Lønset

Lønset brings together a distinctive wooden church, trails through the mountain landscape and a variety of ways to enjoy active days. If you are looking for a holiday destination where culture, hiking, climbing and water-based activities can appeal to different travel interests, you will find plenty to explore here. You can also choose your holiday apartment based on which aspect of Lønset matters most for your trip.

An octagonal church with a distinctive altarpiece

The red-painted Lønset Church is an octagonal wooden church dating from 1863. It is one of Norway’s 67 octagonal churches and offers a distinctive cultural and historical connection for a stay in the village. Its altarpiece was created and carved by local artists Sjur Jamtsæter and Ole Moene. For travelers interested in church architecture and craftsmanship, both the building’s unusual shape and this specific work are highlights.

The church is in the center of Lønset on Fv 511, about 800 m north of the junction with Rv 70. This helps locate the building within the village. Another historical discovery is the medieval soapstone quarry at Katlberget: a route from Lønset leads there. This extends cultural exploration beyond the church to a site where stone was worked in earlier times.

Trails through the mountain landscape

Lønset’s varied mountain landscape is connected by an extensive network of roads and paths. Visitors who want to spend time outdoors can explore routes of different lengths rather than limiting their stay to a single walk. One specific, short option is the Lønsetstien, a family-friendly circular trail around the center of Lønset. Its location and layout make it a separate option for anyone who wants to include a manageable walk in their trip.

When choosing where to stay, you can decide whether to focus on the circular trail in the village center or explore the trails in the mountain landscape.

Climbing at Ishol

The Ishol climbing area is by the Driva in Lønset. The routes range in difficulty from 4 to 8a+ and are equipped with bolts. This range of grades offers a practical reference for planning your climb, without implying an assessment of any individual’s ability. There is parking and a fire pit at the area. If you are considering making climbing a focus of your holiday, these details can help you decide whether Lønset is right for you.

Lake, beach and fishing opportunities

Ångardsvatnet is in Storlidalen, 15 km from Lønset, and is 5 km long. The lake has a long, shallow swimming beach suitable for children and adults. This provides a water-based option near the destination, alongside the trails and climbing routes. If you would like to include time by a lake in your travel plans, you can factor in its distance from Lønset and its location in Storlidalen when choosing where to stay.

Fishing is also an option in Lønset and the side valleys. Opportunities include larger lakes where you can fish from a boat or canoe, as well as mountain lakes, small rivers and the Driva River. These different types of water offer anglers several kinds of fishing locations to choose from. When planning your holiday, it is therefore worth considering whether you are more interested in a lake, a smaller stream or the Driva.

Cross-country skiing and cultural landscape

Lønset Ski Stadium has a floodlit cross-country ski trail associated with Lønset School. For travelers interested in including cross-country skiing in their plans, this specific facility is another aspect of the area to consider. Together with the trail network, it shows that Lønset offers a designated cross-country skiing option alongside culture and climbing.

Klevgardan at Lønset in Oppdal offers another perspective on the landscape. It is one of Norway’s nine newly selected agricultural cultural landscapes. The cultural landscape itself is therefore one of the destination’s distinctive features, alongside its mountains, waterways and activities.

For another location to consider, you can also see Fagerhaug.

For the broader travel overview: Oppdal.