The best walks and hikes in Hjerkinnholen Naturreservat

Hjerkinnholen Naturreservat offers a wide selection of hiking trails, with a total of 48 routes to explore. These include 13 easy trails, 32 moderate trails, and 3 difficult routes, catering to various fitness levels and preferences.

Hikers in Hjerkinnholen Naturreservat will encounter diverse landscapes, from old-growth pine and birch forests, especially at the tree line, to open areas. The reserve features scenic small ponds like Holtjørni and offers expansive vistas of the Dovrefjell plateau from various viewpoints, including the hill Hjerkinnsholen at 968 meters above sea level.

Yes, Hjerkinnholen Naturreservat is very accessible for families and those seeking less strenuous walks, with 13 easy hiking trails available. Popular easy routes mentioned in the region include the 'Gravestone of Olav Dalgard – Hjerkinn Fjellstue loop' (3.8 km) and the 'Hjerkinn Station – Snøhetta Parking Area loop' (5.5 km), which offers views toward the majestic Snøhetta area with minimal elevation gain.

The trails in Hjerkinnholen Naturreservat are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 430 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, from forests to open plateaus, and the stunning views of the Dovrefjell area.

Yes, many of the trails in Hjerkinnholen Naturreservat are circular routes. For example, the Hjerkinn Fjellstue – Bridge loop from Eysteinkyrkja is a moderate 10.7 km circular path, offering a varied experience without retracing your steps.

Absolutely. Several trails offer views towards the majestic Snøhetta area. A notable route is the Snøhetta Viewpoint – View of Dovrefjell Plateau loop from Eysteinkyrkja, an 14.3 km moderate trail leading through open landscapes with excellent vantage points.

The reserve is known for its relatively untouched coniferous forest habitat, which supports interesting plant and animal life. Beyond the reserve, the wider Hjerkinn area is famous for its musk oxen and wild reindeer, which can often be seen grazing in mountain pastures.

Yes, for experienced trekkers, there are 3 difficult routes available. One such challenging option is the Hjerkinn Fjellstue – Krautbach Crossings loop from Eysteinkyrkja, a 22.5 km trail that offers extensive exploration of the reserve's varied and demanding terrain.

The area around Hjerkinn Fjellstue (mountain lodge) serves as a central hub for visitors. It offers amenities and is a common starting point for many excursions into the reserve. For more information on Hjerkinn Fjellstue, you can visit Visit Norway.

Key natural features include small ponds, such as Holtjørni, which add to the scenic beauty. A significant point of interest within the reserve is Hjerkinnsholen, a hill standing at 968 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the Dovrefjell plateau.

Yes, if you're looking for trails with significant elevation gain leading to summit views, consider the Hjerkinn Fjellstue – Hershåven Summit loop from Eysteinkyrkja. This moderate 11.6 km route provides rewarding vistas from higher ground.

Within Hjerkinnholen Naturreservat, certain activities like biking, horse riding, and carriage use are restricted to existing roads to help preserve the natural environment and its delicate ecosystems.