Rundhaug: Kalottspel, the Målselva and winter trails

Rundhaug combines folk music, a strong market tradition and the Målselva with opportunities for hiking and skiing. Kalottspel and Rundhaugmartna'n mark different seasons; historic bridges and the village’s fishing history add further facets to Rundhaug. When planning your trip, consider whether cultural events, the river or outdoor activities should shape your stay. These interests can also help guide your choice of a holiday apartment in Rundhaug.

Folk music and a winter market tradition

Kalottspel is an internationally recognised folk music festival that usually takes place in Rundhaug in August. The venue is Mellembygd Kultur- og Oppvekstsenter (MKOS). There is a restaurant in the festival area, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. A café is also open there during the festival and in connection with other events throughout the year. So, alongside folk music, the festival area also offers places to eat.

Rundhaugmartna'n, also called Spikfrostmartnan, takes place on the first weekend of December. Stalls sell traditional handicrafts and Christmas baked goods. The market brings a winter accent, while Kalottspel usually puts folk music centre stage in August. If you would like to plan your visit around an event, the two dates offer different seasonal points of reference.

Bridge history and historic sites

The history of Rundhaugbrua spans several phases of construction. The first bridge was a privately built wooden structure, opened in 1884. In May 1893, ice destroyed it. A new, 90-metre suspension bridge was built in 1913; only its abutments remain. The current bridge was built in the mid-1950s. This sequence tells the story of an early wooden bridge, a later suspension bridge and the structure built in the mid-20th century.

The historic Rundhaug Gjestegård is also part of the village’s history: it was built in Rundhaug in 1905. About 500 metres uphill from Rundhaug Gjestegård is a cave or bunker from the Second World War, which has also been used for concerts. Its history and use for concerts give this site a distinctive cultural dimension.

The Målselva, salmon fishing and trails

The Målselva winds past the centre of Rundhaug and has a long-standing reputation there as a good salmon river. Salmon fishing is also part of the history of Rundhaug Gjestegård. The hotel has fishing spots along the Målselva; the nearest ones are right in front of the hotel in Rundhaug. English lords and European public figures helped spread the good reputation of the “Sportsfiske – Målselva – Rundhaug” connection. For your planning, this offers a distinct focus alongside cultural events and the market tradition.

In winter, a prepared ski trail runs between MKOS and Mikkalrommet. Rundhaug also has suitable areas for ski touring and other forms of skiing away from prepared trails. These options differ from the hiking trails in Rundhaug, which are both marked and unmarked. When planning your time outdoors, you can therefore distinguish between a prepared trail, skiing away from such trails and hiking, without drawing conclusions about the length or difficulty of individual routes.

Rundhaug is about a 20-minute drive from Bardufoss Airport and the E6. More village pages for your trip planning: Målselv, Øverbygd, Moen and Bardufoss.

Return to the main travel overview: Målselv.