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District in Innlandet, Norway
Photo: Bjoertvedt, CC BY-SA 3.0 no via Wikimedia Commons
Gudbrandsdalen is a valley and traditional district in Oppland. This grand, central valley runs for some 250 km from Lillehammer to the uplands and central mountains. Nicknamed "the valley of valleys" because of its size and variety. In addition to the main valley there is a web of tributaries particularly from the west and the central mountains. The valley makes up more than half of Oppland county. Gudbrandsdalen is surrounded by the highest mountains in Scandinavia. The central mountains to the west create a long rain shadow leaving little precipitation for most of the area. Summers are pleasantly warm.
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Heavy fighting during second world war between British and German troops.
Ringebu stavkyrkje
One of the few remaining of Norway's once countless stave churches. Built around 1200 AD.
Sel kyrkje
Wooden church, 1742. Colorful, decorated interior, particularly the rich altarpiece carved in wood, copied largely from Lesja Church.
Lesja kyrkje
A landmark in the high, even valley at Lesja. Noted mainly for the large and unusually rich altarpiece carved in wood, a masterpiece by Jacob Klukstad, Gudbrandsdalen craftsman. Church erected 1749.
Lom village or more precisely Fossbergom is the regional centre in Lom district and Ottadalen valley (branch of Gudbrandsdalen). Lom village has a fine location at the confluence of Børve river and Otta river, and Børve river creates a fine waterfall in the centre. Lom village has successfully maintained a consistent traditional style of building even for modern buildings. The ancient stave church stands near the centre.
Rondane mountains was protected in 1962 as Norway's first national park. No road through the park but road 27 along the edge, access also from Høvringen at E6 north of Otta.
Dovrefjell mountains/plateau and national park.
Jotunheimen alpine mountains (national park).
Heidal is known for its fine ancient wooden architecture, including Bjølstad farm. The Sjoa river, well-known among rafters, flows from Jotunheimen through the valley into the main valley.
Wide network of groomed cross-country trails the hills near Lillehammer
Hafjell alpinsenter
Hafjell alpine skiing resort was a 1994 Olympic venue. Summer activities too.
Bjorli ski resort does not have big and very steep hills, but plenty of snow and long season.
The Sjoa river is famous and used for rafting - either alone in kayak (only for the very experienced) or on large rafts. Caution: The river is treacherous, go with a guide and get first hand information. Several operators offer rafting.
Hunderfossen familiepark
Amusement park (fair) for families
The Oslo-Lillehammer-Trondheim railway (Dovrebanen) runs along the valley until Dombås where the railway climbs onto the Dovrefjell plateau.
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