Oppland Travel Guide (East Norway/Norway/Nordic countries/Europe)

Introduction to Oppland
List of Places to Visit in Oppland
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Oppland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Oppland
Best Things to Do in Oppland: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Oppland
Food and Drink Scene of Oppland
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Oppland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Oppland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Oppland
Best Time to Visit Oppland
Do’s and Don’ts of Oppland
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Oppland
- Health in Oppland
Getting to Oppland: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Oppland
Where to Go Next from Oppland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Oppland is a beautiful county located in East Norway, in the heart of the Nordic countries. It is known for its rugged wilderness, scenic fjords, and numerous lakes. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for an adventure, Oppland has something for everyone. Here is a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your trip to Oppland, Norway.

Introduction to Oppland

Oppland is the fourth largest county in Norway, covering an area of 25,191 km². The county is home to some of the country’s most stunning landscapes, including the Jotunheimen mountains, the Rondane National Park, and the Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park. Oppland has over 300 lakes, perfect for fishing and boating, and is also a popular destination for winter sports.

List of Places to Visit in Oppland

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Oppland is rich in cultural heritage and history. The county has several museums and historical sites that are worth a visit.

Maihaugen Open-Air Museum: This museum in Lillehammer showcases the traditional architecture and way of life from various parts of Norway.
The Olympic Museum: Located in Lillehammer, the Olympic Museum showcases the history of the Winter Olympics and its importance in Norwegian culture.
Bautahaugen Samlinger: This museum in Gjøvik features an extensive collection of local artifacts and cultural objects.
Lom Stave Church: The Lom Stave Church located in Gudbrandsdalen valley is one of the oldest and most well-preserved stave churches in Norway.

Natural Attractions of Oppland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Oppland is the perfect destination for nature lovers. The county has a diverse range of natural attractions that are sure to awe-inspire you.

Jotunheimen National Park: This park is home to Norway’s highest peak, Galdhøpiggen, and features a diverse range of hiking and skiing trails.
Rondane National Park: The Rondane National Park is famous for its scenic alpine landscapes, rich flora and fauna, and excellent hiking and cycling routes.
Besseggen Ridge: This popular hiking trail is located in Jotunheimen and offers spectacular views of the Gjende lake and surrounding mountains.
Peer Gynt Road: This scenic road is named after the famous Norwegian play, Peer Gynt, and offers stunning views of the Gudbrandsdalen valley.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oppland

Oppland is a paradise for hikers and bikers. The county has numerous trails that will challenge even the most experienced adventurer.

Besseggen Ridge: This 6-8 hour hike is one of the most popular in Norway and offers stunning views of the Gjende lake and surrounding mountains.
Rondane National Park: The Rondane National Park has several hiking trails, ranging from easy family-friendly walks to challenging mountain hikes.
Peer Gynt Trail: This 60 km-long trail follows the route taken by Peer Gynt in the famous Norwegian play.
Huldreheimen: This lesser-known hiking area located in Gudbrandsdalen valley features several trails, lakes, and mountains.

Best Things to Do in Oppland: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, there are several other activities to do in Oppland, such as:

Skiing/Snowboarding: Oppland is a popular destination for winter sports, with several ski resorts, such as Hafjell and Kvitfjell, offering excellent slopes and facilities.
Fishing/Boating: With over 300 lakes in the county, Oppland is perfect for fishing and boating enthusiasts.
Horse Riding: There are several places in Oppland where you can go horse riding, such as Hafjell Hestesenter and Skjerdal Aktivitetspark.
Rafting: The Sjoa river is one of the best places in Norway for white-water rafting and has several tour operators that offer rafting trips.

Week-Long Itinerary for Oppland

Here is a sample week-long itinerary for Oppland:

Day	Activity
1	Arrive in Lillehammer, visit Maihaugen Open-Air Museum
2	Hike the Besseggen Ridge
3	Drive to Gjøvik, visit Bautahaugen Samlinger museum
4	Hike in Jotunheimen National Park
5	Go horse riding at Hafjell Hestesenter
6	Skiing/Snowboarding at one of the ski resorts
7	Drive to Oslo for flight back home

Food and Drink Scene of Oppland

Oppland has a rich culinary scene, with several traditional dishes and local products that are worth trying.

Must-Try Dishes

Fårikål: A traditional Norwegian dish made with lamb, cabbage, and pepper.
Rømmegrøt: A rich porridge made with sour cream, flour, and butter.
Lefse: A soft and thin flatbread, usually made with potatoes and served with butter and sugar.
Pinnekjøtt: A traditional Christmas dish made with salted lamb ribs.

Local Beverages

Akevitt: A traditional Norwegian spirit similar to vodka.
Karsk: A hot drink made with coffee and moonshine.

Where to Stay in Oppland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Oppland has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses.

Radisson Blu Resort, Beitostølen: A luxury hotel located in Beitostølen, offering excellent facilities and proximity to the ski slopes.
Gjøvik Hovdetun Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel located near Gjøvik, offering simple but comfortable accommodation.
Rondane Mountain Lodge: A cosy guesthouse located in the Rondane National Park, offering spectacular views and easy access to hiking trails.
Quality Hotel, Strand: A modern hotel located in Gjøvik, offering excellent facilities and proximity to local attractions.

What to Buy in Oppland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Oppland has several local products and souvenirs that are perfect for bringing home as a gift or memento of your trip.

Knitwear: Oppland is known for its high-quality knitwear, such as sweaters, hats, and gloves.
Handmade crafts: There are several local artisans who make crafts such as pottery, woodwork, and glassware.
Traditional food products: Oppland has several local food products such as cheese, cured meat, jam, and honey.

Local Culture and Customs of Oppland

Norwegians are known for their love of nature and the outdoor lifestyle. Visitors are expected to respect the environment and follow the “leave no trace” principle. Norwegians also value punctuality and appreciate it when others are on time.

Best Time to Visit Oppland

Oppland is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique experiences. Summer (June-August) is the best time for hiking and outdoor activities, whereas winter (December-February) is ideal for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oppland

Do:

Respect the environment and follow the “leave no trace” principle.
Try the local cuisine and products.
Follow Norwegians’ punctuality.

Don’t:

Litter or damage the environment.
Be loud or disruptive in public places.
Underdress for the weather.

Safety and Health

Safety in Oppland

Oppland is a safe destination for travellers. However, visitors should take standard precautions and be aware of the weather conditions.

Health in Oppland

Oppland has several medical facilities and hospitals in case of emergencies. Visitors should also take precautions against tick bites during the summer months.

Getting to Oppland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Oppland

The nearest airport to Oppland is Oslo Airport (OSL), which offers several international flights. From there, visitors can take a train or bus to the county.

Bus Stations Near Oppland

Oppland has several bus stations, including Lillehammer, Gjøvik, and Otta, with regular services to and from Oslo and other major cities in Norway.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Oppland by train, with the Dovre Railway connecting the county to Oslo and Trondheim.

How to Get Around in Oppland

Oppland has several transportation options, including buses, taxis, and trains. Visitors can also rent a car or bike to explore the county on their own.

Where to Go Next from Oppland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Oppland is located in central Norway and has several neighbouring destinations that are worth visiting, such as:

Bergen: Known for its stunning fjords and Hanseatic wharf, Bergen is a charming city located on the west coast of Norway.
Trondheim: The former capital of Norway, Trondheim has several landmarks and historical sites, such as the Nidaros Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace.
Gudbrandsdalen valley: The Gudbrandsdalen valley is a picturesque region located in central Norway, featuring several small towns and natural attractions.

Conclusion

Oppland is a beautiful county located in Norway, with several natural and cultural attractions that are worth exploring. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a culture lover, you’ll find plenty of things to do and see in Oppland. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your trip to this stunning destination.