Smuksjøseter to Øigardseter Hiking Trail

The hike from Smuksjøseter to Øigardseter gives you spectacular views and shows of the Norwegian mountains without you actually having to climb one. An elevation of around 130 meters and a child-friendly trail make the hike very popular among families. 

Along the hike you will see the rugged mountains of the national parks Rondane and Jotunheimen as you’re following the vivid stream of the mountain river, Høvringsåa. For those interested in fishing, there are several opportunities along this hike to fish for trout and other smaller fish.

Car
While driving along the main road E6 in the Gudbrandsdalen valley look for the sign to Høvringen about a 15-minute drive north of Otta. From the main road, there is a six kilometer drive up to a fork in the road just before you reach Høvringen. Bear right at this junction and after two kilometers look for a sign to Smuksjøseter on the right side of the road.

Immediately after turning off to the right you get to the toll booth for driving the road to Smuksjøseter. You need to pay 40 NOK by cash here or if you don’t have cash, pay by credit card when you get to Smuksjøseter. Follow this road for five kilometers until you reach Smuksjøs

Public Transport
Take the train from Oslo or Trondheim to Otta. From Otta there is a local bus going up to Høvringen and Smuksjøseter. Note that this bus only operates during summer. It is also possible to ask Smuksjøseter for private transport all the way from Otta. This costs 240 NOK during summer and 320 NOK in the wintertime. 

Starting out at about 1130 meters above sea level from the cabin Smuksjøseter, you follow the river Høvringsåa down to Øigardseter. The trail is marked all the way and you will be walking in an easy terrain. The last leg of the hike is a descent of approximately 130 meters down to the mountain farms at Høvringen before you reach Øigardseter.

• In the winter you can follow the same trail on skis.
  
• Explore the fishing opportunities at Høvringsvatnet lake and Høvringsåa river.

If you are hiking the loop from Øigardseter to Putten Seter, from Putten Seter to Smuksjøseter and lastly from Smuksjøseter back to Øigardseter, there is an accommodation package called "Explore Rondane" ("Rondaneturen") which includes accommodation for three nights, three-course dinners, breakfast and packed lunch, a thermos of hot beverage, a map and luggage transportation. Contact the cabins directly for prices and more information.