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Norway is not only about the roads leading north or west. Between the valleys of Østerdalen and Gudbrandsdalen, another journey takes you across forests, mountains, villages, lakes and historic landscapes.
The Reindeer Road can be driven in either direction. Cross the border between Sweden and Norway, explore the mountains around Idre and Engerdal, continue through Rendalen and Østerdalen, and finish among the mountains of Rondane and Gudbrandsdalen.
The route can be driven in either direction. Allow a full day for a scenic drive, or make it part of a longer weekend road trip. The route crosses the Norway–Sweden border near Idre.
The Reindeer Road connects places that are often experienced separately. From the mountain landscapes around Idre, the route crosses into Norway and continues through Engerdal and Rendalen before reaching Hanestad, Atna, Sollia, Rondane and Ringebu.
What makes the journey special is the contrast. Forest and mountains. Fishing and mountain farms. Railway history and old travelling routes. Small rural communities and some of Norway's best-known mountain landscapes.
You do not have to see everything. Choose a few stops that fit your journey – or take your time and turn the route into a weekend road trip.
Idre is a natural starting point if you are approaching the route from Sweden. The area is known for its mountain scenery and year-round outdoor activities, from skiing and snowshoeing in winter to hiking, cycling and other mountain experiences in summer.
Idre is also home to Sweden's southernmost Sámi village, Idre Sameby. Sámi culture and reindeer husbandry are an important part of the area's identity.
Look for: mountain activities, Sámi culture, accommodation and outdoor experiences.
On the Norwegian side, the route enters Engerdal, with Femunden, Femundsmarka National Park and Elgå as major highlights. Elgå has Norway's southernmost permanent Sámi settlement and is home to Svahken sijte, the Elgå reindeer herding district.
The area is also a great place for hiking, fishing, boating and experiencing the vast landscapes around Femunden.
Rendalen is one of the main stops on the route. The municipality stretches from forests and large lakes to high mountain areas, with plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking, wildlife experiences and local culture.
Fishing is an important part of local life. Mistra, Storsjøen, Lomnessjøen and numerous mountain lakes offer different types of fishing, while Fiskevollen preserves a long tradition of inland fishing.
Rendalen also has its own unusual reindeer story. Rendal Renselskap was established in 1921 and manages a privately owned herd in a traditional local system that is separate from Sámi reindeer husbandry.
Explore: fishing in Rendalen, Fiskevollen and fishing in Mistra.
Hanestad lies along Rv3 and the Røros Railway and has been an important stopping point through Østerdalen for generations. The combination of road, railway, river and mountain landscape makes it an interesting place to pause.
The area also provides access to fishing and hiking, and to Jutulhogget – the spectacular canyon that stretches between Rendalen and Alvdal.
Atna is a natural crossroads between Østerdalen and Rondane. Atnsjøen, the Atna river system and the surrounding mountain landscapes offer plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
Sohlbergplassen is one of the best-known viewpoints along the Norwegian Scenic Route Rondane, while Glopheim Retro Café offers a completely different way to experience the area.
Look for: Atna railway station, Glopheim Retro Café, Sohlbergplassen, fishing and accommodation.
From Atna, the route continues towards Sollia and the Norwegian Scenic Route Rondane. The landscape changes again as the mountains become the dominant feature.
Sollia Church, Sollia Vicarage, Sollia Ysteri and the surrounding hiking opportunities are all good reasons to stop. From here you can continue towards Ringebu or take the Friisvegen summer detour.
Ringebu is the natural western end of the route. Here the mountain journey meets Gudbrandsdalen, the village of Ringebu and a region rich in history, food, culture and access to the mountains.
Ringebu Stave Church, Venabygdsfjellet and the routes into Rondane make this more than just an endpoint.
If you have more time, make the journey a little more adventurous. Friisvegen is a mountain road between Atna and Ringebu and makes a memorable summer detour.
Along the road you can find places such as Skjerdingen, Storfjellseter and Måsåplassen. There are also opportunities for fishing along parts of the route.
Good to know: Friisvegen is a seasonal mountain road and is closed during winter. Always check current road conditions and opening status before travelling.
You can drive the route in a day if the journey itself is the main attraction. But it is even better with more time.
Stay at a mountain hotel or cabin. Add a fishing trip. Go hiking. Stop for local food. Visit a small café. Or simply use parts of the route as a scenic connection between other destinations in Norway.
The Reindeer Road works just as well from east to west as from west to east.
The route passes through a region with mountain hotels, cabins, campsites, farms, restaurants and outdoor activities. This makes it easy to turn the drive into a proper Norwegian road trip.
Availability and opening periods vary by season. Check directly with the provider before travelling.
The name points to something that runs through the landscape, but the stories are different.
Around Idre you encounter Swedish Sámi reindeer husbandry. In Engerdal, the route passes through the area of Svahken sijte, Norway's southernmost Sámi reindeer herding district. In Rendalen there is Rendal Renselskap, a distinctive local system with a different history from Sámi reindeer husbandry. Towards Rondane, you enter a landscape where the needs of wild reindeer also influence how the mountains are used.
The Reindeer Road is therefore not about finding reindeer. It is about travelling through a landscape where nature, people and different histories have shaped the journey.
Travel responsibly: Reindeer, whether wild or herded, need space and peace. Follow local advice, stay on open roads and trails, and respect any restrictions on access or movement.
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