Location and surroundings
Rundemellin belongs to a long mountain hierarchy that runs from the Fennoscandian Shield through the Scandinavian Mountains, Southern Scandes, Eastern Highlands and Gausdal Vestfjell to Skrautvålåsen/Bjørgoåsen. It lies in Norway, in Innlandet county, within Øystre Slidre municipality. At 1,344 m, it is the highest of the 239 named peaks in its range and the range’s high point.
The mountain rises from an upland landscape of ridges, hills and broad open ground. This part of inland southern Norway is shaped by glacial terrain and weathered bedrock, so the slopes are usually more rounded than alpine. The setting is remote enough for a mountain outing, but still part of a wider network of peaks and passes rather than a single isolated summit.
Neighbouring peaks
The closest named summits and passes around Rundemellin show how it sits among a cluster of similar hills and peaks. Several are within a few kilometres, mostly lower than the summit itself.
- Store Kalvemellin — hill, 980 m, 0.7 km SE
- Vesle Kalvemellin — hill, 980 m, 0.9 km SE
- Skarvemellin — peak, 1,120 m, 2.2 km S
- Løyntjerntinden — peak, 1,020 m, 2.3 km N
- Rabbalsmellen — peak, 1,020 m, 2.3 km N
- Kjølafjellet — peak, 1,112 m, 2.4 km NE
- Marsteinhøgda — hill, 1,060 m, 2.7 km W
- Storåksle — hill, 866 m, 2.7 km SE
Compared with these neighbours, Rundemellin is the highest point in the immediate area and the main summit to aim for if you want the top of the range rather than one of the surrounding hills.
The view from the summit
From Rundemellin, the highest peaks within 25 km give a good sense of the wider uplands around it. To the north are the larger mountains of the district, while lower but still notable summits lie in several directions.
Visible high points in the wider area include Skaget (1,685 m, 20.7 km N), Nordre Langsua (1,553 m, 24.0 km N), Søre Langsua (1,520 m, 21.8 km N), Skreddalsfjellet (1,414 m, 23.5 km NW), Marsteinhogda (1,382 m, 20.8 km N) and Djuptjernkampen (1,325 m, 21.2 km E).
The range
Rundemellin is the highest mountain in Skrautvålåsen/Bjørgoåsen, which is listed as the range’s high point. That range contains 239 named peaks, and Rundemellin ranks first among them by elevation. The range sits within the broader mountain systems of southern Norway, but the key fact for visitors is that this summit is the top of its own local mountain group.
Because the surrounding terrain is made up of many named hills and peaks, the range feels like a connected upland rather than a single sharp massif. Rundemellin is the summit that defines the height of the area, while the nearby peaks form the shoulders and outliers of the same landscape.
Access and starting points
The nearest settlement listed around Rundemellin is Skardåstoppen, a locality about 5.5 km SE of the summit. From there, the rough walking estimate is about 7.1 km on foot with 280 m of ascent, which suggests a half-day outing for many walkers. The estimate is based on distance and height gain, so the real route may be longer depending on the line chosen.
OpenStreetMap also shows communication masts within 10 km of the summit, with the nearest about 5.2 km NW.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER suggest that the summit of Rundemellin is cold for much of the year. The warmest month is July, at about 9 °C, and the coldest is January, at about -11 °C. Mean temperatures above freezing at the summit are most likely in May, June, July, August and September.
The surrounding area receives about 1,100 mm of precipitation a year. July is the wettest month at about 145 mm, while February is the driest at about 45 mm. In this part of Norway, weather can change quickly, with wind, rain, lingering snow patches and poor visibility all possible even in the warmer season.
Best time to visit
For a summit at 1,344 m in inland southern Norway, the most practical season is usually late spring through early autumn. The months with mean temperatures above freezing at the summit are May to September, which gives the best chance of snow-free ground and more stable walking conditions.
Even then, the mountain can be wet, cool and windy, especially in midsummer when rainfall is still fairly high. Early summer may bring lingering snow in shaded places, while autumn can turn cold quickly. A day with settled weather is the best choice for a visit.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Rundemellin is typical of inland Scandinavian uplands: open ridges, heather, grasses, mosses and patches of low shrubs, with more sheltered ground supporting sparse mountain birch and other hardy vegetation. At this elevation, the growing season is short and the terrain is shaped by wind, frost and snow.
Wildlife in this region can include birds adapted to open mountain country, small mammals and larger grazing animals in the wider uplands. In summer, insects can be noticeable in calmer weather, while in colder months the area becomes quiet and exposed. The mountain is part of a broad natural highland environment rather than a heavily developed one.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain like Rundemellin, a certified guide is usually not essential for a straightforward summer hike, but it can be useful in poor visibility, winter conditions or if you want local route knowledge. In Norway, the national mountain guide association is Norwegian Mountain Guides Association (Norske Tindevegledere (NORTIND)), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club or federation is the Norwegian Climbing Federation (Norsk Klatreforbund).
Examples of established guiding companies working in Norway include Jostedalen Breførarlag in Jostedal and Lofoten Mountain Guides in Kabelvåg (Lofoten). Guided outings in Norway commonly include route planning, safety decisions, and equipment advice; the cost usually depends on the number of days, group size, hut nights and gear needs.
Safety and preparation
Rundemellin is not a technical summit, but its elevation and exposed upland setting still call for proper mountain preparation. Weather can shift quickly, and even in summer the summit may be cold, windy and wet. Good footwear, warm layers, rain protection, a map and compass or GPS, and enough food and water are sensible basics.
For mountain rescue in Norway, the emergency number is 112, which reaches the police emergency service; the police coordinate mountain rescue with volunteer rescue corps. For a medical emergency, call 113. Rescue is free of charge, but self-reliance and careful planning remain important in this terrain.
Interesting facts
Rundemellin is the highest of 239 named peaks in Skrautvålåsen/Bjørgoåsen, so it is the key summit of its local range. The nearest higher mountains are outside the immediate area, with Skaget the tallest within 25 km at 1,685 m to the north.
The summit is also part of a broader chain of uplands in southern Norway, but its main distinction is local: it is the range high point. Nearby peaks such as Store Kalvemellin, Vesle Kalvemellin and Skarvemellin make the area feel like a connected mountain cluster rather than a single isolated top.
FAQ
How high is Rundemellin? Rundemellin rises to 1,344 m.
Where is Rundemellin? It is in Øystre Slidre municipality, Innlandet county, in Norway, within the Skrautvålåsen/Bjørgoåsen range.
What range does Rundemellin belong to? It belongs to Skrautvålåsen/Bjørgoåsen, where it is the highest point.
What are the nearest peaks to Rundemellin? The closest named neighbours are Store Kalvemellin and Vesle Kalvemellin to the southeast, followed by Skarvemellin, Løyntjerntinden, Rabbalsmellen and Kjølafjellet.
Is there water on the way to Rundemellin? The uplands are generally exposed, so carry your own supply; for a day hike, about 1.5-3 litres is sensible depending on heat and length. In wet periods there may be snowmelt or small streams, but they should be treated before drinking.
Are there huts on Rundemellin? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How long does it take to walk up Rundemellin? From Skardåstoppen, about 7.1 km on foot with 280 m of ascent, which is roughly 1.5-2.5 hours by Naismith’s rule; the real path may be longer.
Will my phone work on Rundemellin? There are 7 communication masts mapped within 10 km, with the nearest about 5.2 km NW. On an open summit a signal is likely, but it can fail in valleys or behind ridges. Always keep 112 available for emergency services over any network, and download maps before you go.