VALDRES
Cultural heritage meets world-class hiking
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Step into new adventures.
The natural beauty of the Valdres region stretches from lush valleys in the south to the Jotunheimen mountain range in the north.
Love mountains?
Put on your hiking shoes and hike the Besseggen mountain ridge – one of the top 20 hikes in the world, according to National Geographic!
You can get there via the Valdresflye Norwegian Scenic Route, over the wide open mountain plateau. The drive offers 49 km of panoramic views!
The route takes you to two of the region's most famous hikes, Rasletind and Bitihorn.
Want a bigger challenge?
Check out the Synshorn Via Ferrata climbing route!
Continue your journey by bike.
Kilometre after kilometre of gravel roads and paths makes this a true biking paradise. The most famous route is Mjølkevegen, with 250 km of paths through Valdres.
Maybe you will make some new friends along the way!
Mjølkevegen passes through the Stølsvidda mountain plateau, where you can visit summer pasture farms and sample local food, including waffles and, of course, freshly made sweet brown cheese.
Remember to try...
...Norway's unique sour cream porridge, rømmegrøt, served with a cured sausage called kurv.
Rømmegrøt is a rich, creamy porridge, often served with cinnamon, sugar, and a little butter. A taste you will not forget.
Another important food tradition in Valdres is fermented fish, called rakfisk. The tradition dates back to the 1300s, at least.
Rakfisk even has its own annual festival, which is held in early winter – definitely worth a visit!
If you want to catch your own fish, the region offers plenty of fishing opportunities!
Go with a local fishing guide to discover the best spots.
Ready for more action? Beitostølen Summer Park offers loads of fun for the whole family.
Race on go carts, ride a bob sleigh, or jump on gyro trampolines and bouncy castles, among many other activities.
You can also take the chair lift to the top of the mountain and enjoy expansive views across Beitostølen.
In winter, the park is clad in white, and is the biggest ski centre in the region (Valdres has as many as seven).
Which do you prefer? Après-ski fun or winding down in front of a crackling fireplace in your cosy cabin?
How about some fresh, pristine powder?
Make your own tracks on the Tyin/Filefjell mountains.
Remember to always go off-piste safely. Use a local guide.
Crisp winter air and 1,500 kilometres of freshly prepared cross-country trails also await.
Ready, steady, go!
But you don't need skis to enjoy winter in Valdres.
Make some new four-legged friends on a husky safari, or go kiting, snow rafting, or ice fishing.
Spend the night in historic and luxurious surroundings, such as those at Herangtunet Boutique Hotel (pictured here).
Or cuddle up in a warm and cosy bed…
…in a king's manor.
Danebu Kongsgaard is one of several quaint, traditional mountain lodges in the area.
If you are feeling more adventurous, spend the night among the treetops at the Fosstopp cabins in Hedalen.
The region is packed full of culture and history.
In fact, as many as 6 of Norway's 24 stave churches are located here. A visit to the church in Hedalen takes you back almost a thousand years – to a time when Vikings ruled!
Soak up the unique atmosphere that tells stories about life in earlier times, experience folk music, and learn about culinary traditions and traditional costumes.
Valdres Folk Museum is one of the biggest open air folk museums in Norway. The museum is in Fagernes, the administrative centre of Valdres, which offers a range of shopping, restaurants, and accommodation.
Walk in the footsteps of our ancestors.
During the Middle Ages, Kongevegen, The King's Road, 100 kilometres long and narrow, was the only road connecting eastern and western Norway.
Valdres has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination.
Although this does not mean that the destination is completely sustainable, it does mean that it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.
Need a break from everyday life? Looking for new adventures? Valdres awaits!
Plan your trip now.