Gausdal: Nature Experiences and Cultural History

Architectural history and cultural sites

In Østre Gausdal stands a medieval stone church with a rectangular floor plan. Its chancel is the same width and height as the nave. For travelers interested in medieval architecture, these proportions are distinctive features of the building’s design.

Another way to explore cultural history is to visit 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. This makes Aulestad a distinct cultural highlight in Gausdal. Program details may change; if you are planning a specific visit, check the latest tour and exhibition dates.

In Gausdal Vestfjell, the Kittilbu Utmarksmuseum combines nature topics with the history of seter culture. Several tours and courses focus on flora and fauna; at its own seter farm, dating from the mid-19th century, the museum presents the culture of seter farming. It also tells the story of the region over 8,000 years and is a recognized visitor center for Langsua National Park. The courses on offer may vary; take the relevant dates into account when planning your visit.

Langsua and the landscapes of Gausdal

Langsua National Park extends into Gausdal. The part in Gausdal includes birch forests, old coniferous forests, rolling uplands and diverse wetlands. This means that the park area described here encompasses a variety of landscapes: forests, open highlands and wetlands. If nature and landscapes are the focus of your trip, you can use this variety as a guide to your own interests.

Helvete Nature Park and activities at Skeikampen

Helvete Nature Park is located in upper Gausdal. It is home to Northern Europe’s largest potholes. From the parking lot, it is a walk of a few hundred meters to the descent to the potholes. The nature park also offers a family park, an archery trail, a café and a souvenir shop. Some activities may be seasonal, so plan your visit according to what is currently available on site.

Skeikampen is a year-round destination at Skei in Gausdal. The alpine center has 11 lifts and 17 downhill runs; 200 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails are also listed for the Skeikampen area. The figures for facilities and trails may change. If they are important to your plans, check the latest information. There are also cycling routes, mountain hikes, and swimming and fishing waters around Skeikampen. This gives you a choice of different types of activities: alpine downhill skiing and cross-country skiing on the one hand, and cycling, hiking, swimming and fishing on the other.

Choosing a focus for your hotel search

When searching for a hotel in Gausdal, your planned focus for the trip can be a useful starting point. If you mainly want to experience landscapes and activities, Langsua, Helvete and the attractions around Skeikampen may suit your interests. For a cultural history trip, the Østre Gausdal church, Aulestad and Kittilbu Utmarksmuseum offer different themes to choose from.

Discover more destinations: Vestre Gausdal, Follebu, Gausdal, Østre Gausdal, Svingvoll, Svatsum, Espedalen, Øystre Slidr

For the overview of the wider region: Oppland.