Grimsbu: Hiking Trails, Water and Culture

Marked mountain trails, a swimming spot with a sandy beach and traces from different eras give Grimsbu a varied character. Those planning a holiday here can choose between hikes, trips to the water, cultural and historical discoveries, and winter sports. The trails vary in length, walking time and route, so you can choose a focus that suits your interests.

Circular Trails and Summit Paths

The easy circular hike on Grimsmoen is 10 km long, starts at Grimsbu Turistsenter and has an elevation gain of around 30 metres. It crosses a large glacial gravel moraine and follows paths closed to cars. The Stormoegga nature and cultural trail offers a different focus: the marked circular route is 9.8 km long, has 11 stops and starts and ends at the ski-jumping facilities. Those who would rather choose a marked mountain trail will find another way to spend time outdoors.

The marked family trail to Kakelkletten starts in Grimsbu, takes about 1.5 hours and reaches an altitude of 958 m. From there, you can enjoy views of Rondane National Park, Alvdal Vestfjell and the valley. The marked trail to Høneskletten takes about two hours and leads to a summit cairn. The Vismannskletten–Storskarvola route also takes about two hours. It first follows an old cart track up to the tree line, then continues along a path to the summit. The three hikes differ in walking time, route and destination.

Water, Ponds and a Cycling Loop

The Kroktjønna outdoor recreation area has a swimming spot with a sandy beach, a barbecue hut and a new bathing jetty. There are also jetties at Kroktjønna specially designed for wheelchair users. Hiking trails run alongside the swimming spot and nearby ponds. Several small lakes lie at Kroktjønnan, close to Grimsbu. They formed in large kettle holes after the last Ice Age and are suitable for picnics and swimming.

The Kakella River runs directly behind Grimsbu Turistsenter. It is considered suitable for children and beginners. A cycling loop offers a change of surface: it first follows the county road east from Folldal to Grimsbu, then continues along gravel roads on the south side of the Grimsa River through Folldal.

Local Cultural History

The BP petrol station in Grimsbu is a notable part of the area's history. It was built in 1955 for the British oil company BP and has remained largely unchanged. Its high degree of authenticity and educational value make it a distinctive cultural and historical feature to explore during your stay.

Large trapping systems are also part of the area's history: Grimsbu has systems dating from the Iron Age or the Middle Ages, with several dozen trapping pits. The systems and the petrol station represent very different historical contexts—from early trapping methods to a petrol station dating from 1955.

Cross-Country Ski Trails and Winter Sports

The cross-country ski trail network to Grimsbu covers around 100 km and is fully connected. The trails make it possible to ski from Hjerkinn or Alvdal to Grimsbu. One individual ski route runs from Grimsbu Turistsenter along the Kakella River to Langbekken and then on towards Fatfjellsætran. It is about 4 km long and passes through easy terrain with pine forest.

The Stormoegga Ski Arena has a biathlon stadium and a roller-ski track; access is via Grimsbu Turistsenter. In winter, there are cross-country ski trails at the ski arena by Kroktjønna. Alongside the longer trail connections, you can choose an arena with different sports facilities and a shorter described ski route.

When choosing a holiday apartment or house in Grimsbu, the kind of holiday you want can help guide you: perhaps marked hiking trails and summit paths, water and picnic spots, cultural and historical discoveries, or cross-country ski trails. This can help you decide whether Grimsbu suits the kind of holiday you have in mind. You can also explore Alvdal as another destination.

Return to the main travel overview: Alvdal.