Lillehammer and Gudbrandsdalen represent the heart of traditional Norwegian culture, Olympic history and rugged alpine landscapes. Lillehammer sits at the northern tip of Lake Mjøsa and acts as the gateway to the valley. It is highly celebrated for its pedestrian street (Storgata), lined with historic wooden houses.
Worth to visit:
- Olympic Legacy: explore the venues of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Visit the Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena for panoramic views, ride a bobsleigh at the Lillehammer Olympic Sliding Center or browse the interactive Norwegian Olympic Museum.
- Cultural Highlights: step back in time at Maihaugen, one of Norway’s largest open-air museums with over 200 historic buildings. For fine arts, check out the architecturally striking Lillehammer Art Museum.
- Historic waterways: ride the DS Skibladner, the world’s oldest operating paddle steamer still in scheduled service.
Stretching 230 kilometers north, Gudbrandsdalen is a dramatic valley carved by the Gudbrandsdalslågen river. It is deeply rooted in folklore, farm tourism and severe mountain terrain. The lower part of the valley is highly family-friendly. Children enjoy Hunderfossen Adventure Park (built around traditional Norwegian fairy tales) and Lilleputthammer, a miniature replica of Lillehammer town designed for smaller children.
Ringebu is a picturesque mountain municipality located in the middle of the Gudbrandsdalen valley and the nearest commercial centre about 40 minutes driving from the lodge. Its vibrant administrative center, Vålebrua, was established in 1899 and operates as a beautifully preserved, traditional village center. The famous Ringebu Stave Church is located 3 kilometers southeast of the village center. This striking wooden church dates back to approximately 1220 and is one of only 28 remaining authentic stave churches in Norway. It stands out due to its distinctive red 17th-century spire. Right next to the church sits the historic rectory, which acts as a cultural center holding art exhibitions, a pottery workshop and a rose garden.
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