Discover Follebu

Follebu offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: Aulestad is steeped in cultural history, the Aulestad Trail and the Høgda Trail differ in theme and route, and in winter there is also the Kjølen Hematt cross-country skiing event.

Aulestad: History and visitor offerings

Aulestad was the historic home of Nobel Prize laureate Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson and his wife Karoline. The museum offers guided tours and exhibitions. The site also features authentic interiors and a garden, and activities for children are available.

The Drengestua Café at Aulestad serves homemade food in a historic setting. Check the café’s current operating details before your trip.

The Aulestad Trail: Cultural trail in two lengths

The Aulestad Trail is a cultural trail with a choice of 2 or 4 kilometres, through the cultural landscape around Aulestad and the Bø farm in Follebu. Choosing between the two route lengths helps you plan your walk according to the distance you want to cover. Several information boards provide details about cultural heritage, forestry, agriculture, the cultural landscape and the farms along the trail. The route passes through an agricultural landscape and offers views of the western part of Gausdal and south towards Lillehammer.

The Høgda Trail: Forest road and summit path

The Høgda Trail in Follebu follows a forest road and a path to the summit. The route is about 3 kilometres uphill and about 2 kilometres downhill. The trail offers views over Follebu and Rudsbygd. Parking is available at the access road to Øvre Reiten at Follebuhøgda.

Kjølen Hematt: Classic-style cross-country skiing

Kjølen Hematt is a traditional cross-country skiing event in the classic style. It runs from Skeikampen or Ingridskogen to Follebu School, with a choice of two route lengths. The event is considered straightforward and family-friendly. If you would like to take part in a future edition, check the event date before your trip.

More culture and nature in Gausdal

The wider destination of Gausdal offers more cultural and natural attractions. Østre Gausdal Church is a medieval stone church with a rectangular floor plan; the chancel and nave are the same width and height. Langsua National Park extends into Gausdal. The part in Gausdal includes birch forests, old coniferous forests, rolling high plateaus and a variety of wetlands.

Helvete Nature Park is in upper Gausdal. It is home to Northern Europe’s largest potholes, as well as a family park, an archery trail, a café and a souvenir shop. After a walk of a few hundred metres from the car park, the descent to the potholes begins. Seasonal opening hours may vary.

Kittilbu Utmarksmuseum offers several tours and courses on flora and fauna. At its own seter farm dating from the mid-19th century, it introduces visitors to seter culture; specific course dates may vary.

Discover more destinations: Svatsum, Espedalen, Svingvoll, Gausdal, Østre Gausdal, Vestre Gausdal.

Go to the main travel overview: Gausdal.