Famed for its national parks, traditional cuisine and muskox safaris, Gudbrandsdalen is a spectacular valley that stretches north-west from Lillehammer to Romsdalen. It’s traversed by the Gudbrandsdalslågen River and has inspired countless artists and musicians, including characters from Henrik Ibsen’s famous play “Peer Gynt”.
Begin your visit in Gudbrandsdalen’s gateway, Lillehammer, to tour the Norwegian Olympic Museum and explore the historic buildings of the open-air Maihaugen. The valley stretches north from here towards the village of Bjorli, which serves as a base for hiking, biking and skiing in Reinheimen National Park.
Get up close to muskox in Dovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella National Park or marvel at the waterfalls, glaciers and lakes of Jotunheimen National Park, home to Norway's highest peak, Galdhøpiggen. Gudbrandsdalen also offers easy access to Rondane National Park, a dramatic landscape of soaring peaks that provides an important habitat for wild reindeer.
Getting there
Gudbrandsdalen is just over two hours’ drive from Oslo and Oslo Airport, with trains connecting from the Norwegian capital to Lillehammer railway station. Buses access most of the valley’s towns and villages, although having your own vehicle gives you greater freedom to explore.