhaug, in the municipality of Målselv, in 1905. It has fishing spots on the Målselva; the closest are right in front of the hotel. Fishing access and booking terms may change. If these matter for your trip, confirm them in advance.

The area's historical connection with fishing also includes the strong reputation of the combination “Sportsfiske – Målselva – Rundhaug.” English lords and European figures helped spread this reputation. This describes a historical tradition of visitors, not a formal sport fishing association.

There is a restaurant in Kalottspel's festival area, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are available at the stated times. A café is open during the festival and in connection with other events throughout the year. The café offering is therefore tied to events; restaurant meals are served according to the published times in the festival area.

Hiking trails and winter sports

Rundhaug has marked and unmarked hiking trails. In winter, a groomed ski trail runs between MKOS and Mikkalrommet; grooming may vary by season. There are also suitable areas for ski touring and other types of skiing away from groomed trails. Snow and access conditions change with the season. The ski-trail link between the two named endpoints and the areas for skiing away from groomed trails are different options to consider depending on your interests and current conditions.

About 500 meters uphill from Rundhaug Gjestegård is a cave or bunker from the Second World War, which has also been used for concerts. The concerts are part of the area's history; this does not indicate that events are held there today or that access is currently available.

Getting there

Rundhaug is about a 20-minute drive from Bardufoss Airport and the E6. Actual driving time may vary depending on road and weather conditions.

Further orientation in the wider destination of Målselv

In the wider destination of Målselv, Målselvfossen offers another connection with nature and culture: The waterfall on the lower reaches of the Målselva has a drop of 22 meters and was named Norway's national waterfall in an NRK listener poll in 2003. This waterfall is a feature of the Målselv destination, not a feature of Rundhaug.

Fossmotunet is part of Målselv's cultural history and shares the history and culture of the people who immigrated to Målselv from the late 18th century onward. Visits for groups and school classes are available by request from May to September. At Kongsvoldtunet, Kongslistua was built in 1846; decorated chests and cabinets are associated with the time of the early settlers. A marked hiking trail leads from Kongsvoldtunet to Rostakulen, with wide views over Målselvdalen. These examples add to the wider destination of Målselv without attributing them to Rundhaug.

Discover more destinations: Moen, Målselv, Øverbygd, Bardufoss

Back to the wider travel overview: Målselv.