Vestre Gausdal: Churches, Culture and Trails

In Vestre Gausdal, several themes for a trip can be clearly distinguished: the churches of Vestre Gausdal and Aulstad, farming history at Ulsrud, and activities along Bjørnsonvegen. Nearby, the Kittilbu Utmarksmuseum and seasonal offerings add to the range of possible places to visit.

Church Architecture and Art

Vestre Gausdal Church, also known as Nykirken, is a cruciform log church. Its tower sits above the crossing, where the arms of the cross meet. The church contains a carved altarpiece with a pulpit by Petter Frederichsen Kastrud from Fåberg. It also features medieval sculptures depicting the Virgin Mary with the child and a bishop. The statue of Mary was restored in 2000.

Aulstad Church in Vestre Gausdal marks a different period: the wooden church was built in 1864 and is listed as a cultural heritage site dating from after 1850. Its altarpiece, from 1768, was carved by Eistein Guttormsson Kjørrn; the pulpit dates from the early 17th century. The year the church was built and the dates of its furnishings therefore belong to different periods. There are many parking spaces at Aulstad Church, about 20 metres from the entrance. Check this practical information again before your visit.

Farm History and Group Tours

Ulsrud has been preserved as a farm museum and conveys the farming culture and farm history of the area as they existed up to the mid-20th century. The focus is therefore on a different kind of history than that of the churches: the life and development of a farm. Groups can arrange a guided tour of Ulsrud through the Ulsrudutvalget; make arrangements in advance.

Kittilbu and the Surrounding Area

The Kittilbu Utmarksmuseum is located near Vestre Gausdal. It is a museum and national park centre in the summer-farm settlement of Kittilbu in Gausdal Vestfjell. It is situated on Fylkesvei 204 between Vestre Gausdal and Valdres. The museum provides information about hiking, fishing, accommodation and protected areas. Guided tours in the national park are offered during the season. If you plan to join a tour, check the current programme.

A cultural trail leads from the museum to the Dokkfløy reservoir, passing moose trapping pits and traces of historic iron smelting. There is a birdwatching hide at Kittilbudammen. From there, you can observe birdlife during the breeding season without disturbing the nesting birds. The area around the museum therefore offers both cultural-historical traces and opportunities for nature observation.

Nearby, Volden Seter serves coffee, pastries and rømmegrøt on selected Sundays during the season. As this offering is limited to the season and certain Sundays, check the current dates before your visit.

Bjørnsonvegen: Trails and Regional Route

Bjørnsonvegen is Route 255 and offers a worthwhile detour from the E6. You can explore the area on foot or by bicycle along the road. Other activities in the district include boat rental, fishing in one of the many lakes and horseback riding. These options offer different kinds of experiences, ranging from exercise along the road to activities on the water or on horseback.

From Bjørnsonvegen, the route continues regionally over the mountains along the Jotunheimen Road and across Valdresflya, onward toward the fjord region on Norway’s west coast. The road thus combines local opportunities for exploration with a longer route through the mountain region.

Gausdal in a Wider Context

As part of the wider Gausdal destination, Langsua National Park extends into Gausdal. The part of the park in Gausdal includes birch forests, old coniferous forests, rolling uplands and a variety of wetlands. These landscapes add a broader regional context to the places and activities in Vestre Gausdal.

Also within the wider Gausdal destination is Aulestad, the historic home of Nobel laureate and writer Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson and his wife Karoline. Guided tours, exhibitions, authentic interiors and a beautiful garden offer insights into their lives and work. Programme details may vary.

Discover more destinations: Østre Gausdal, Follebu, Espedalen, Svatsum, Gausdal, Svingvoll

Back to the main travel overview: Gausdal.