Green experiences

There are a number of excellent ways to explore Lillehammer & Gudbrandsdalen, such as from horseback, by bicycle, by foot, or on skis. With its mountains and cultural landscapes, the region is an excellent starting point for a “green” journey.

1. Eco-friendly travel – go by train to Lillehammer, Ringebu, or Vinstra.

Trains from Oslo to Lillehammer run every hour, and there are some 20 departures daily. From Oslo/Lillehammer to Ringebu and Vinstra, there are six departures daily. Some services stop at the smaller stations throughout Gudbrandsdalen, such as at Hunderfossen, Kvitfjell, and Kvam.

2. Explore local cultural attractions

Visit Maihaugen in Lillehammer, and enjoy a nostalgic journey back in time. Maihaugen is one of Norway's largest open-air museums, and has a collection of over 200 buildings dating from the 1100s to the present day. The two author’s residences, Aulestad (Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson) and Bjerkebæk (Sigrid Undset), are also well worth a visit. Maihaugen, Aulestad, and Bjerkebæk are committed to protecting the environment, and were awarded Eco-Lighthouse certification in 2012.

Skibladner is the world's oldest paddle steamer still in scheduled service. She has been running between Eidsvoll and Lillehammer since 1856, and operates during the summer season – from end of June to mid-August.

Lillehammer Art Museum, located in Lillehammer town centre, is one of Norway most renowned cultural institutions.

Peer Gynt by Henrik Ibsen is considered a masterpiece in world literature. In August every year, the Peer Gynt Festival features an open-air staging of Peer Gynt at Gålå. Over 330,000 people have seen this critically acclaimed play, set in the surroundings Ibsen had intended. Peer Gynt at Gålå is an approved eco-friendly event, with strong focus on sustainable measures.

The Pilgrims' Trail is a beautiful walk through Gudbrandsdalen, and at Dale-Gudbrands Gard at Hundorp you will find Gudbrandsdalen Pilgrim Centre. Gudbrandsdalsmusea is a collaboration of several museums in Gudbrandsdalen, and at Kvam you can visit the Gudbrandsdal War Memorial Exhibition. 

Ringebu Stave Church was built around 1220. It is one of only 28 remaining stave churches in the country, and is one of the largest.

3. Green accommodation

There are several hotels and mountain lodges with environmental certification in the region, and all are committed to sustainable business practices. 

If you are looking for at green experience out of the ordinary, an overnight stay at the elk observation tower in Espedalen is a spectacular and unusual outdoor adventure! Stay the night in a 12-metre-high elk observation tower where you get close to nature and wildlife – and have a very good chance of spotting the king of the forest. 

4. Fresh and pristine outdoor experiences 

Explore nature by foot, by bicycle, from horseback, in a canoe, or on skis. In winter, there are fantastic options like sleigh rides, dog-sledding, and snowshoe trips. The Lillehammer & Gudbrandsdalen region, stretching from Sjusjøen in the south to Rondane in the north, offers over 2300 km groomed cross-country ski trail in winter and some 300 way-marked walks during summer. 

For some more speed and excitement, you may prefer one of our five alpine centres; Hafjell, Kvitfjell, Skeikampen, Gålå, or Sjusjøen. And for a proper adrenaline kick, try a trip down the bobsleigh and luge track at Hunderfossen or some tobogganing at Lysgaardsbakken at Lillehammer. In summer, there are downhill bikes available for hire.