Best canyons around Oppdal are defined by dramatic natural landscapes, where powerful rivers have carved impressive gorges and valleys. This Norwegian region features significant geological formations, including narrow passages and deep kettles. The terrain provides diverse opportunities for exploring these natural monuments. Oppdal's landscape offers a setting for various outdoor activities centered around its river-carved features.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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Hiking around Oppdal
MTB Trails around Oppdal
Running Trails around Oppdal
Cycling around Oppdal
The road through Drivdalen follows the River Driva as it cuts between steep valley walls, with waterfalls tumbling down the cliffs on both sides. It’s a scenic stretch where the river, mountains, and cascades combine for a classic Norwegian valley ride.
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Don’t miss the Magalaupet Rapids. From this lay-by head to the footbridge over the gorge, where the Driva squeezes into a narrow channel and thunders through spectacular rock formations.
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Often touted as Norway's most beautiful valley, Innderdalen is a spectacular place. This part of the valley is dominated by the towering pyramid of Innerdalstårnet, a great objective that requires scrambling. For accommodation, there's the Innerdalshytta DNT hut or the privately owned Renndølsetra.
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A beautiful valley, Svartådalen provides the easier of the three options when hiking the SignaTUR Trollheimen between Jøldalshytta and Trollheimshytta. The longer, more strenuous alternatives travel over Geithetta to the south or Trollhetta's three peaks to the north.
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Oh, spectacular when it rains...
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Despite the traffic, The Valley is worth the drive
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The Driva River has carved a spectacular path through the rock. The Norwegians call the potholes (rounded depressions in the rock) "Jettegryter." Extreme caution is advised when wet, as the rock is very slippery in places!
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For an exhilarating canyoning adventure, Festajuv (Festa Canyon) is a premier destination. Here, you can expect a thrilling combination of climbing, jumping from various heights, swimming, and sliding down natural rock waterslides. The experience often concludes with a climb along a via ferrata above the Driva River.
Yes, Magalaupet Gorge is considered family-friendly. It offers spectacular rock formations and potholes, known as "Jettegryter," where the Driva River carves a narrow channel. For guided canyoning at Festajuv, children aged 12 and above are generally suitable, or 9 if accompanied by an adult.
The canyons around Oppdal are known for dramatic natural landscapes carved by powerful rivers. You'll find impressive geological formations like the narrow passages and deep kettles at Magalaupet Gorge. Drivdalen Valley and Waterfalls showcases steep valley walls with numerous waterfalls tumbling down.
The Drivdalen Valley and Waterfalls is an excellent spot, where the road follows the River Driva and waterfalls cascade down the cliffs on both sides. Additionally, the View of Åmotan Waterfalls offers a chance to see three waterfalls over 115 meters each.
The terrain varies from accessible paths around scenic viewpoints like Magalaupet Gorge to more challenging environments. For canyoning in Festajuv, you'll encounter exposed cliffs, unique canyon formations, and natural rock waterslides, requiring active and fit individuals.
Yes, the region offers various hiking opportunities. For instance, Innerdalen, often called Norway's most beautiful valley, features trails dominated by the pyramid of Innerdalstårnet. You can also find numerous mountain hikes around Oppdal, with routes like the moderate "Ørnsnydda loop from Jenstad" or more difficult options. For more details, explore the Mountain Hikes around Oppdal guide.
Beyond exploring the gorges, Oppdal is a hub for outdoor adventure. You can find extensive road cycling routes, such as the "Oppdal – Støltroa loop from Oppdal," or touring bicycle options like the "Oppdal – Harbor at Gjevillvatnet loop." For more information on cycling, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Oppdal and Cycling around Oppdal guides.
The best time to visit largely depends on the activity. For active canyoning experiences like those in Festajuv, the warmer months when water levels and temperatures are suitable are ideal. During winter, conditions will be very different, with snow and ice impacting accessibility and activities.
For organized canyoning tours, such as those in Festajuv, you typically don't need to arrange permits yourself as they are handled by the tour operators. Safety equipment, including wetsuits, helmets, and harnesses, is provided by guided trips. It's crucial to go with experienced guides for safety.
Innerdalen is often lauded as Norway's most beautiful valley. It's characterized by its spectacular natural beauty, dominated by the towering pyramid of Innerdalstårnet. It offers a stunning landscape for hiking and experiencing the Norwegian wilderness.
For those exploring Innerdalen, accommodation options include the Innerdalshytta DNT hut or the privately owned Renndølsetra. Generally, Oppdal town itself offers various amenities, including accommodation, cafes, and pubs, serving as a good base for exploring the surrounding canyons.

