Valdres, Norway – Hiking, cycling, fishing, skiing

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According to National Geographic, the Besseggen ridge is one of the top 20 hikes in the world. Not surprisingly, it’s located near Valdres – the home to some of the most impressive mountains in Norway.

The eye-catching region of Valdres extends from the lush and water rich valleys in the south to the Jotunheimen mountain range in the north. The region is known for its various outdoor activities throughout the year, such as hiking, cycling and fishing in the summer, and cross-country and downhill skiing in the winter. Just remember to familiarize yourself with the mountain code beforehand. Valdres is centrally located in southern Norway, and it is easy to get here by car and public transport.

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The town of Fagernes is the regional center in Valdres with restaurants, shopping, the Valdres Folk Museum and many different choices of accommodation.

For food-lovers, Valdres is well worth the visit. The region boasts a variety of locally produced food, such as cheese, ice cream, cured meats, sour cream porridge and the semi-fermented trout (known as “rakfisk”). During the first weekend in November you can even visit the popular Rakfisk Festival in Fagernes. Believe us: It tastes better than it sounds.

Valdres is in the process of being certified as a Sustainable Destination, a seal of approval given to destinations that work systematically to reduce the negative impact of tourism. In addition to providing visitors with enjoyable experiences, Valdres wishes to preserve the local nature, culture and environment, strengthen social values, and be economically viable. The municipality and the travel industry cooperate closely to assure that the destination is a great place both to live in and to visit.

Find more inspiration on Valdres’ official website.

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valdres.com

Fishing in Valdres.
Photo: Nils Rogn

Hiking at Besseggen.
Photo: Morten Helgesen

Dog sledding at Beitostølen.
Photo: Terje Rakke / Nordic Life AS / Visitnorway.com

Cross-country skiing at Beitostølen.
Photo: Terje Rakke / Nordic life / Visitnorway.com

Off-piste skiing at Beitostølen.
Photo: CH / Visitnorway.com

Sørre Hemsing farmyard in Valdres.
Photo: Tina Stafrèn / Visitnorway.com

Fermented trout "Rakfisk".
Photo: Cathrine Dokken

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Whether you’re going on a trip with your family, partner, or friends,
you’ll find plenty of things to do here.

Where to stay in Valdres

Food and drink

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Safety in the mountains

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Norway is an incredible place to explore, with untamed mythical landscapes, mountains, valleys, and fjords. Before you enter the outdoors, get familiar with the nine simple rules of the Norwegian mountain code to help you stay safe.

Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected.
Adapt the planned routes according to ability and conditions.
Pay attention to the weather and the avalanche warnings.
Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips.
Bring the necessary equipment so you can help yourself and others.
Choose safe routes. Recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.
Use a map and a compass. Always know where you are.
Don’t be ashamed to turn around.
Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.

Read the mountain code with supplementary comments.

Seasons and climate

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Getting here and around

Get in-depth travel information on Valdres’ official website.

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Statens Kartverk, Geovekst og kommuner - Geodata AS

By train

The nearest train station is located in Gol, one hour by bus from Fagernes. Travel time from Oslo to Gol by train is around three hours. There are bus connections from Gol to Fagernes several times daily.

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by bus

There are regular bus connections to Fagernes and other destinations in Valdres from Oslo, Trondheim, Lillehammer and Bergen. Read more about bus transport in the Valdres region.
By boat

From Oslo, there are ferry connections to Fredrikshavn and Copenhagen in Denmark, as well as Kiel in Germany. Find more information about ferry transportation.
By car

Valdres is a region with a well developed infrastructure. The main artery is the E16, which stretches from the Oslo border in the southeast to Bergen in the west.

You can drive to Valdres from Gol in the southwest and Vågå in the north on Fv51, and from Gjøvik in east on road Fv33.

If you prefer the more scenic route, try driving the National Tourist Route Valdresflye.

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Local travel

Fagernes is the main hub for transportation in the area. For more information regarding Taxi and car rental visit Valdres’ official website.

Experience M/B Bitihorn on a breathtaking boat trip along Lake Bygdin. On Lake Gjende, you will find the boats Gjende III and Gjendine which transport thousands of eager hikers every year to the most beautiful areas of Jotunheimen. Find more information about local boat services.
By plane

Oslo Airport is Norway’s national air hub, located about 2 hours and 30 minutes by road from Fagernes in Valdres.

Valdresekspressen runs up to eight times daily from Oslo to Fagernes, with connecting services to Beitostølen (Gjendesheim in summer) and Årdal via Tyinkrysset.

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Transport offers in Valdres

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Valdres also offers …

There is no need to wait until you’re here to find out what you’d like to do.

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Valdres