A small mountain village at the intersection of Norway's main valleys, with a train station connecting Oslo and Trondheim. Popular base for hiking and winter skiing.
Dombås, a village in northern Innlandet county, sits at 643 meters above sea level where the Oslo-Trondheim and Åndalsnes railway lines meet. You can watch X-Games athletes practice at the local terrain park, spot musk oxen in their natural habitat, or cycle through three national parks: Rondane, Dovre, and Dovrefjell. The surrounding mountains contain over 50 kilometers of marked hiking trails, ranging from gentle valley walks to steep mountain ascents.
Railway and Road Connections
Two major railway lines intersect at Dombås Station: the Dovrebanen running between Oslo and Trondheim, and the Raumabanen leading to Åndalsnes. The Raumabanen route follows the Rauma river valley, taking you past 1,000-meter rock faces and over mountain streams. The village marks the junction of European routes E6 and E136, with the E136 continuing west toward Åndalsnes and the 1,100-meter vertical cliff face of Trollveggen.
Winter Sports at Dombås Skiheiser
Professional athletes, including X-Games participants, train at the Dombås terrain park throughout winter. The park includes 6-meter and 12-meter jumps, rails, and boxes for advanced riders, plus a separate beginner area with smaller features. Local instructors teach both first-time skiers and experienced athletes, with group lessons available daily from December through March.
Cycling Through National Parks
The Tour de Dovre cycling route connects Rondane, Dovre, and Dovrefjell national parks. You can rent bikes at Dovrefjell Adventures in the village center, choosing between standard mountain bikes and electric models. Many cyclists take the train to Hjerkinn station and ride the 30-kilometer downhill route back to Dombås. The paths include paved roads, gravel tracks, and single-track trails that climb up to 800 meters above sea level.
World War II Memorial
A memorial in the village center marks where Captain Robert M. Losey, the first American military casualty of World War II, died during German bombing on April 21, 1940. The bombing targeted the railway infrastructure near a tunnel entrance. From 1942, the area contained the Stalag 380 prisoner-of-war camp, relocated here from Poland.
Practical Information
The village center is walkable, but you'll need a car to reach most trailheads and park entrances. Accommodation options include Bjorkhol Camping and the 13-room Dombås Vandrerhjem hostel. Summer temperatures average 15°C, ideal for hiking and cycling, while winter brings reliable snow from December through March, with temperatures around -5°C. Local shops sell maps, basic supplies, and outdoor equipment for national park visits.
