Drive it Yourself: Trondheim to Røros on the Fv30
Enjoy this short but scenic drive from Trondheim to Røros on the Fv30!
Long used by hunters seeking reindeer, Folldal grew as a modern mining town in the 18th century after the first permanent settlement took place. Today Folldal is a quiet town surrounded by incredible national parks. Fun fact – Folldal has the highest elevation of all administrative centres in Norway, at 712 metres above sea level.
Latitude: 60.2 degrees north
Population: 1,530
Folldal Municipality
Here are some things that you must do and try in Folldal
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Folldal
The Folldal Mine is a historic mine from 1748 that has now been converted into a museum. The site has about 70 old buildings, worker barracks and a director’s manor. In the mine’s rest-area carpark there are information boards and a panoramic bench overlooking the Rondane mountains. The museum is only open in the summer months.
An open-air folk museum with original 18th/19th-century farmhouses, barns and outbuildings. Exhibits highlight rural life, local agriculture, traditional textiles and the historic mining era. Visiting Folldal Bygdetun gives a glimpse of how the valley’s inhabitants lived and worked in the past.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Just east of Folldal, Rondane NP is famed for its ten rounded 2000m peaks and wild reindeer (2,000–4,000 animals roam here). Enjoy alpine scenery, chance wildlife sightings (reindeer, moose and fox), and flower-filled valleys. (Remember to stay on trails in core zones to protect the reindeer herds.)
Folldal is located close to some amazing park areas. Norway’s longest seter valley, the 55km (34 mile) long Einundalen, is close by. The valley is still used for summer grazing at the mountain summer farms that have existed for over 400 years. Almost half the land around Folldal is conservation area and national park.
short easy hike along the Grimsa river leads to Fallfossen, a tumbling waterfall with footbridges over the river. The trail continues to the quaint old stone Gamle Grimsa Bru (bridge), a 19th-century relic. These are excellent for a relaxed family walk in summer.
Ambitious hike to the DNT mountain hut at Breisjøseter. Two main routes: a 12 km marked trail from Atnasjø café (initial climb, then gentle downhill to the hut); or the longer marked trail from Strømbu rest area (approx 5–6 h of high-country terrain). Both reward hikers with wild mountain lakes, panoramic views over Rondane, and a cozy lodge at the end.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Folldal
This tourist road goes through the Rondane National park, which was established as the first national park of Norway.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Folldal
Long before there was permanent settlement in Folldal, the area was often visited by trappers hunting reindeer. There are close to 1,000 animal graves in Folldal and the remains of a larger mass trapping facility are dated to the 13th century. The first farms in Folldal are listed in the early 17th century and were likely migrants from the Dovre region.
Mining has been important to Folldal for over 300 years. The Folldal Works was founded in 1748, the same year the copper mine opened. At its peak, the mine employed up to 550 people. The ore was transported by horse-drawn carriages to a smelter in Alvdal. The main mine was closed in 1941, though smelting continued until 1968.
Mining characterised industry in Folldal until 1993, and now the municipality is the largest employer. Farming is also important and accounts for around 20% of employment. The agricultural area mainly consists of meadows and pastures.
Fly: No airport
Drive: The main access is via the Norwegian Scenic Route Rondanevegen (Rv27). From Oslo, drive north on the E6 to Ringebu (or Venabygdsfjellet), then take Rv27 northeast through Sollia to Folldal. From Trondheim, drive via Dombås (E6 to Dovre) and then south on Rv29 into Folldal. The scenic road offers spectacular mountain views en route.
Train:The nearest mainline station is Otta (on Dovre Line). Regular trains from Oslo or Trondheim go to Otta. From Otta take a regional bus or taxi to Folldal (about 1.5–2 h total). There are also direct long-distance coaches (Rikstrafikk or Vy buses) running Oslo–Otta–Folldal.
Ferry: No ferry access.
Folldal is compact – most attractions and amenities are reachable on foot or by bike. The town is served by a local bus route linking Folldal with Alvdal (and onwards to Atna). Taxis are available but should be booked in advance. In winter, a community ski-bus may run to nearby ski trails (check at Tourist Info).
Hjertefryd is a boutique gift shop in Folldal that sells local handicrafts, textiles, foods, and art. It has a warm atmosphere and staff who explain the stories behind each product.
Svennsplassen Gårdssøm: A small atelier shop specialising in handmade traditional textiles and embroidery. Great for authentic Norwegian woollens, knitted garments and folk-art items.
Cafes & Bakeries
Gruvekroa (at the Folldal Gruver museum) serves regional specialties, such as sandwiches, cakes, and coffee.
Casual Eateries
High End & Unique Eats
Folldal Fjellstue (outside town) has a highly regarded restaurant serving fine, traditional cuisine made with local ingredients. Another choice is the dining room at Folldal Hotell (inn) which caters to hotel guests with quality Norwegian dishes. Reservations are wise, especially on weekends and holidays.
Kvistli Islandshester ranch offers cosy rooms and cabins (full board with riding packages).
Camping
Fjellsyn Camping – well-equipped campsite 4 km north of town at 760 m elevation. It offers tent plots, cabins, caravan hookups, and even ski lift access in winter. The site has modern facilities and a wood-fired sauna by the lake. Nearby is Statsbu Camping at the Strømbu rest area (simple cabins and tent sites).
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
High End & Unique Properties
Folldal Mountain Hotel is a good place to stay if you are interested in hiking: https://www.folldalhotel.no/
Kverbergsøya is a historic farm and lodgings: https://www.kvebergsoeya.com/
Enjoy this short but scenic drive from Trondheim to Røros on the Fv30!
Drive through historic mining towns on your way to UNESCO Heritage-listed Røros.
Drive through Norway’s national park and be inspired by incredible views.