Vestre Slidre between cultural sites and mountain landscapes

Vestre Slidre offers different ways to explore cultural history and activities in mountain and summer-farm country. The historic Stølsruta hiking trail runs through the municipality between Nord-Aurdal and Vang. The national Mjølkevegen cycling route also passes through Vestre Slidre, through mountain and summer-farm landscapes. Before setting out on a hike or bike ride, it is worth checking the latest trail and surface conditions.

Hiking, Cycling, and Cross-Country Skiing

Grønsennknippa is a family-friendly hike with views of the surrounding summer-farm areas. The Store Syndin circuit runs through Vestre Slidre’s mountain and summer-farm landscape and offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and hiking along the way. The two options offer different experiences: Grønsennknippa is described as a hike, while the Store Syndin circuit combines several activities along its route. Trail conditions can change.

For winter, the Gomobu–Synet route in Vaset is a specific option: it is a cross-country skiing loop of around 20 kilometres on a groomed trail. Check the latest trail conditions before setting out.

Cultural Sites and History

Lomen Stave Church was built around 1170–1190. Its carved portal boards feature dragon motifs. The Einangsteinen is considered the oldest runestone in the North still standing at its original location. The church and runestone offer different points of interest: one features the carved portals of a historic church, while the other is a runestone in its original setting.

The ruins of Mo Church are dated to around 1200–1250. The Gothic window and medieval coins found during excavations and restoration point to this period. At Gardbergfeltet, the archaeological landscape takes centre stage: the historic cultural landscape area includes more than 900 prehistoric finds and around 660 burial mounds, stone heaps, and hillforts. Information signs and a shelter have also been set up at Gardbergfeltet.

Stølsvidda offers a broader perspective on the landscape. It lies in Vestre Slidre and Nord-Aurdal and was recognised as a selected cultural landscape in 2018. Individual historic buildings and archaeological sites are thus part of a recognised cultural landscape that spans both municipalities.

Fishing and Swimming in the Waters

Matkista consists of several small, shallow bodies of water west of Mosvatnet. There are good fishing spots there in both summer and winter, and the Fjellstyre makes a boat available to borrow. Fishing on Slidrefjorden is possible from both a boat and the shore. On shallow Storfjorden, fishing is best done from a boat in summer; the lake also offers good swimming opportunities.

Fishing from a boat without a motor is permitted on Rensenn, which is also suitable for ice fishing. The part of Strandefjorden located in Vestre Slidre is included in the fishing licence for Slidrefjorden. Fishing access and regulations may change, so check the latest rules and licence arrangements before your trip. The waters differ considerably in whether shore or boat fishing, ice fishing, or swimming is the main attraction.

Getting Around and Accommodation

The E16 runs along the eastern side of Slidrefjorden in Vestre Slidre. The network of summer-farm roads includes Panoramavegen, which connects Røn and Hemsedal. The Vaset holiday area has mountain lodges and a holiday village with cabins; check availability for your travel dates.

When choosing a hotel, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: cultural sites, fishing and swimming, or activities on hiking, cycling, and cross-country ski trails. You can then match the hotel’s location to your plans for each day.

Discover more destinations: Røn, Vollen, Lomen, Lom, Søndre Land, Øyer, Nord-Aurdal, Gjøvik.

Go to the main travel overview: Oppland.