Lesja is the largest municipality geographically in the county of Oppland, with 2,253 square kilometres.

Lesja is located in the valley made by Lake Lesjaskogsvatnet and the rivers Rauma, going west, and Lågen, going west.

82 per cent of Lesja's area lies 900 metres above sea level and over.

Lesja has 2,150 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2007). 

Lesja has a rich cultural history. There are remains of occupation and hunting back to the Stone Age.

In the mountains on either side of the valley, there are large groups of reindeer.
Lesja is one of the biggest reindeer communities in Norway.

Summer in Lesja is normally warm and dry.

Bjorli is a village in Lesja and the municipalities main area of tourism. During the winter it is a popular resort for both alpine and cross-country skiing.