Nord-Fron between nature and culture
Accommodation in Nord-Fron
Nord-Fron combines experiences in nature with a distinctive cultural history and a varied calendar of events. From Veslfjell on Jotunheimvegen, you can see Langsua National Park, the Hersjømyrin Nature Reserve and the Espedalen Landscape Protection Area. In Vinstra, a historic farm tells the story of the connection between Per Gynt and Ibsen’s Peer Gynt. There are also festivals, concerts and sporting events to suit a range of interests. When looking for a holiday apartment, consider whether train connections, cultural discoveries or outdoor activities should be the focus of your trip.
Enjoy nature and explore the outdoors
The Espedalen Landscape Protection Area protects a natural and cultural landscape whose value encompasses ecological, cultural and experiential aspects. The information point at Veslfjell offers a first impression of the area. From there, you can take a short walk to Falkfangerhøgda or cycle along Jotunheimvegen. This combination of information, views and activity offers various ways to enjoy time outdoors.
You can also include a hike to Storhøpiggen in your travel plans: the summit is 1,434 metres high and can be reached from Storhøliseter. One important consideration when planning is that the road to Storhøliseter is open only in summer. For a range of activities, BUA Vinstra also offers sports and leisure equipment for hire, including bicycles, skis, snowshoes, tents, canoes, kayaks and fishing equipment.
Routes, trains and finding your way around the region
Kvam railway station is on the Dovre Line. Trains run from there towards Lillehammer, Oslo S, Drammen, Dombås and Åndalsnes. For rail travellers, Kvam is therefore a useful point of reference within Nord-Fron. Another route through the region is the Pilgrim’s Path through Gudbrandsdal, which passes through Nord-Fron on its way from Lillehammer to Otta.
The Peer Gynt Seterveg starts at Sødorp in Vinstra and runs over Østfjellet to Kvam. Together with the Pilgrim’s Path, it shows how you can also explore Nord-Fron by following different routes and choosing your starting point.
Cultural history around Vinstra
The medieval Per Gynt Farm lies on the hillside above Vinstra. It is associated with the historical Per Gynt, who is believed to have lived there in the 17th century and served as the inspiration for Ibsen’s Peer Gynt. The farm is now home to 17 protected and heritage-listed buildings. They offer insights into more than 500 years of Norwegian history, making the farm a special destination for anyone interested in local traditions and historic architecture.
The Peer Gynt Festival has been held every year at the Peer Gynt Farm Hågå in Vinstra since 1967. This ten-day cultural festival takes place in early August and features theatre, concerts, art exhibitions, literary talks and events for children. You can also shape your visit around your cultural interests: the programme ranges from performing arts and music to literature and activities for younger visitors.
Another historical connection leads to Sikkilsdalen. The state horse-breeding station there was established in the summer of 1862 and is closely linked to the history of the Norwegian Dølahest. The annual “Ved Rondane” concert, meanwhile, attracts more than 2,000 spectators. It takes place at an altitude of 900 metres above sea level, with views of Rondane National Park.
Events for different interests
Several annual events in the calendar take place in July. The country music festival is held every year on the first weekend in July at the Kåja festival grounds in Vinstra. Skåbu Liv Lågå takes place every year on the third weekend in July. For sporting events, the Skåbu fjellmaraton features marathon, half-marathon, ultramarathon and children’s races. Skåbu is also a checkpoint for the Gausdal Maraton, with the local community and business partners taking part.
“Furusjøen rundt” comprises three events around the mountain lake Furusjøen: a cycling race, a run and a ski race. Together with the running events in Skåbu and the country music festival in Vinstra, the calendar offers a range of reasons to plan your stay around culture, music or sport. Families may be especially interested to know that the Peer Gynt Festival includes events for children, while the Skåbu fjellmaraton features children’s races.
Explore more places in Nord-Fron
If you would like to narrow down your search for a holiday apartment, you can consider each place as a separate point of reference. Find more information about the individual places here: Vinstra, Kvam, Risdal and Skåbu. This can help you take into account the cultural, natural and event offerings that interest you when choosing where to stay.
For the broader travel overview: Oppland.
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