Gudbrandsdalen is located in Eastern Norway, 180 kilometres from Oslo. The Olympic town of Lillehammer serves as the gateway to Gudbrandsdalen in the south.

Fast facts:

• The main valley stretches from Lillehammer and Lake Mjøsa in the south towards Lesja and Romsdal in the north
• Distance from Oslo Airport Gardermoen: 150 kilometres
• Population: 69,602 (1 January 2007)
• Total area: 15,342 square kilometres
• The large river Gudbrandsdalslågen flows through the valley, starting in Lesjaskogvatnet in the north and ending in Lake Mjøsa

Gudbrandsdalen lies in the county of Oppland and is divided into three parts:

• Nord-Gudbrandsdalen (the municipalities of Lesja, Dovre, Skjåk, Lom, Vågå and Sel)
• Midt-Gudbrandsdalen (the municipalities of Nord-Fron, Sør-Fron and Ringebu)
• Sør-Gudbrandsdalen (the municipalities of Øyer, Gausdal and Lillehammer)

Gudbrandsdalen has a wealth of flora and fauna, and a diverse natural environment, with large areas of forests, mountains, watercourses and cultivated land.

The national parks of Gudbrandsdalen 

Gudbrandsdalen lies in near proximity to several national parks

• Jotunheimen
• Dovrefjell
• Dovre
• Rondane
• Breheimen
• Ormtjernskampen 

The first four are situated in the northern areas of Gudbrandsdalen. All the parks offer excellent opportunities for walking, and skiing during the winter, in spectacular surroundings. 

The last, and also Norway's smallest national park, is located only an hour's drive from Lillehammer. Ormtjernskampen National Park covers only nine square kilometres. Situated in Gausdal Vestfjell, the park contains rare species of flora and fauna. One of Northern Europe's rare occurrences of the flower Bearded Bellflower (Campanula barbata) is found here.

Peer Gynt's Rike - Espedalen, Gålå and Fefor

The Espedalen Valley, stretching north from Vestre Gausdal towards Vinstradalen, covers three municipalities; Gausdal, Sør-Fron and Nord-Fron. At 1,571 metres above sea level, Ruten is the highest point and can offer its visitors breathtaking views towards Jotunheimen, as well as Rondane.

Bicycles, canoes and rowing boats can be hired, and organized activities with guides are also available (walks, bicycle rides and canoeing). For more activities and further information, please contact Dalseter Mountain Hotel and Ruten Fjellstue.

Gålå and Fefor are set amid stunning scenery where all activities are based on the spectacular surroundings and local culture. With its strong fishing traditions, the area offers numerous opportunities whether you prefer rod or other methods.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a glacier hike on the Smørstabbreen Glacier or a heritage walk covering ancient monuments and the birthplace of the local Gudbrandsdalen goat cheese. Or maybe you prefer a trip to the top of Valsfjell Mountain by chairlift and a ride down the alpine runs on a mountain bike? As evening falls, you can join in an elk safari with guide and minibus.

The Venabygd and Kvam Mountain

The Venabygd and Kvam Mountain is the southern gateway to the ountians of Rondane. During summer, visitors can enjoy a network of way-marked trails in gentle and varied mountain terrain. The birch forest is close by, and the mountain plateau with over 30 small and large peaks is within easy reach. Venabu can offer walks, horse riding in the mountain, canoeing on rivers and lakes, bicycle hire and excellent fishing.

Whether you prefer low-pace hiking through gentle terrain or are looking for a more challenging experience featuring plateaus, waterfalls, ravines and peaks - the opportunities are many. For organized trips and activities such as guided walks, mountain farm lunches, traditional Norwegian food and slide shows, please contact Venabu Fjellhotell and Rondablikk Høyfjellshotell.