Eastern Norway’s green forests and high mountains
Eastern Norway covers the southeastern part of southern Norway, an area known for being lush and green and often reminiscent of typical Norwegian fairytale landscapes. It is also home to Norway’s largest lake, highest mountains and longest river.
Route suggestion: Flå - Ål - Otta - Skeikampen
If your journey begins and ends in Oslo, the trip – with a few detours – will be just under 800 km.
Stops to consider along the route
Flå in Hallingdal
From Oslo, it takes less than two hours by car to reach the centre of Flå in Hallingdal. Thon Hotel Bjørneparken is located in scenic surroundings in Flå and has a direct connection to Bjørneparken and Bjørneparken Shopping Centre, and is close to a number of other sights and activities in the area. The hotel has 86 bright, modern rooms, 30 of which are studio apartments close to Bjørneparken and the Hunting and Fishing Centre.
Bjørneparken is only a short walk from the hotel. The park is home to a wide variety of Norwegian predators and wild animals, as well as traditional farm animals. They also have Norway’s largest crocodile exhibit. There are activities every hour involving the animals, such as feeding and grooming, which let you experience the animals up close.
Ål in Hallingdal
From here it is only an hour’s drive to Ål in Hallingdal along national road 7 – halfway between Gol and Geilo. A great starting point for all kinds of outdoor experiences in scenic Hallingdal. Thon Hotel Hallingdal is located in the centre of Ål, close to the cultural centre, museum, ski resort and railway station.
Get tips for an active holiday in the heart of the Norwegian mountains at VisitNorway or experience Norway’s most popular cycling route, Rallarvegen, which stretches from the mountains in Hallingdal to the world-famous fjords in the west.
Otta – spectacular nature experiences
On your way back to Eastern Norway, you can choose the scenic route over Dovre, home to musk oxen, and Gudbrandsdalen. Located in an area with seven national parks, the valley is known for its abundance of locally produced food, historic architecture and great skiing and hiking. While driving over Dovrefjell, you can also hike to the top of Snøhetta, at 2,286 metres above sea level.
With spectacular nature and Rondane National Park as its closest neighbour, there is plenty to experience while staying at Hotel Otta on your way back to Oslo.
Hiking in Rondane
With 10 peaks of over 2,000 metres, Rondane is a classic destination for both short and long hikes. Mysusæter is a great starting point, located only 20 kilometres from the Otta city centre. It is possible to rent a bicycle here (at Spranget) and it is a great starting point for several amazing nature experiences, including a hike to the Peer Gynt cabin and the trail along the Ula waterfalls.
Besseggen in Jotunheimen
The trailhead for this classic hike is just over an hour from Otta and it is one of Norway’s greatest traditional hikes. In fact, some people consider it a mandatory hike for all Norwegians. The hike over Besseggen normally takes 7-9 hours.
Glittersjå Mountain Farm
This delightful farm is beautifully located in Murudalen at the top of Heidal and bordering Jotunheimen. Here you can get close to different kinds of animals. There are moose here, as well as a 'hare forest' and several types of Norwegian livestock breeds.
Rafting in Sjoa
It is for good reason that Sjoa is considered Norway’s best river for rafting. Rafters and river paddlers travel from around the world to dive into the rapids of Sjoa. Here you can enjoy rafting at all levels of difficulty and other water-based activities, such as canyoning and bridge swinging.
Musk ox safari on Dovrefjell
Ever seen the beast in the wild? Dovrefjell has a population of around 250 musk oxen and every day in the summer, you can go on a safari with highly knowledgeable guides, who guarantee a safe encounter with these majestic animals. You can also visit the world-famous Norwegian Wild Reindeer Pavilion 'Viewpoint Snøhetta'.
Skeikampen - a real mountain adventure
It was the fresh air and opportunity for physical activity that attracted guests to this high mountain destination in the late 1800s. At the time, Norway’s first high mountain tourist hotel was located at Skeikampen.
The varied terrain of this destination is well suited for recreation of all kinds and we've put together a list of favourite activities for both visitors and locals during the summer months.
