The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Ørteren
4.6
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933
hikers
10
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Ørteren are set within an undulating, open landscape featuring numerous lakes and mountains, situated on the Hardangervidda plateau in Buskerud county, Norway. This region provides access to a vast wilderness with diverse terrain, from gentle paths to more rugged routes. Hikers can experience panoramic views of natural landmarks such as Hallingskarvet National Park and the Hardangerjøkulen glacier. The area is characterized by crystal-clear lakes and varied paths suitable for different preferences.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Ørteren
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is DNT Krækkja Mountain Lodge loop from Ørteren, an 8.7 miles (14.0 km) trail that takes 4 hours 45 minutes to complete. This moderate loop offers views of the surrounding plateau and passes the historic DNT Krækkja Mountain Lodge.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Loop hike around Storekrækkja on the Hardangervidda plateau, a moderate 7.4 miles (11.9 km) path. This route circles Storekrækkja Lake, providing expansive views across the Hardangervidda plateau.
- Local hikers also love the Around Storekrækkja Lake, a 7.5 miles (12.0 km) trail leading through the open mountain landscape, often completed in about 3 hours 28 minutes.
- Hiking around Ørteren is defined by its open mountain plateau, numerous lakes, and panoramic views of glaciers and national parks. The network offers options for various ability levels, including easy paths suitable for families.
- The routes in Ørteren are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 190 reviews. More than 800 hikers have used komoot to explore Ørteren's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
6
hikers
14.0km
04:45
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(78)
292
hikers
11.9km
03:27
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.7
(78)
291
hikers
12.1km
03:29
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.0
(4)
42
hikers
19.7km
06:43
410m
330m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.5
(4)
34
hikers
14.9km
04:59
180m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Tips from the Community
This is such a quaint bridge. It crosses a beautiful connecting stream that joins Storekrækkja and Drageidfjorden lakes. The views out over the plateau to the distant snow-speckled hills are super nice.
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The "SignaTUR" MASSIV hike is the longest of Norway's premier long-distance hiking trails operated by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). Covering 350 kilometres and having 11,000 metres of ascent, it also travels through four iconic mountain landscapes. This hike is a gruelling physical and mental hut-to-hut or wild-camp challenge. Hikers normally hike it north to south and travel through three national parks and a protected landscape area: Breheimen - Jotunheimen - Skarvheimen (protected landscape) - Hardangervidda This section is over the vast and remote Hardangervidda plateau, the largest of its kind in Europe, with a cold, year-round alpine climate. As remote as it is, you will find well-marked trails and a wide range of serviced and self-service DNT cabins.
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Stigstuv Lodge is a privately owned mountain cambin located high up on the vast Hardangervidda mountain plateau in Norway. It's a base for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter, offering accommodation, meals, and access to a wide, tranquil, and beautiful high-mountain wilderness.
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The DNT Fjällstation Krækkja is a full-board hostel during the season, where you can sleep and enjoy breakfast and dinner, as well as various other items during the day, such as cakes/waffles and soup. It's also a great place to take a break. Krækkja is the oldest cabin on the Hardangervidda plateau, having opened in 1879. The cabin is beautifully situated by Lake Storkrækkja with a view of Hallingskarvet. Families with children, retirees, cabin hikers, and day trippers all come here.
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At Easter, many people enjoy hiking from hut to hut on the Hardangervidda.
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Kjeldebu consists of several, fairly large cabins and is actually designed for larger groups such as school classes. It's not far from here (just under 8 km) to the Rv7 and thus to a bus stop. A large provision store can be found in the hut in the middle of the "settlement", which also contains the rooms for the hut warden and the sleeping quarters for hikers with dogs. Water can be found a few meters further along the river, otherwise the cabins are equipped with wood stoves and gas cookers. There is even some light through a photovoltaic system, batteries and LED spots.
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Incredibly beautiful cabin with very nice people.
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Great accommodation with fantastic food. We enjoyed the three course meal here, enjoyed the gorgeous sunset overlooking the snow capped mountains in late July and had a restful one night. The breakfast buffet is also included in the room rate. I haven't seen a nicer place to stay overnight!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Ørteren?
There are 7 family-friendly hiking trails around Ørteren featured in this guide, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. These routes are specifically chosen to be enjoyable for families exploring the Hardangervidda plateau.
What kind of landscapes can families expect on hikes in Ørteren?
Families hiking in Ørteren will discover an undulating, open landscape characterized by numerous small and large lakes and mountains. As part of the vast Hardangervidda plateau, you'll experience diverse terrain, from gentle paths suitable for children to more rugged sections, all offering panoramic views of natural landmarks like Hallingskarvet National Park and the majestic Hardangerjøkulen glacier.
Are there any easy routes suitable for families with young children or strollers?
While many trails in Ørteren are moderate, there is at least one easy route featured in this guide. For a relatively flat and scenic option, consider the Sandy Beach on Skaupsjøen Lake – Bridge loop from Fagerheim, which has minimal elevation gain and offers beautiful lake views. For very young children or strollers, the northern parts of Hardangervidda generally offer easier walking paths, but specific stroller-friendly routes may require further local inquiry.
What are some notable landmarks or points of interest along the family-friendly trails?
Many trails in Ørteren offer stunning natural landmarks. You can enjoy views of the Hallingskarvet National Park and the Hardangerjøkulen glacier. The historic DNT Krækkja Mountain Lodge, the oldest cabin on the Hardangervidda plateau, is a significant point of interest and a popular stop for families. Routes like the DNT Krækkja Mountain Lodge loop from Ørteren will take you directly past it.
Are there any circular routes recommended for families?
Yes, several family-friendly routes in Ørteren are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A great option is the Loop hike around Storekrækkja on the Hardangervidda plateau, which offers beautiful scenery around the lake. Another excellent choice is the Fagerheim Fjellstugu – Svonuten loop from Fagerheim, providing varied terrain and rewarding views.
What is the best time of year for family hiking in Ørteren?
The best time for family hiking in Ørteren is typically during the summer months, from late June to early September, when the trails are clear of snow and the weather is generally milder. This period offers the most accessible conditions for exploring the open mountain plateau and enjoying the lakes.
Where can we find parking for family-friendly trails in Ørteren?
The Ørteren rest area, located along Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda, provides convenient parking facilities. This rest area is designed to blend with the natural landscape and offers a good starting point for many trails, including those leading towards Krækkja Mountain Lodge and Storekrækkja Lake. Other trailheads, such as Fagerheim, also offer parking options.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Ørteren?
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experiences in Ørteren, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from nearly 200 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning, open mountain plateau landscapes, the crystal-clear lakes, and the panoramic views of iconic Norwegian mountains and glaciers, making it a memorable destination for families.
Are there any opportunities for activities beyond hiking for families in Ørteren?
Yes, beyond hiking, the Ørteren area offers other outdoor activities that families can enjoy. The numerous lakes provide opportunities for fishing, and in winter, the region transforms into a popular destination for cross-country skiing. Biking is also an option on some routes, making it a versatile outdoor destination.
What should we pack or wear for a family hike in Ørteren?
Given the open and sometimes harsh mountain environment of Hardangervidda, it's advisable to pack layers of clothing, including waterproof and windproof outer shells, even in summer. Sturdy hiking boots are essential, and bringing sufficient water, snacks, and a map or GPS device is always recommended for family safety and comfort.
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