Tofte: Ridge Landscape and Sanatorium History

Tofte lies on a ridge: the land falls steeply away on three sides, while on the fourth it rises towards the mountains. The village is quiet, sunny and particularly dry, surrounded by fertile soil and lush forest. From here, the view stretches across the surrounding settlements. This landscape shapes Tofte’s character: elevation, views and forest go hand in hand.

A Sanatorium Village with a Distinctive History

Johan Sørensen later ran sanatoriums for people with asthma and convalescents in Sør-Fron, including in Tofte and at Lauvåsen. In Tofte, he built a sanatorium and a mountain lodge in Toftesetergrenda, as well as another sanatorium at Lauvåsen. The facilities were established because of his asthma. Tofte Høilidshotell, also known as Tofte Høilidssanatorium, no longer exists: it burned to the ground. Tofte’s character is therefore also shaped by the specific history of its sanatoriums; the former facilities should be understood as historic sites.

Historic Routes and Winter Connections

Grossererveien, also called Sørensenvegen, was described as a hiking trail from Tofte to Lauvåsen connecting the two sanatoriums. If you plan to hike it today, check the trail’s current condition. A road also led from Tofte further up into the high mountains and through them to Lauvåsen Mountain Guesthouse. If you plan to drive, it is a good idea to check current road conditions and access separately.

Winter is also part of the village’s historical identity: advertisements at the time promoted Tofte as a winter sanatorium. For sport-loving guests, skiing, tobogganing and sleigh rides across slopes, terrain and upland plateaus were part of Tofte’s winter offering.

Sør-Fron as a Wider Travel Destination

The wider destination of Sør-Fron extends on both sides of the Gudbrandsdalen, from Rondane in the northeast to Valdres in the southwest. The Gudbrandsdalslågen flows through the Sør-Fron valley. This regional setting encompasses more than Tofte’s distinctive ridge landscape. Sør-Fron’s cultural and event highlights include performances of Peer Gynt at Gålåvatnet, held there since 1989, and the Peer Gynt Culture Festival, held annually in early August. Major cross-country skiing competitions take place at the Gålå Ski Arena every year. If you want to plan your trip around an event, check the dates for each event.

Sør-Fron’s network of trails offers a range of perspectives: Pilegrimsleia runs through the entire municipality from Frya to Skar and is well marked. The network of routes from valley to mountain makes it possible to hike from Harpefoss to Gålå or Sulsetra. Sør-Fron also holds Stolpejakten every spring and summer.

In Hundorp in Sør-Fron, the Dale-Gudbrand Pilgrim Centre provides information about the route, accommodation options, alternative means of transport and cultural history. The Tusenårsstien is also located at Dale-Gudbrands gard. It brings the farm’s thousand-year history to life through visuals, information boards and its own app. Both attractions have a different focus from Tofte’s sanatorium history.

In Harpefoss in Sør-Fron, Fron Badeland has a 25-metre swimming pool, a 12.5-metre therapy pool, a diving pool, a climbing wall, children’s pools and a 48-metre water slide. Its facilities include a range of pools as well as climbing and sliding activities. As another regional attraction, it complements Sør-Fron’s cultural, hiking and winter highlights without replacing Tofte’s local character.

Discover more destinations: Sør-Fron, Harpefoss, Gålå, Hundorp

Back to the wider travel guide: Sør-Fron.