Nordseter Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide on Nordseter, Norway, covering its attractions, activities, food, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Nordseter

Nordseter is a peaceful mountain village tucked away in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley of Oppland, East Norway. Surrounded by lush forests, picturesque lakes, and stunning mountain panoramas, Nordseter is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and anyone seeking tranquility and fresh air. This small village has a great variety of activities to offer during both winter and summer, with plenty to do for families and solo travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Nordseter

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

While Nordseter may be a small town, it has several interesting places to visit, including:

  1. Maihaugen: A large open-air museum dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Gudbrandsdalen Valley. The museum displays around 200 historic buildings, including farmhouses, stave churches, and industrial buildings.
  2. Peer Gynt’s Cottage: A small, traditional Norwegian cottage where the famous Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen stayed frequently. The cottage was also the setting for his famously nordic play Peer Gynt.
  3. The Olympic Museum at Lillehammer: Norway hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics, and at the Olympic Museum, you can learn about its rich Olympic history and also experience the sports simulations first-hand.

Natural Attractions of Nordseter: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Nordseter offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty, including:

  1. Sjusjøen and Sjusjøen Ski Center: With 350 km of cross-country trails, Sjusjøen is one of Norway’s most renowned areas for skiing. In the summer, you can go hiking or mountain biking, with beautiful views of the surrounding area.
  2. Rondane National Park: This amazing park features high mountain peaks, several hundred glaciers, and gentle valleys, complete with a vast population of wildlife, including wild reindeer, lynx, arctic fox, and golden eagles.
  3. Lillehammer Olympic Ski Jump: For an adrenaline rush, experience the thrill of skiing the same Olympic slopes like the legends did, or else just watch them do it!

Hiking/Biking Routes of Nordseter

Among the things to do in Nordseter, hiking or biking around the town is the best way to explore its natural beauty. Some of the most recommended hiking and biking trails in Nordseter include:

  1. Pellestova Loop – 10km round trip on gentle terrain around Pellestova Hotel and along the edge of the mountains.
  2. Nevelåsen Hike – an easy 2km track through an impressive spruce forest.
  3. Peer Gynt Hike – a challenging hike of 4.5 km which takes you up to 1000m high hills through an uncharted path.

Best Things to Do in Nordseter: Activities and Tours

If you’re in search of some unique and fun things to do in Nordseter, here are our recommendations:

  1. Cross-Country Skiing: Ski through Norway’s beautiful natural scenery! Nordseter provides over 350 km of cross-country skiing trails.
  2. Snowshoeing: A fun and easy way to explore the snow-laden countryside.
  3. Dog Sledding: An unforgettable snow adventure through the Norwegian wilderness.
  4. Ice Fishing: Ice fishing is one of the most popular wintertime activities in Nordseter. Catch a tasty Lutefisk for your lunch!

Week-Long Itinerary for Nordseter

Here’s our recommended itinerary for a week-long visit to Nordseter:

Day 1: Arrive in Nordseter, take in the sights around the village at your leisure. Hike or bike around and grab an early dinner. Try some of the local cuisine and enjoy the snow-capped mountains. Day 2-4: Skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, or ice fishing. Day 5: Take a day trip to Sjusjøen or explore Lillehammer. Visit the Olympic Museum and enjoy the town’s delightful vibe. Day 6: Visit Maihaugen and learn about the history of the Gudbrandsdalen Valley. Day 7: Take time to relax after an active week, spa day or shopping at the local souvenir shops.

Food and Drink Scene of Nordseter

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Lutefisk – dried fish served with potatoes, green pea, and cream sauce.
  2. Kjøttkaker – meatballs served with peas, lingonberry, and potato.
  3. Raspeballer – grated potatoes served with bacon, sausage, and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  1. Aquavit – a caraway-flavoured liquor that is very traditional Norse.
  2. Norwegian beer – try a local brew from some popular Norwegian breweries like Kinn Bryggeri, Eiker Ølfabrikk, and Aass Bryggeri.

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

Nordseter has several accommodation options for all budgets, including:

  1. Nordseter Fjellstue: A fantastic mountain lodge which offers great dining options and spa services.
  2. Segalstadseter Fjellstue: One of Oppdal’s most iconic properties is a perfect choice if you’re looking for peace, comfort, and tranquility.
  3. Nordseter Apartments: Well-equipped apartments, lodges, and cabins that will fulfill all your requirements.

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

Nordseter has several shops packed with unique handicrafts and souvenirs, including:

  1. Lilleputthammer – an award-winning bookshop, selling loads of books and stationery items.
  2. The Snekkers Gym, which sells handmade wooden crafts and furniture.
  3. Gudbrandsdal Cheese Company, selling delicious traditional Norwegian cheeses to take back home with you.

Local Culture and Customs of Nordseter

Nordseter is known for its traditional Norwegian culture, preserved through various customs and traditions. The people of Nordseter celebrate Norwegian holidays and festivities with great enthusiasm and excitement.

Best Time to Visit Nordseter

The best time to visit Nordseter is in the winter months, from December to February, when the region is covered in snow, and the winter activities are at their peak. If you would prefer hiking or exploring the lush forests and national parks, then summer is the best time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nordseter

Do:

  1. Do try the traditional Norwegian dishes and drinks.
  2. Do carry your sunglasses, sunscreen, and a water bottle when you plan to go hiking.
  3. Do expect cash transactions – it’s still common in some shops and restaurants.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t litter, keep the environment clean.
  2. Don’t make loud noise in public.
  3. Don’t hesitate to try snow activities, make sure you pack warm gear and clothes.

Safety and Health

Safety in Nordseter

Nordseter is quite a safe place for travelers, with low crime rates and ready access to medical assistance. Keep warm and dry during winter activities and, most importantly, keep an eye on the weather to stay safe.

Health in Nordseter

Norway offers excellent health and medical facilities. However, it doesn’t hurt to carry a first aid kit when you plan to go for hiking or other outdoor activities.

Getting to Nordseter: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Nordseter

The nearest airport to Nordseter is Oslo Airport Gardermoen (120 km), and there are direct and indirect flights from all major cities around the world. Lillehammer Airfield is only 18 km from the town, and there are private flights and chartered helicopters available to reach there.

Bus Stations Near Nordseter

There is regular bus service from Oslo Bus Terminal to Lillehammer, and from there, you can take a private bus or hire a taxi to Nordseter.

Other Options

If you’re driving, you can reach Nordseter from Oslo in about 2.5 hours by taking the E6 highway to Lillehammer and exit onto Nordsetervegen.

How to Get Around in Nordseter

The best way to get around Nordseter is by renting a car (in the summers). However, you can also hire taxis or use public transport to get from Lillehammer to Nordseter comfortably. Biking and walking is also easy and delightful over the summer season.

Where to Go Next from Nordseter: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Nordseter, you can also visit:

  1. Lillehammer: A lovely town that hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics, with a rich Norwegian culture offering stunning natural beauty and historic heritage.
  2. Oslo: The capital of Norway with world-class experiences in museums, food, art, and nightlife.
  3. Oppdal Ski Resort: Famous for its scenic beauty and classic Nordic skiing and snowshoeing terrain.

Conclusion

Finally, Nordseter offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a relaxing week with spa treatments and scenic walks, or an action-packed vacation with skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Hopefully, this travel guide has helped you plan your next trek to Nordseter, Norway. Enjoy the great outdoors and the beauty of this lovely mountain village!