Nord-Fron: Culture, Nature and Trails

Nord-Fron offers something for a range of travel plans: cultural history around Vinstra, trails through the landscape and a railway station in Kvam on the Dovre Line. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, it can help to first choose the experiences you want to shape your trip.

Rail, views and trails through the landscape

Trains on the Dovre Line stop at Kvam station, with connections towards Lillehammer, Oslo S, Drammen, Dombås and Åndalsnes. If you plan to travel by train, check the timetable for your travel date, as destinations and connections depend on the schedule.

At Veslfjell on Jotunheimvegen, there is an information point with views of Langsua National Park, the Hersjømyrin Nature Reserve and the Espedalen Landscape Protection Area. From there, you can take a short walk to Falkfangerhøgda or cycle along Jotunheimvegen. The Espedalen Landscape Protection Area protects a natural and cultural landscape with ecological, cultural and recreational value.

Another option is to visit Storhøliseter: the road there is open only in summer, and from there you can hike to Storhøpiggen at 1,434 metres. Road conditions and opening dates may vary. Take seasonal access into account when planning this hike.

Peer Gynt, farm history and routes

Per Gynt Farm is a medieval farm 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 to have served as Ibsen’s inspiration for Peer Gynt. Today, the farm comprises 17 protected, listed buildings that offer insights into more than 500 years of Norwegian history.

The ten-day Peer Gynt Festival begins in early August. The cultural festival includes theatre, concerts, art exhibitions, literary talks and events for children; it has been held annually at the Peer Gynt Farm Hågå in Vinstra since 1967. The programme may vary from year to year.

The routes also offer different experiences: the Pilgrim Path through Gudbrandsdalen passes through Nord-Fron on its route from Lillehammer to Otta. The Peer Gynt Seterveg starts at Sødorp in Vinstra and crosses Østfjellet to Kvam. It is intended as a summer touring route; road conditions and opening dates may change.

The state horse-breeding station in Sikkilsdalen was established in the summer of 1862. Its history is closely linked to the Norwegian Dølahest horse. This is another historical point of interest if you’re interested in the region’s cultural history.

Events from July to August

The events calendar offers several different reasons to plan the timing of your trip. The country music festival is held every year on the first weekend of July at the Kåja festival grounds in Vinstra. Skåbu Liv Lågå is an annual festival held on the third weekend of July. Check the exact dates for the year in question before planning your trip.

In Skåbu, Fjellmaraton offers marathon, half-marathon and ultramarathon routes, as well as children’s races. The formats may change with each edition. “Furusjøen rundt” brings together three events around the mountain lake Furusjøen: a cycle race, a running race and a ski race. The event format may also be revised by the organisers; if you have a particular edition in mind, check its programme.

Equipment available locally

BUA Vinstra lends sports and leisure equipment, including bicycles, skis, snowshoes, tents, canoes, kayaks and fishing gear. Available equipment and lending rules may change. Check the current selection if you’re planning to borrow equipment for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Vinstra, Kvam, Risdal, Skåbu, Ringebu, Lom, Sør-Fron, Lunner.

For the overview of the wider region: Oppland.