4.8
(80)
432
hikers
Innerdalen Valley Trail
02:33
8.18km
280m
Hiking
Hike the Innerdalshytta – Innerdalen landskapsvernområde, a moderate 5.1-mile trail through Norway's most beautiful valley.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Innerdalen landskapsvernområde
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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76 m
Cabin in Dalen
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Translated by Google •
Tip by
671 m
Kløvstien Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.87 km
View of Skarfjell and Innerdalen Lake
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tip by
3.65 km
Renndølsetra
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Tip by
4.07 km
Innerdalshytta
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.18 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.23 km
2.30 km
483 m
156 m
Surfaces
5.23 km
2.23 km
483 m
156 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Friday 8 May
8°C
-1°C
71 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access the trailhead for Innerdalshytta – Innerdalen landskapsvernområde?
The primary access point for Innerdalen is from the Nerdalen parking lot. From there, a gravel farm road, closed to public traffic, leads directly into the valley and towards Innerdalshytta.
Is the trail suitable for beginners or families with children?
Yes, the main 3.5 km trail from Nerdalen to Innerdalen is generally considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for most skill levels and families. It follows a well-maintained gravel road, though it does have some incline and can be partly steep in sections.
What is the terrain like on the main path into Innerdalen?
The main path is a gravel farm road. It starts by passing through a mixed forest with ash, birch, elm, pine, spruce, and lush ferns. As you continue, the valley opens up to reveal majestic mountains, clear waters, and waterfalls. Traditional grass-covered mountain huts and farm animals add to the picturesque landscape.
Are there more challenging hiking options in Innerdalen?
Absolutely. For those seeking a greater challenge, alternative paths like the Kløvstien Trail offer a rooty, stony, and sometimes steep experience. More demanding hikes, such as the ascent to Innerdalstårnet, are considered hard and require very good fitness, sure-footedness, sturdy shoes, and potentially alpine experience or a guide.
What notable features or landmarks will I see along the route?
You'll encounter several highlights, including the charming Cabin in Dalen, the historic Kløvstien Trail, and the stunning View of Skarfjell and Innerdalen Lake. The valley is dominated by the pyramid-shaped Innerdalstårnet, often called the "Matterhorn of Norway." You'll also pass traditional mountain huts like Renndølsetra and Innerdalshytta.
Are there places to eat or stay overnight along the trail?
Yes, within the valley, both Renndølsetra and Innerdalshytta (a DNT cabin) offer accommodation and serve food during the summer season. Innerdalshytta also provides self-service options outside of peak times.
What is the best time of year to hike in Innerdalen?
The summer season is generally the best time to visit, typically from June to September, when the huts are open and the weather is most favorable for hiking. The main trail is accessible during this period, offering lush scenery and clear paths.
Is the Innerdalshytta – Innerdalen landskapsvernområde trail dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are generally allowed on trails in Norway, but they must be kept on a leash, especially during the bird nesting season (April 1 to August 20) and in areas with grazing livestock, which are common in Innerdalen.
Are there any permits or entrance fees required for Innerdalen landskapsvernområde?
Innerdalen is Norway's first landscape conservation area, established to protect its natural beauty. There are typically no entrance fees or permits required for hiking in the area. However, parking at Nerdalen may incur a fee.
Does the trail connect with other hiking paths?
Yes, the route primarily follows sections of the Innerdalsvegen. For those looking for a different experience, it also intersects with the historic Kløvstien. Innerdalen is also a popular starting point for longer treks into the wider Trollheimen mountain range.
What makes Innerdalen landskapsvernområde unique?
Innerdalen holds the distinction of being Norway's first landscape conservation area, established in 1967. It's often celebrated as "Norway's most beautiful valley," known for its dramatic mountains, including the iconic Innerdalstårnet, and its preserved cultural landscape with active traditional farm operations like Renndølsetra.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Today is summer in Norway. That means there is no reason for a strenuous mountain climbing tour, but everything for a leisurely stroll in one of Norway's most beautiful valleys. The ROTHER hiking guide describes it as a valley of majestic beauty. The two authors are right. The valley is so picturesque and idyllic that it is almost forbidden. The first 45 minutes are not very comfortable, because - how could we be fooled - even on the easiest hikes in Norway, steep, disgusting elevations await us. Dozens of Norwegians struggle up the paths with huge backpacks, because when they arrive in the valley, beautiful camping spots await them. In the valley, delicious waffles with a special cream called Graut, which is known for the Sunndal region, await us. In the beautiful summer weather, we enjoy the views around us and really have a good time. On the way back, we decide to end the summer day at the campsite as it should: We get out the grill and finally use up the minced lamb that has been waiting in the freezer since Denmark for its tasty use.
The hike starts at one of the paid parking lots, is 10 km long and takes about 3 hours with an elevation gain of 330 m. The hike is on a well-developed path, is a bit steep at the beginning but otherwise easy to do - also suitable for older children. If you are traveling with a dog, please keep it on a leash, as sheep and goats run around freely near the huts. We also had a defensive sheepdog on site.
Today was a rest day. So it was just a short and easy hike. When you hike into the valley, it feels like Hobbitland or a fairytale. Glaciers, rugged cliffs, strangely shaped mountains. It's not for nothing that this area is called Trollheimen (home of the trolls). And in the middle of it all, by a lake, are a few grassy alpine huts. One is open and serves fantastic waffles and coffee. A little further up the valley, there's another hut. This one is an alpine hut, summer accommodation, and refuge all in one. A power plant was actually supposed to be built in the valley. The farming family that had lived here since 1740 protested against this. And they were successful. This valley became a national heritage site. A good thing. Extremely impressive images.
Innerdalen - touted as the most beautiful mountain valley in Norway. When we first visited Norway 10 years ago, we ended up here more by chance. The valley impressed us so much that we absolutely had to do it again. Yesterday, the time had come. A well-maintained gravel road, albeit with steep inclines, leads down into the valley to Renndölsetra and the Innerdal cabin. These are open for business in the summer, but were closed this time. On the way there, we had a lot of fun with a herd of goats. One of them really wanted to eat Lutz's pants. 😆 After the cabins, the path becomes what you'd expect from a hiking trail in Norway: rocky and steep. We didn't venture any further, as we started late and the weather was bad. We arrived just in time, even before the rain. Overnight stays are permitted in the parking lot. There are two very good restrooms with washing facilities and hot water on site. A day ticket for parking currently costs 75 NOK/approx. 6.50€
You can find all information about the hike here: https://ontourwithdogs.de/innerdalen/