Gausdal: Nature, Culture and Cross-Country Skiing

Gausdal combines nature and cultural experiences with cross-country skiing at Skeikampen. When choosing accommodation, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: the Langsua National Park and its year-round opportunities for outings, the giant potholes at Helvete, historic sites, or the groomed trails at Skeikampen? These themes differ considerably and offer various starting points for planning your trip.

Nature experiences in Langsua National Park

Langsua National Park lies partly in Gausdal. It offers numerous opportunities for outings on foot, by bicycle and on skis throughout the year. Each mode of travel offers a different perspective on the area: you could, for example, focus your stay on a hike, a cycling trip or a skiing excursion.

From the information point in Holsbru, you can hike directly along the Dokkelva or through the forest. Seasonal access may vary, so check conditions for this starting point before your visit. Topptrimmen is also held annually in Gausdal. The initiative aims to bring as many people as possible into the natural and cultural landscape, combining physical activity with the experience of the scenery.

Helvete and its giant potholes

The 10,000-year-old giant potholes are the main attraction at Helvete Nature Park. They are considered the largest in Northern Europe and are part of the Helvete Nature Reserve. Established in 2013, the reserve covers a total area of 1,134 dekar. Helvete can therefore be understood both through its distinctive geological formations and the area's protected status.

For an active pursuit, Helvete offers archery with a shooting range, a hunting trail, twelve animal figures placed along the trail and the necessary equipment. Arrangements must be made in advance. Bear this in mind when planning if you would like to include archery as well as the giant potholes.

Cross-country skiing, hiking trails and a mountain road

Skeikampen has 200 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails. This figure gives a specific indication of the cross-country skiing available; the extent of the trail network may be updated. Check the latest information before travelling. Skeikampen also offers kilometres of well-marked trails nearby for summit hikes, forest walks and circular routes. You can choose between these three types of hike.

Skeikampen is also home to the highest-altitude 18-hole golf course in the Nordic region. Check the current course status before visiting. Another point of reference is Peer Gynt Vegen: a 60-kilometre mountain road through the Norwegian mountain landscape, with Skeikampen at its southern end. Cross-country skiing, hiking trails, golf and the mountain road each offer a different focus for your plans.

Churches, an artist's home and local history

Follebu Church in Gausdal is a rectangular, whitewashed stone church, probably built in the 13th century. Its shape, building material and cautious dating provide a specific historical context for a visit. Aulestad is one of Norway's best-preserved artists' homes. Children can enjoy activities in the barn and discover secrets in the garden. The offerings may vary by season.

Kittilbu Utmarksmuseum is an accredited visitor centre for Langsua National Park. It presents the history of human use of Gausdal Vestfjell since the Stone Age. The cultural history of Gausdal thus spans medieval church architecture, an artist's home and the long history of land use. If you would like to combine nature experiences with culture, you can take these different themes into account when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Østre Gausdal, Svatsum, Svingvoll.

Go to the main travel overview: Gausdal Municipality.