No other place in Norway has so many summits that tower more than 2,000 metres – 277 out of a total of 325 summits nationwide are found in the region.
The summits in Jotunheimen, Rondane and Dovrefjell are very popular destinations, and the routes to get there are well-adapted to those who prefer to walk, whether on their own or by joining an organized group hike.
The surroundings in Gudbrandsdalen may be both extreme and beautiful, but you do not necessarily have to tempt fate to have a breathtaking experience of the scenery around you. The entire area is criss-crossed with marked trails and roads for short or longer hikes, and there are routes with levels of difficulty adapted to all categories.
Many of the hotels, such as Venabu Fjellhotell and Gåla, offer organized trips for their guest. In addition you have the event supplier Norske Bygdeopplevelser who specializes in bicycle trips, rambling tours and ski tours. You can spice up some of their trips with unique cultural events and attractions.
Hiking suggestions
The Peer Gynt Road
A popular five-day mountain hike. The trip starts at Skeikampen, leads through hardwood forests and across open mountain terrain and finishes in Espedalen.
Most of the hike, with a total distance of about 67 kilometres, has the national parks of Jotunheimen, Dovrefjell and Rondane as a spectacular backdrop.
For booking and more information, please contact Norske Bygdeopplevelser.
Around Rondane
A six-day hike from hotel to hotel, through lovely scenery in gentle and varied mountain terrain approximately 950 – 1,000 metres above sea level.
For booking and more information, please contact Norske Bygdeopplevelser.
Cultural weekend at Lauvåsen Fjellstue (mountain cabin)
A combination of walks, bicycle rides and cultural events. Lauvvåsen Fjellstue by the Peer Gynt Mountain Road forms the base for mountain excursions and a packed cultural program with events such as the play Peer Gynt beside Lake Gålåvatnet.
For booking and more information, please contact Norske Bygdeopplevelser.
The Venabygd Mountain
Easily accessible walking terrain with Venabu Fjellhotell as an excellent starting point. Muen or "Sukkertoppen" at the Ringebu Mountain is an ideal outing for the whole family.
Rondeslottet Mountain (2,178 metres above sea level)
One of the most spectacular mountain peak hikes in Rondane. With its characteristic flat top, the towering Rondeslottet resembles a massive hat or castle. As you make your way to the top, you will walk past Vinjeronden with its unique layered formation. The easiest access to Rondeslottet is from the Rondvassbu Cabin where you can treat yourself to a "Rondvass-Burger" on your way up – or down.
Storronden Mountain (2,138 meters above sea level)
Storronden is Rondeslottet's "little brother". The walk to the top of Storronden is somewhat easier than the Rondeslottet hike. Breathtaking views from the top.
Cycling suggestions
The Peer Gynt Road
Five-day round trip in the world of Peer Gynt, with Skeikampen as starting and finishing point.
Distance: 135 kilometres.
For booking and more information, please contact Norske Bygdeopplevelser.
Family trip from Gålå to Lillehammer
Beautiful four-day bicycle trip along the Peer Gynt Road, on dirt roads with hardly any traffic. Split into easy day-legs and with fun activities along the way, making this trip ideal for families with children.
Distance: 79 kilometres.
For booking and more information, please contact Norske Bygdeopplevelser.
Dovrefjell to Lillehammer
With Hjerkinn as starting point, this six-day journey leads towards Folldal and down the Atndalen Valley. It crosses Friisveien Road and then continues south along picturesque mountain farm lanes in Ringebu and Øyerfjellet before it ends in Lillehammer.
Distance: 250 kilometres.
For booking and more information, please contact Norske Bygdeopplevelser.
The Gateway to Jotunheimen
Mountain trip leading through the Gudbrandsdalen Valley and Valdres to Hallingdal. The six-day trip starts at Vinstra in Gudbrandsdalen and finishes at Gol in Hallingdal. You can also travel in the opposite direction, from Gol to Vinstra.
Distance: 196 kilometres.
For booking and more information, please contact Norske Bygdeopplevelser.
Røros to Lillehammer
With Røros as starting point, this nine-day cycle trip leads via Vingelen to Savalen and then to Folldal and down the Atndalen Valley offering spectacular views to Rondane National Park.
Friisveien, reaching an altitude of 1,100 meters above sea level, will take you over the mountain pass between Gudbrandsdalen and Østerdalen. The trip continues south along mountain farm lanes in the Ringebu and Øyer mountains and finishes in Lillehammer.
Distance: 379 kilometres. For a shorter alternative, stop in Ringebu - for a longer ride, continue on to Hamar.
For booking and more information, please contact Norske Bygdeopplevelser.
Driving suggestions
The Bjørnson Route
From the E6 north of Lillehammer or by Vinstra, follow route 255 through Gausdal, Espedalen and Skåbu.
The route is named after the famous Norwegian writer Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson who lived in the area, on the Aulestad Farm, between 1875 and 1910.
Some 20 enterprises have joined forces in order to offer visitors an experience comprising culinary delights and traditional culture in beautiful surroundings. Among the attractions are small village churches, galleries, theatre, handicraft, potholes, concerts throughout the summer season, farm adventures, fishing lakes, horse riding, boat hire, and excellent hiking and cycling terrain.
Distance: Approximately 110 kilometres.
Peer Gynt Seterveg (toll road)
This is a round trip with Vinstra as starting point. The route winds into the mountains and rejoins the main valley in Kvam. Picturesque mountain farms and stunning scenery. Along the way are the Peer Gynt farm Mjølbøla, "Borlaug", Brudebenken and other attractions linked to Henrik Ibsen's Peer Gynt. The Peer Gynt Park with its collection of statues is situated by Rondablikk.
Distance: 45 kilometres
The Peer Gynt Mountain Road (toll road)
This is Gudbrandsdalen's main mountain route, leading from Skeikampen in the south, via Fagerhøi, Gålå and Fefor and across to Espedalen.
Enjoy the spectacular Listulhøgda (1,053 metres above sea level) with its 360-degree panoramic view to some of Norway's most renowned peaks. Ideal hiking as well as bicycling terrain, and excellent fishing opportunities.
Distance: 60 kilometers.
The Jotunheimvegen Mountain Road (toll road)
One of Norway's most beautiful mountain passes, from Skåbu (road rv. 255) to Bygdin (road rv. 51), through open and friendly scenery. Panoramic views by Buhø and Vassklepp. By Store Nuten there is a restored falconry from the seventeenth century.
Distance: 45 kilometres
Ringebu Mountain
Follow route 27 across the Venabygd Mountain to Enden. Then route 219 towards Atna and Friisvegen back to Ringebu. Friisvegen is a spectacular mountain pass reaching 1,100 metres above sea level.
Mountain farms and several exciting, informative nature trails. Places to stop are: Sollia Church, Storfjellseter, Ringebu Stave Church and Ringebu Rectory. A detour to Imsdalen can also be recommended.
Distance: Approximately 120 kilometres.
Round trip around Rondane
Follow route 27 across the Venabygd Mountain to Folldal, then route 29 to Hjerkinn and the E6 through Gudbrandsdalen to Ringebu. Alternatively, you can drive through Grimsdalen - the dairy farm valley.
Route 27 from Enden to Folldal has been given status as a National Tourist Route; Rondane National Tourist Route. Breathtaking views to Rondane from spots such as Sohlbergplassen by Lake Atnasjøen, which is believed to have inspired the Norwegian painter Harald Sohlberg's renowned painting and national treasure "A Winter's Night in Rondane".
Fåvang to Østfjell
A beautiful round trip on a toll road starting in the small town of Fåvang through the village of Brekkom and past old mountain farms dating back to the 1600s.
Stortann, approximately 850 metres above sea level, is one of the largest mountain farm areas in the country, and is home to Sygard Romsåsseter where you can enjoy a bite to eat as well as an overnight stay.