The Peer Gynt Mountain Road
The beautiful nature and traditional culture of the Gudbrandsdalen Valley have been a source of inspiration to several artists. The myths and stories hold everything from trolls to historical persons, such as Peer Gynt. Per Gynt is the same character that inspired Henrik Ibsen when he wrote his world famous masterpiece Peer Gynt.
Peer Gynt Mountain Road starts at Skeikampen and ends at Ruten Fjellstue in the Espedalen Valley, passing through some of Norway's most beautiful mountains. It is the main mountain road through Gudbrandsdalen.
Skei
Skei is situated at the southern end of the Peer Gynt Mountain Road, only about half an hour's drive from Lillehammer. Skei is a tourist village with lots to do and see. Skeikampen Mountain (1,123 metres above sea level) towers above Skei.
Fagerhøi
After leaving Skei, and travelling into the realm of Peer Gynt, passing Nisjuvatna, Dørdalen and Dørdalsknappen (1,126 metres above sea level), you come to Fagerhøi. Here you are rewarded with a magnificent view of Jotunheimen to the west and the Rondane mountains to the east. Straight ahead are the mountains of Ruten and Heidalsmuen.
At Fagerhøi there are numerous places to go fishing, hiking and biking. On the way to Gålå you pass the viewpoint of Listulhøgda (1,053 metres above sea level) which is the highest point of the road.
Gålå - Fefor
There are many things to do and see in Gålå, for example the Solbrå Seter (summer alpine pasture farm) where the famous Gudbrandsdal Cheese was first made in 1863.
At the beginning of August, a performance of Henrik Ibsen's Peer Gynt with music by Grieg is arranged at the outdoor arena by Lake Gålåvatn.
On the way from Gålå to the Espedalen Valley, you pass the Hattdalen Valley and the Rutenfjell mountains (1,517 metres above sea level).
Espedalen
Here you can experience friendly wilderness with a unique flora and an exciting cultural past with remains from the mining operations started here in the seventeenth century. Popular attractions here include the works area, Espedalen Mountain Church and Helvete (Hell) Potholes.
Skåbu
You can drive to Skåbu from Espedalen and carry on to the Jotunheimen Road (toll road) to Bygdin. In Skåbu you can visit Krogenæskjelleren. There is a tourist information office, crafts outlet and a local history exhibition situated here. You can also visit Skåbu Church. Shop and petrol station.
From Skåbu, you can drive to Vinstra, Harpefoss or follow the road rv. 255 down to Gausdal and Lillehammer. It is recommended that you visit Karoline and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson's home, Aulestad, in Follebu.
Activities along the route:
- Fishing
- Tennis
- Golf
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Elk safaris
- Canoe safaris
- Rafting
- Windsurfing
- Boating
- Wilderness tours
- Swimming
- Canoeing
- Summer farm visits
Distance: Approximately 60 kilometres
The Bjørnson Route
Turn off the E6 north of Lillehammer or at Vinstra, and you are on the road rv. 255 Bjørnsonvegen (the Bjørnson Route), a beautiful stretch of road.
The route starts north of Lillehammer and it ends at Vinstra in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley. The scenic road passes through a rich cultural landscape, from the beautiful farms in the lowland valleys of Vestre Gausdal to the high mountain valley of Espedalen and the fine historic architecture and spectacular precipitous fields in one of Norway's highest villages at Skåbu.
Lining the route are small village churches, art galleries, theatre, handicrafts shops.
Sights along the road
Aulestad
This is the home of the writer Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, author of Norway's national anthem. Learn more about Aulestad.
Helvete Naturpark
This beautiful nature park features Northern Europe's largest geological potholes, as well as farm animals and plenty of fun activities for young and old. The potholes have given the site its name (Helvete means Hell in Norwegian), and is among the most fascinating geological sites in Norway. Here you can see what the power of nature can do to solid stone.
Kittilbu Utmarksmuseum
The museum presents the history of hunting and gathering cultures from the Stone Age through medieval trapping systems and iron-ore production and up to contemporary mountain farming, hunting and hydroelectric power construction.
The elk tells you the story in the museum. Cultural path, café, angling and cycling. Guided walks to nearby Ormtjernkampen National Park.
The Cultural Cottage at Ro
Historical mountain farm with roots back to the fifteenth century.
Speciality: Dishes featuring hot and cold smoked fish and wild game from its own smokehouse oven. Herb garden and sales of farm products, as well as separate cultural trail. Learn more about the Cultural Cottage at Ro.
Accommodation along the Bjørnson Route:
Distance: 115 kilometres