Central Norway

Bleak tundra and dramatic mountain massifs at seemingly every turn, charming villages, stave churches, fascinating wildlife and arguably Norway's best hiking and white-water rafting – with so much going for it, central Norway more than matches the fjords.

Here on the roof of Norway, trails snake their way past glaciers, waterfalls and snow-bound peaks in more than a dozen national parks. Jotunheimen National Park is one of Europe's premier hiking destinations, and is bisected by one of Norway's most beautiful drives. But Rondane, Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella and the desolately beautiful Hardangervidda are also superb. Within the parks' boundaries you may find wild reindeer, elk and musk ox. At the gateway to the parks, Unesco World Heritage–listed Røros, a centuries-old mining town of timber houses and turf-roofed cottages, and Lom, with its beautiful stave church, are two of inland Norway's most attractive villages.

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Central Norway.

  • Museum

    Smelthytta

    Built on the site of a former copper-smelting works that burnt down in 1975, this museum brings the town's mining heritage to life. Intricate working…

  • Viewpoint

    Snøhetta Viewpoint

    This arresting building of rippled timber and mirrored glass was commissioned by the Wild Reindeer Foundation as an educational centre and observation…

  • Tunnel

    Mímisbrunnr Klimapark 2469

    If you want to learn all about the wonders of ice, this impressive experience takes you closer than you ever thought possible. Guided tours take you 60m…

  • Area

    Olympic Park

    After Lillehammer won its bid for the 1994 Winter Olympics, the Norwegian government ploughed more than two billion kroner into the town's infrastructure…

  • Church

    Ringebu Stave Church

    A church has existed on this site since the arrival of Christianity in the 11th century. The current version, which remains the local parish church, dates…

  • National Park

    Jotunheimen National Park

    This national park, 17km southwest of Lom, is one of Norway's best wilderness destinations. It has a network of hiking trails leading to some 60 glaciers…

  • Museum

    Lillehammer Art Museum

    Lillehammer's stunning metal-and-glass art museum looks like a spaceship that's landed in the middle of town. It explores Norwegian visual arts from the…

  • Church

    Røros Kirke

    Røros' copper industry was booming when local notables decided to finance the construction of this lovely – and large – Lutheran church in 1784, at a cost…

  • Scenic Drive

    Peer Gynt Vegen

    Of all the beautiful mountain roads of central Norway, one stands out for its combination of scenery and storytelling: Peer Gynt Vegen. Running for 60km…

  • National Park

    Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park

    This 4367-sq-km national park, Norway's largest continuous protected area, protects the dramatic highlands around the 2286m-high Snøhetta. It also…

  • Museum

    Domkirkeodden

    West of town (1.5km), this extensive open-air museum includes 18th- and 19th-century buildings, a folk history exhibit featuring the creepy Devil's Finger…

  • Museum

    Norsk Forestry Museum

    Forests have been central to life in Norway since time immemorial, and this quirky museum 1km from downtown Elverum celebrates them in all their various…

  • National Park

    Breheimen National Park

    One of Norway's newest national parks, Breheimen opened in 2009 and covers 1691 sq km. It's wedged between the Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen national…

  • Nature Reserve

    Fokstumyra Marshes

    These wild marshes are home to an astonishing array of bird life. Approximately 87 species nest in the area and 162 species in total have been observed…

  • Church

    Lom Stavkyrkje

    This delightful Norman-style stave church, in the centre of town on a rise by the water, is one of Norway's finest. Still the functioning local church, it…

  • Museum

    Olavsgruva Mine

    For a gritty insight into Røros' mining past, head 13km north of Røros to this centuries-old mine, where ore has been extracted since the 1650s. Tours…

  • Museum

    Norwegian Railway Museum

    Train spotters will have steam blowing out of their ears at the sight of this lovely railway museum, which brings together a fine collection of train…

  • Museum

    Norwegian Olympic Museum

    The excellent Olympic museum is at the Håkons Hall ice-hockey venue. On the ground floor there is a well-presented display covering the ancient Olympic…

  • Museum

    Maihaugen Folk Museum

    Step back into the past at this surprisingly fascinating folk museum, which has collected around 180 buildings from other parts of Norway, mostly from the…

  • Stadium

    Viking Ship Sports Arena

    Hamar's standout landmark is this sports arena, a graceful structure with the lines of an upturned Viking ship. The building, which hosted the speed…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Central Norway.

  • Activities