Discover Vågå: mountains, hiking trails and culture
Accommodation in Vågå
Vågå offers many different reasons to take a holiday: historic farms and churches, trails with audio drama stations, and excursions in a distinctive mountain landscape. Families can choose between accessible hiking destinations and more ambitious outings. The cultural attractions also have their own character, from old farmsteads to annual exhibitions. Which of these aspects interests you most can help guide your choice of holiday apartment in Vågå.
Mountain landscapes and trails through Vågå
Jotunheimen National Park lies in the south of Vågå. The municipality also includes Sjodalen: the valley stretches from Randsverk in the east to Maurvangen and Valdresflye in the west. These place names give an overview of the area’s wide extent, though not all hiking ideas start from the same point. The Valdresflye National Tourist Route runs between Hindsæter and Garli; a turnoff leads to Gjende.
The classic hikes Besseggen and Bukkelægret start at Gjende. Besseggen is known for its views of emerald-green Gjende and deep-blue Bessvatnet. If you’re interested in a hike with these striking colour contrasts, it’s a special feature to consider when planning your trip. Valdresflye is a starting point for ski touring in the eastern Gjendealpane; several peaks over 2,000 metres can be reached from Leirungsdalen.
There are also shorter hiking options in Vågå. The Munch hike is 1.32 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 97 metres. At three stations, you can listen to an episode of the audio drama Oldemors portrett at each one. The specified distance and elevation gain help distinguish this hike from longer excursions in the region, without suggesting a walking time. The Dagsturhytta on Kvarbergåsen is described as an accessible hiking destination for the whole family and is open to everyone year-round. The route starts at Ullinsvin and follows Hølvegen and Likvegen.
Farm history and art
Jutulheimen comprises nine historic wooden buildings arranged like the farmyard of an old prosperous farm. The buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and were brought together from various farms in Vågå. The buildings and exhibitions are open by appointment, so a visit needs to be planned differently from an outing to a hiking destination that is open year-round.
Ullinsvin tells another story of the area: the estate was a vicarage for several centuries, until 1981. Today it consists of 13 buildings, most of which are listed. Galleri Ullinsvin hosts exhibitions every year featuring some of the country’s most prominent artists. Vågå Church, built by Werner Olsen between 1625 and 1630, is also located in Vågåmo.
Different travel interests
In winter, Sjodalen has cross-country ski trails stretching from Lemonsjøen to Valdresflye. The mountain station at Lemonsjøen Alpinsenter in Vågå is at an altitude of 1,200 metres. For a cycling trip, consider the route over Valdresflye, which runs along the eastern side of Jotunheimen. Those who prefer being on the water will find the Sjoa, a river known for rafting and canyoning, for beginners and experienced participants alike.
For getting here, express bus routes to Western Norway and central parts of Eastern Norway may be relevant. Otta railway station is 25 minutes from Vågå; from there, it is possible to take a bus to Vågå. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can therefore take both your preferred type of holiday and your travel plans into account.
If you’d like to explore individual places in the municipality, you can find Vågå, Lalm, Vågåmo and Tessanden here.
For the broader travel overview: Oppland.
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