Bøverdalen – Mountain Pass Scenery, Ice and Culture

Bøverdalen is a fertile valley in the municipality of Lom and marks the boundary between Jotunheimen and Breheimen National Parks. County Road 55, Sognefjellsvegen, follows the valley and continues over Sognefjellet. The landscape therefore combines a clear focus on the mountain pass road with hiking destinations, high-mountain experiences and cultural sites.

Mountain Pass Road and Ice in the High Mountains

The Sognefjellet National Tourist Route climbs from Bøverdalen to 1,434 metres above sea level, making it the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe. Klimapark 2469 offers an outdoor experience at an altitude of about 1,850 metres. A guided tour includes a walk across Juvflye and the permafrost, as well as a hand-carved ice tunnel. Check the tour’s seasonal availability before your trip.

Juvfonne is another example of the region’s ice: the ice there is 7,600 years old and is considered the oldest ice documented on mainland Norway. For a different kind of activity, Galdhøpiggen Summer Ski Centre focuses on alpine skiing, telemark skiing and snowboarding.

Hiking and Getting Your Bearings in the Valley

Raubergstulen is a staffed mountain lodge at 1,000 metres in Bøverdalen and a starting point for hikes to Galdhøpiggen. Krossbu Turisthytte was established in 1901, is one of Norway’s oldest mountain lodges, and lies at 1,267 metres on Fv. 55. From Krossbu, marked trails lead to Skogadalsbøen, Sognefjellshytta and Fannaråken; check local trail conditions before setting out.

Hikes from Raubergstulen lead to Galdhøpiggen; from Krossbu, marked trails lead to Skogadalsbøen, Sognefjellshytta and Fannaråken. Galdhøpiggen Climbing Park is at 1,000 metres, right next to Raubergstulen Turisthytte. It caters to different experience levels and includes a children’s course. The park is temporarily closed in 2026; check whether it has reopened before your trip.

Church, Mountain History and Cultural Sites

Bøverdal Church is an unusually shaped octagonal wooden church, completed in Bøverdalen in 1864. Its pulpit with a sounding board was made by Jehans Odde of Garmo. The church thus combines a striking architectural form with a specifically named local craftsman.

From 1858, Røisheim served as a post station and inn in Bøverdalen; its buildings and courtyard were protected in 1923. Galdhøpiggen was first climbed from Røisheim in 1850. An exhibition is held every summer in Røisheim’s protected Stabbur, in collaboration with Galleri Zink. Check the latest exhibition information if you are planning your visit around it.

At Elveseter stands the 34-metre-high Sagasøyla. The monument depicts Norwegian history from the Battle of Hafrsfjord to the adoption of the Constitution at Eidsvoll. Together, the church, Røisheim and the column bring different historical themes into focus: architectural history, early mountaineering history and a broad perspective on Norwegian history.

Herb Garden and Farm Shop

Aukrust Gard og Urteri is on the sunny side of Bøverdalen, at the foot of Lomseggen, which rises to 2,068 metres. The farm includes herb gardens with 200 different herbs. A written guide describes the most common varieties for a self-guided walk; check the local arrangements for visits in advance.

Aukrust’s farm shop sells products made from home-grown herbs, bacon sausages, vegetables and a range of organic goods. The selection may change, so check which products are currently available before visiting.

In the wider destination of Lom

In the wider destination of Lom, Lom is considered a natural gateway to Jotunheimen National Park. Marked hiking trails lead in several directions from the centre of Lom. Fossbergom, the centre of Lom, is one of five settlements in Norway with National Park Village status.

Discover more destinations: Lom, Garmo, Galdbygdi and Bøverkinnhalsen.

Back to the wider travel overview: Lom.