DOVRE RAILWAY

Travel through 'the king of the valleys', and experience  the Dovrefjell mountain plateau, and Norway's biggest lake, Mjøsa.

This six and a half hour train trip takes you through some of Norway's most amazing places on its way from Oslo to Trondheim.

Plan a full holiday! The train can be a perfect starting point for your adventures. No car required.

Read on and let Erik Sveberg Dietrichs, author of Togferie, ("Train Holidays"), be your guide to the Dovre Railway.

Spend the night in the world-famous Wood Hotel, the world's tallest timber building. 

Or simply admire the impressive building from the train.

The Lillehammer region

Lillehammer, the city which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994, is a one-hour journey from Hamar. 

Explore the Norwegian Olympic Museum.

Enjoy the idyllic surroundings of the open-air museum Maihaugen, which is perfect for families.

If you are travelling with kids, you should also plan to stop at the next station.

There are two very good family adventure parks within walking distance of Hunderfossen station: Hunderfossen and Lilleputthammer.

In winter, you can bring the family along and enjoy the ski resorts at Hafjell or Kvitfjell. 

The Gudbrandsdalen valley

Hop on the train again, you have so much more to explore! 

The train now enters 'the king of the valleys', The Gudbrandsdalen valley, with its tall mountains, mighty rivers, and rich cultural heritage.

Visit historic Ringebu stave church, built around 1220.

Gudbrandsdalen has for centuries been home to picturesque farms in a beautiful countryside setting.

Hop off the train and enjoy a relaxing farm stay. This is also an excellent option if you decide to walk from Ringebu on the Gudbrandsdalsleden pilgrim route.

If you’re looking for more action, you should go rafting in Sjoa. It's lots of fun for the whole family! 

Hop off the train at Kvam or Otta if you want to try this exciting activity.

You are now entering the kingdom of the musk ox, Dovrefjell mountain.

Hike to Snøhetta mountain, go horse riding on an Icelandic horse, or enjoy a bike ride through scenic mountains.

Relax in a traditional, Norwegian fjellstue (mountain lodge) afterwards!

The historic Kongsvold Fjeldstue lodge even has its own train station (Kongsvoll).

You can see the train station here. The station is in the black buildings at the upper left of the photo. It's just a five-minute walk from the mountain lodge.

Further down the valley, it's time to put your camera away and get ready for some action in Oppdal.

Try canyoning with experienced guides in Festajuvet. It's guaranteed to get your pulse racing!

In the winter, choose between four mountains for your skiing adventure!

The Pilgrim Route also passes by Oppdal, where some pilgrims finish and others start their walk. 

Sit back and relax during the final hour of your journey.  Why not enjoy a Norwegian waffle?