Folldal: Mining History and Trails with Views of Rondane

Folldal combines a fascinating mining history with trails through the landscape and a National Tourist Route that is open to traffic all year round. Folldal Gruver is a special starting point for exploring the area: this living museum comprises around 70 buildings, mine tunnels, slag heaps and spoil tips. There is also a trail with views of Rondane and a train ride through Tunnel 1. When choosing your destination, you can therefore focus on different things, from cultural history and outdoor activities to a drive along the tourist route.

Mining History at Folldal Gruver

The museum brings several aspects of mining to life. Visitors can walk through the socially stratified mining community of the 20th century and follow the production process from the cableway station to the loading area. They can also see traces of mining from the 17th and 18th centuries. These different historical perspectives give the visit its own rhythm: you can learn about life in the mining community, follow the production process or focus on the older traces of mining.

The experience also includes a train ride through Tunnel 1. Together with the buildings, mine tunnels and spoil heaps, it offers further ways to explore the history of mining. If you are travelling with children, the various stops can prompt questions about mining work and how it has changed over time. The visit is not limited to a single historical perspective. Folldal Gruver is also designated as a rest area and viewpoint on the Rondane National Tourist Route.

Helsestien: a trail with a rest area and a view

The Helsestien trail starts at Folldal Gruver and is 2.9 kilometres long. It is suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. At the top, you will find a shelter as well as tables and benches where you can take a break and enjoy beautiful views of Rondane. The trail’s length and facilities give you a clear idea of what to expect if you want to include a walk in your stay; however, the distance alone does not indicate how long the walk will take.

The trail and the mining museum offer different ways to experience Folldal: the museum focuses on mining history and production processes, while the Helsestien takes you through the surrounding area and offers views of Rondane. Since the Helsestien starts at the Gruver site, you can consider both attractions as part of your stay without assuming a particular visit duration.

Tourist Route, Routes and Activities

The Rondane National Tourist Route runs between Folldal and Venabygdsfjellet and is open to traffic all year round. If you are exploring the region by car, Folldal Gruver also has a designated rest area and viewpoint. From Folldal, the Tour de Dovre continues along the paved National Tourist Route, or County Road 27, to Grimsdalsvegen and Grimsdalshytta. This gives you different options to consider when planning your trip: a visit focused on mining history, or a drive connecting Folldal with the named sections of the Tour de Dovre.

There are also specific options for active breaks in the centre. Folldal DiskGolf bane is a disc golf course in Idrettskogen in central Folldal. There is an electric car charging station in the marketplace in the centre, and Joker Folldal has an electric bicycle charging station.

Choosing Folldal as Your Destination

If mining history is a priority for your trip, Folldal Gruver offers several different points of interest: the 20th-century community, the production process, older mining traces and the train ride through Tunnel 1. If you mainly enjoy spending time outdoors, you can include the 2.9-kilometre Helsestien and its rest area at the top in your plans. For a drive through the region, the Rondane National Tourist Route and the specified Tour de Dovre route are other concrete aspects of the destination.

These points of interest can help you decide whether Folldal suits your travel interests before you look for a holiday apartment or holiday home. The key question is whether you would like to centre your stay on the museum, the Helsestien, disc golf or a drive along the roads mentioned. Other places at the same level: Dalholen.

For the broader travel overview: Folldal.