Introducing Central Norway
Most people come to Norway for the fjords, and go you should, but the high country of central Norway is an equally extraordinary place. It’s home to what is easily the finest mountain scenery in northern Europe, unrivalled hiking, high-thrills white-water rafting and two of Norway’s most appealing towns.
Røros could just be Norway’s most charming village, a fact acknowledged by Unesco, which inscribed this centuries-old mining town of timber houses and turf-roofed cottages on its World Heritage list. Further south, Lillehammer may belong to a more modern era but after hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics it has drawn a steady stream of visitors hoping for some Olympic magic of their own in the Olympic museum, ski jump and the Olympic bobsled run; its pretty lakeside setting and Maihaugen, Norway’s best folk museum, also have strong appeal.
If stave churches capture the fairy-tale magic of Norway for you, there are two fine examples at tranquil Ringebu and Lom; the latter is also a crossroads town for some of Norway’s most scenic drives and rides, including the breathtaking Sognefjellet Road, which runs over the mountains and deep down into fjord country.
Connecting these sites are quiet back roads and challenging hiking trails that lead through some of Norway’s most rewarding national parks – Rondane, Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella, Jotunheimen and the desolately beautiful Hardangervidda, which drops suddenly within sight of the fjords. Within the parks’ boundaries you may find wild reindeer, musk ox and elk. Oppdal and, particularly, Sjoa are two important centres for white-water rafting.
Activities in Central Norway
Northern Central Norway
With several great cities and some wondrous natural terrain, you’ll be mighty pleased with yourself by undertaking an exploration of this huge territory that stretches on either side of the Artic Circle.
Lillehammer
Lillehammer, at the northern end of lake Mjøsa, has long been a popular ski resort for Norwegians, and since hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics it has attracted foreign visitors as well.
Central Norway destination guides
Røros
Norway’s outstanding folk museums that recreate the past are no substitute for Røros, a charming Unesco World Heritage–listed village set in a small hollow of stunted forests and bleak fells.
Hotels in Central Norway
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Central Norway
Guesthouses and B&Bs in Central Norway
Hamar
For a town that would never win a beauty contest, Hamar has a surprising number of attractions.
Entertainment in Central Norway
Jotunheimen National Park
The high peaks and glaciers of the Jotunheimen National Park (1151 sq km) make for Norway’s best-loved and busiest wilderness destination.
Shopping in Central Norway