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).
Explore all the options below, or go directly to:
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.
Getting here and around
Plan your trip to Gudbrandsdalen with Entur, Norway's national travel planner.
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.
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.
Ad: Vy express - travel by bus throughout Norway
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 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.
Ad: Norwegian – cheap and direct flights in Norway and over 70 European destinations
Mountains and valleys in Eastern Norway
More travel ideas
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
