Highlight • Mountain Hut
Hiking
5.0
(2)
Mårbu Tourist Cabin, also known as Mårbu Turisthytte, is a welcoming DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) lodge nestled at 1,130 meters above sea level on the vast Hardangervidda plateau in Norway. Situated at the northern end of the picturesque Lake Mår, this cabin serves as a gateway to the stunning high-mountain landscapes of Telemark, right on the border of Hardangervidda National Park. It's a key stop for those exploring one of Europe's largest mountain plateaus.
Visitors consistently praise Mårbu Tourist Cabin for its idyllic location and the genuine high-mountain experience it offers. The cabin's setting along Søre Nordmannsslepa, at Skartåkervollen, provides a perfect blend of gently rolling terrain for leisurely exploration and more challenging peaks up to 1400 meters in the distance. Many appreciate its role as a natural stop during multi-day cabin-to-cabin trips across Hardangervidda, while also highlighting its suitability for families seeking extended stays and day trips.
Before embarking on your journey to Mårbu Tourist Cabin, it's helpful to know that the terrain around the cabin is generally friendly, though proper hiking footwear and layers are always recommended for the changeable mountain weather. During staffed periods, the cabin offers comfortable accommodation with shared facilities, including showers and a drying room. For those visiting out of season, a self-service emergency shelter is available with a DNT cabin key. Access in summer can be via foot, or uniquely, by boat across Lake Mår from Synken, while winter access is exclusively by ski.
The best time to visit Mårbu Tourist Cabin depends on your preferred activity. The cabin is staffed during the summer season, typically from late June to mid-September, offering a full range of services including traditional Norwegian cuisine. The winter season, usually from late March to mid-April, is ideal for skiing routes across the snow-covered plateau. Beyond being a stopover, the area around Mårbu invites visitors to enjoy excellent fishing opportunities in the nearby waters, with rowboat rentals available during staffed periods, making it a fantastic base for exploring Hardangervidda.
For those looking to explore the surroundings, Mårbu Tourist Cabin is a central hub for numerous Mårbu hiking routes. Popular trails connect to other DNT cabins like Solheimstulen, Kalhovd, and Rauhelleren, offering varied Mårbu terrain difficulty levels. These routes provide ample opportunities for day trips or longer treks, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in the unique high-mountain environment and discover various viewpoints around Mårbu Tourist Cabin.
Many visitors cherish the opportunity to experience life "off the grid" at Mårbu, enjoying the simple pleasures of hiking, board games, and homemade food. The cabin's focus on local recipes adds to the authentic experience. The option for dog-friendly rooms makes it an inclusive destination for many, ensuring that furry companions can also enjoy the Hardangervidda adventure. The decent mobile coverage for some networks is a practical detail that offers a touch of modern convenience in this remote setting.
Whether you're planning a multi-day trek or a relaxing family getaway, the Mårbu Tourist Cabin offers a range of experiences. You can discover detailed hiking trails and Mårbu skiing routes, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the Hardangervidda plateau. To plan your visit and explore the many Mårbu hiking routes and activities available, komoot provides a comprehensive platform to map out your adventure, ensuring you make the most of this exceptional Norwegian mountain destination.
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October 2, 2020
Hiking

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Nearby routes
Best routes near Mårbu Fjellstue DNT

5.0
(2)
28
hikers
21.8km
05:53
320m
230m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
26
hikers
19.8km
05:35
370m
520m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 1,130 m
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Saturday 11 July
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Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
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During the summer season, Mårbu Tourist Cabin is accessible by foot via various hiking trails from places like Solheimstulen, Kalhovd, or Rauhelleren. A unique summer option is to take a boat across Lake Mår from Synken directly to the cabin. In winter, access is exclusively by ski.
For summer access, parking is typically available at Synken, where you can catch the boat across Lake Mår. If you plan to hike in, you would park at the starting points of the trails, such as Solheimstulen or Kalhovd. Specific parking details and availability can vary, so it's advisable to check with DNT or local information centers before your trip.
Mårbu Tourist Cabin offers designated dog-friendly rooms (hunderom) which can be booked in advance. While dogs are welcome in these specific rooms, they are generally not permitted in common areas like the dining room. On trails, dogs must be kept on a leash, especially within Hardangervidda National Park, to protect wildlife and livestock.
When staffed during Easter and the summer season, Mårbu serves traditional Norwegian cuisine, often made with locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet, pack a lunch for their day's adventures, and savor a delicious three-course dinner in the evening. Coffee and homemade pastries are also available during the day.
Yes, Mårbu offers several amenities for comfort. It has indoor toilets (installed in 2011), shared bathroom facilities, showers, and a drying room for wet gear. A generator provides electricity from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with charging outlets available in common areas. Mobile coverage is generally decent for Telenor users and those on networks utilizing Telenor's infrastructure.
Mårbu is an excellent base for day hikes. The surrounding terrain is gently rolling, making it suitable for families. You can explore the areas around Lake Mår, or venture towards the smaller hills and valleys with peaks up to 1400 meters further away. The cabin is also situated along Søre Nordmannsslepa, offering opportunities for shorter sections of this historic trail.
Absolutely! Mårbu is a natural stop and an ideal starting point for cabin-to-cabin tours on Hardangervidda. Popular routes connect Mårbu to other DNT cabins such as Solheimstulen, Kalhovd, and Rauhelleren, allowing hikers to create varied multi-day itineraries across the plateau.
For hiking and exploring the plateau on foot, the summer season (typically late June to mid-September) is ideal when the cabin is fully staffed. For skiing, the winter season (usually late March to mid-April) offers prime conditions for cross-country skiing across the snow-covered Hardangervidda.
Yes, there are excellent fishing opportunities in the nearby waters, particularly in Lake Mår. During staffed periods, rowboats are available for rent at the cabin, allowing you to access prime fishing spots. Remember to check local regulations and acquire any necessary fishing permits.
Yes, Mårbu is well-suited for families with children, especially those who wish to stay for several days. The terrain immediately around the cabin is gently rolling and friendly, offering opportunities for easy day trips. The cabin also provides a true high-mountain experience with a focus on life 'off the grid', which can be a unique adventure for families.
Mårbu Tourist Cabin is located at an elevation of 1130 meters above sea level. The immediate surrounding terrain is characterized by friendly, gently rolling hills and valleys. Further away, you'll find higher peaks reaching up to 1400 meters, offering varied landscapes for exploration.
Mårbu is located at Skartåkervollen, which was historically known as a dancing place. The cabin itself is part of the extensive DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) network, preserving a long tradition of mountain tourism and access to Norway's wilderness. It's also situated along Søre Nordmannsslepa, a historic route across Hardangervidda.