Drive it Yourself: Dombås to Ålesund via Åndalsnes on the E136
Read our road-trip guide for the drive from Dombås to Ålesund on the E136, passing Åndalsnes along the way.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 1,161 / 62 degrees north
Dombås, Norway
Dombås is like the major intersection of Norway. Road, rail and rivers meet here, plus several national parks. The town itself is not very interesting, but if you want to enjoy the outdoors, Dombås is perfect.
About Dombås
Latitude: 62 degrees north
Population: 1,161
Dovre Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Dombås
Uniquely Dombås
Here are some things that you must do and try in Dombås
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Dombås
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Natural Attraction
Snøhetta Pavilion
The Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre is located in the mountains just out of Dombås, and here you can experience the Snøhetta Pavilion. It’s a short walk from the Centre and has incredible views. It won the World Architecture Award in 2011.
Experience
Musk Ox Safari
The Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park is the only place in Europe to see a herd of musk oxen roaming in the wild. Guided tours are organised by Moskus Safari Dovrefjell.
Hiking
Hikes, Hikes Everywhere
Dombås is surrounded by national park, so it’s not possible to list all the hikes here. There are so many!
Road-Trips
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Dombås
The E6 from Oslo to Trondheim
The E6 is the main highway that runs the entire length of Norway. The section from Oslo to Trondheim is the busiest, passing through the Gudbrandsdalen valley before crossing the mountains towards central Norway. Along the way are many historic sites and points of interest, making it an interesting drive to take.
The E136 from Dombås to Ålesund via Trollveggen
The E136 is the most impressive of the European highways in Norway. The drive from Dombås from Ålesund starts out just fine, but as you approach Åndalsnes you are met with the most incredible scenery in the country. Trollveggen is a famous stretch of mountains that reach peaks of well over 1000 metres high. The famous Trollstigen Tourist Road also begins on the E136. The old road was, in historic times, an important road for the farmers of the northern part of the Gudbrandsdalen valley and the surrounding mountain villages. They would use the road to get access to the sea, where they could buy items like salt.
This was one of the first roads between Eastern and Western Norway to be paved as a driving road. Old stations still exist along the road where those travelling in carriages would stop to rest.
Self-Guided Walks
We currently do not have any self-guided walks available in Dombås
Dombås on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Dombås
Dombås to Åndalsnes
Follow the scenic road from Dombås to Åndalsnes through the Rauma Valley.
Lom to Dombås
Follow us as we make our way from Lom to Dombås, passing by Vågåmo and Sel.
History of Dombås
Dombås has always been an important location for travellers. In older times, Tofte Kongsgård was an inn and shuttle station. It was a place where travellers would stop for shelter, food, and to rest their horses.
Dombås was bombed during World War II by the Nazis and the first American to be killed in World War II, Robert M. Losey, was killed here. There is a memorial park in town about this event.
Dombås Today
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: No airport.
Drive: Dombås is located on the E6 that runs between Oslo and Trondheim. It is also where the E136 leads down to Åndalsnes.
Train: Dombås is a station on the Dovre Line that runs between Oslo and Trondheim. The Rauma Railway starts here.
Ferry: No ferry access
Getting Around
Dombås is walkable, but to get to any of the hikes you will need a car.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Camping
Bjorkhol Camping has excellent facilities and it is possible to catch a bus here from Dombås.
Dombås Hostel offers shared rooms and private rooms.
Lodges & B&Bs
Dombås Vandrerhjem is a hostel with 13 rooms. All rooms have their own bathroom.
Trolltun Hotel & Hytter is a reasonably priced hotel with cabins for rent.
Chains & Mid-Range
Dombås Hotel is one of the nicer hotels in the town.
High End & Unique Properties
All Posts About Dombås
Drive it Yourself: Lom to Dombås on the Rv15 & E6
Read our road-trip guide for the drive from Lom to Dombås via the Rv15 and E6.
Drive it Yourself: Oslo to Trondheim on the E6
Take the major highway E6 between Oslo and Trondheim.