Explore some of Norway's most popular national parks, go on a musk ox safari, and taste delicious local food in Gudbrandsdalen – a valley that has inspired artists, chefs, and outdoor enthusiasts for centuries.
Located in Eastern Norway, Gudbrandsdalen is the king of the valleys! Many of the farms have roots back to the Middle Ages, and you can experience exciting activities and some of Norway's coolest theme parks. With so much to offer, the valley is the perfect destination for everyone.
On a journey through the valley, you can visit six national parks in the surrounding mountains – including Jotunheimen, Dovrefjell and Rondane.
The Olympic town of Lillehammer serves as the gateway to the Gudbrandsdalen valley in the south. From there, the valley stretches 230 kilometres north towards Lesja and the Romsdalen valley, and adjacent valleys Gausdal, Heidal, Ottadalen, and Espedalen.
The region is known for an abundance of locally produced food, traditional architecture, and a varied landscape. With large areas of forests, mountains, and watercourses, Gudbrandsdalen is an ideal place for fishing, hiking, and skiing.
You can also attend the Peer Gynt Festival in Gålå, try rafting in the Sjoa river, or hike the famous pilgrim's path, the St. Olav's Way. At the head of the valley, you'll find Lom, a hotspot for both foodies and culture lovers.
Get in-depth travel information on The National Park Region’s website and Visit Jotunheimen's website (both of which are found in the northern part of the valley) and Lillehammer's official website (the southern part of the valley).
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Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
Book nowLillehammerNorwegian Olympic Museum
Book nowLillehammerLillehammer Art Museum
Book nowLillehammerMaihaugen Museum
GjøvikDS Skibladner
Book nowHjerkinnviewpoint SNØHETTA
Activities in Gudbrandsdalen
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
Book nowLillehammerStasjonen Hotel
Book nowVestre GausdalPaulsrud Farm
Book nowLillehammerAksjemøllen by Classic Norway Hotels
Sør-fronSygard Grytting - historic hotel
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
LillehammerHeim Gastropub
FåbergTrollsalen Restaurant
ØyerNermo Hotel
LillehammerLillehammer Bryggeri
Getting here and around
Plan your trip to Gudbrandsdalen with Entur, Norway's national travel planner.
By plane
The nearest international airport is Oslo Airport. Lillehammer, which is the gateway to Gudbrandsdalen in the south, is situated 1 hour and 40 minutes from Oslo Airport by car and 2 hours by train.
There are also domestic and international connections to Trondheim Airport. The travel time from the airport is around 4 hours to Dombås and 4.5 hours to Otta.
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By road
It is easy to get to the Gudbrandsdalen valley by bus, with several companies operating local and long distance routes. Check tickets and timetables to the north and south of the valley.
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If you go by car from Oslo, simply follow the E6 motorway the whole way. The drive from Oslo takes around 2 hours to Lillehammer and four hours to Dombås. From Trondheim, the travel time is 3 hours to Dombås and 5 hours to Lillehammer.
By train
Dovrebanen (The Dovre Railway) runs between Oslo and Trondheim and follows the valley until it reaches Dombås, before heading up the Dovrefjell mountain plateau. The train also stops at Oslo Airport.
Raumabanen (The Rauma railway) runs between Dombås and Åndalsnes, with stops at Lesja, Lesjaverk and Bjorli in the northernmost part of the valley.
Mountains and valleys in Eastern Norway
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