4.4
(21)
137
hikers
5
hikes
Hiking around Meldal offers diverse terrain within Norway's Orkland Municipality, characterized by the scenic Orkdalen valley and its proximity to the Trollheimen mountain range. The area features trails along the Orkla River, which flows through the valley, and ascents to significant natural landmarks like Resfjellet. Hikers can explore traditional cultural landscapes, including the protected mountain farm village of Vålåskaret, or venture into the rugged, varied landscapes of Trollheimen.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
4.6
(5)
81
hikers
16.3km
04:22
120m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
23.8km
08:21
1,110m
1,320m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(12)
43
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(4)
11
hikers
11.8km
03:26
310m
310m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
4.31km
01:07
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Meldal
Beautiful church - worth a little detour.
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Trollhetta is a mighty mountain that towers above Svartådalen. The massif has three main peaks, the southern one being the highest, at 1,616 metres (5,302 ft). A beautiful pool, Trollauget, nestles in the cirque beneath the peaks. A traverse of the mountain can be undertaken as part of the SignaTUR Trollheimen during the stage between Jøldalshytta and Trollheimshytta.
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A beautiful valley, Svartådalen provides the easier of the three options when hiking the SignaTUR Trollheimen between Jøldalshytta and Trollheimshytta. The longer, more strenuous alternatives travel over Geithetta to the south or Trollhetta's three peaks to the north.
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On this section of the trail near Jøldalshytta you're providing with exceptional views across Jølvatnet. If you're after a bed for the night, Jøldalshytta has 80 rooms. If heading west from here, you can walk along Svartådalen, across the Geithetta massif or across Trollhetta's Three Peaks.
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Jøldalshytta offers 80 beds during the hiking season and 16 in the off season, when the cabin becomes self-service only. It has a long history, though the latest refurbishment took place between 2004 and 2005, increasing the capacity to 80 and providing more living rooms, a larger dining room and, crucially, more drying rooms.
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Classic DNT cabin in a beautiful valley – Jøldalshytta’s a great place to spend the night.
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Cosy mountain cabin in a stunning setting – Trollheimshytta feels like a proper reward after a long hike.
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Be sure to arrive on time for dinner, as we eat together. No mobile data or phone reception.
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Meldal offers a selection of hiking trails, with at least 3 routes detailed on komoot. These include options ranging from easy strolls to more moderate mountain lake loops, catering to different preferences and fitness levels.
Hiking in Meldal presents a varied landscape. You can expect scenic valley walks along the Orkla River, moorland paths, and more challenging ascents into mountain terrain, especially towards the Trollheimen range. The area features ancient woodlands, lush river valleys, and dramatic peaks.
Yes, Meldal has easy routes suitable for families. For instance, the Sverdalen Moor and Lake – Lake View with Rest Area loop from Hardmoen is an easy 2.6 km trail offering pleasant views. Another accessible option is the Meldal Church loop from Meldal Church, which is 4.3 km and leads through local landscapes.
For those seeking more challenging experiences, Meldal's proximity to the Trollheimen mountain range is a significant advantage. While specific challenging routes are not detailed in this guide, the region is known for demanding ascents like Resfjellet (1,162 meters), which offers panoramic views of the Trollheimen mountains. Trollheimen itself has an extensive network of trails, including multi-day treks.
Yes, several routes in Meldal are designed as loops. Examples include the easy Sverdalen Moor and Lake – Lake View with Rest Area loop from Hardmoen and the moderate Scenic Mountain Lake loop from Hardmoen. The Meldal Church loop from Meldal Church also offers a circular path through local scenery.
Meldal offers several significant natural and cultural landmarks. You can hike to Resfjellet for panoramic views of the Trollheimen mountains. The historic mountain farm village of Vålåskaret, Norway's first protected mountain farm village, is also a popular starting point for hikes and offers a glimpse into traditional Norwegian cultural landscapes. Additionally, the scenic Orkla River valley provides beautiful riverside trails.
The best time for hiking in Meldal is generally during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn, when trails are clear of snow and weather conditions are most favorable. However, areas like Resfjellet also offer opportunities for ski touring in winter for those equipped for snow conditions.
While specific regulations for dogs on trails can vary, the natural and varied terrain of Meldal, with its valley walks and mountain paths, generally offers good opportunities for hiking with dogs. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash and follow local guidelines, especially in protected areas or near livestock.
Yes, there are some facilities available. For example, you can find the Ulsberget Rest Area and Historic Buildings, which provides a place to pause. There's also Stene Pilgrims' Rest (Kiosk) and mountain huts like Jøldalshytta and Sægard Hoel Pilgrim Hostel, which can serve as resting points or overnight stays on longer treks.
Meldal is a village within Orkland Municipality, and while specific public transport details for trailheads are not provided, the area is generally accessible by car. Many trails, such as those starting from Hardmoen or Meldal Church, likely have nearby parking options. For detailed public transport information, it's best to consult local transport services in Orkland Municipality.
The hiking routes in Meldal are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.25 stars from around 15 reviews. More than 50 hikers have used komoot to explore Meldal's varied terrain, indicating a positive and engaging experience for those who visit.
Yes, Meldal's proximity to the Trollheimen mountain range opens up opportunities for multi-day trekking. Trollheimen is famous for its 'Trollheimen Triangle' route, which connects staffed mountain huts, allowing for extended hiking adventures across its diverse landscapes.
Absolutely. A scenic hiking trail winds along the east side of the Orkla River, which flows through the heart of the Orkdalen valley. This offers a pleasant and relatively flat hiking experience with beautiful riverside views.


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