Otta Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Otta, Norway, including places to visit, hiking and biking routes, activities, food and drink scene, accommodations, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Otta Travel Guide

Located in Gudbrandsdalen, in Oppland, East Norway, Otta is a picturesque town surrounded by beautiful mountains. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies.

Introduction to Otta

Otta is a small town in Norway with a population of around 2,500 people. It is situated in the heart of Gudbrandsdalen, a valley known for its stunning scenery and cultural heritage. Otta is a popular base for exploring the nearby Rondane National Park and Jotunheimen National Park.

List of Places to Visit in Otta

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Heimatstuen Otta: This museum showcases the culture and heritage of Gudbrandsdalen. It is located in a traditional house and features exhibits on folk costumes, handicrafts, and furniture.
  • Lom Stave Church: This 12th-century church is located in the nearby town of Lom and is one of the oldest and best-preserved stave churches in Norway.
  • Fron Historic Hotel: This historic hotel, dating back to the 18th century, has hosted famous guests such as Henrik Ibsen and Edvard Grieg.

Natural Attractions of Otta: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Rondane National Park: This is Norway’s first national park, and it is known for its rugged peaks, high plateaus, and pristine lakes. It is a popular destination for hiking and cross-country skiing.
  • Jotunheimen National Park: This park is home to some of Norway’s highest mountains, including Galdhøpiggen, its highest peak.
  • Sjoa River: The Sjoa River is a popular destination for white-water rafting and kayaking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Otta

  • Rondane National Park: There are over 250 km of hiking trails in Rondane National Park, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.
  • Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park: This park has a network of hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Best Things to Do in Otta: Activities and Tours

  • White-water Rafting: The Sjoa River is one of the best white-water rafting destinations in Europe, with rapids ranging from class II to class IV.
  • Horseback Riding: There are several riding stables in the area that offer horseback rides through the countryside.
  • Fishing: Gudbrandsdalslågen River is known for its abundance of salmon, trout, and grayling.

Week-Long Itinerary for Otta

Day Activity
1 Visit Heimatstuen Otta museum and explore the town
2 Hike in Rondane National Park
3 White-water rafting on Sjoa River
4 Visit Jotunheimen National Park and hike to Galdhøpiggen
5 Horseback riding through the countryside
6 Fishing in Gudbrandsdalslågen River
7 Relax at Fron Historic Hotel and explore nearby Lom

Food and Drink Scene of Otta

Must-Try Dishes

  • Smalahove: This traditional Norwegian dish is made from sheep’s head and is a local specialty.
  • Raspeballer: Also known as kompe, this dish is made from grated potatoes and served with meat and gravy.
  • Flatbiff: This is a type of cured beef that is thinly sliced and often served on top of flatbread with lingonberry jam.

Local Beverages

  • Aquavit: This is a traditional Scandinavian spirit made from potatoes and flavored with herbs and spices.
  • Mead: This is a type of honey wine that has been enjoyed in Norway for centuries.

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

  • Fron Historic Hotel: This historic hotel dates back to the 18th century and features beautifully decorated rooms with traditional Norwegian furnishings.
  • Otta Camping: This is a campsite that offers cabins and tents for rent, as well as facilities for RVs and campers.
  • Jotunheimen Gjestgiveri: This guesthouse offers rooms and apartments with stunning mountain views.

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

  • Gudbrandsdalen Cheese: This cheese, made from cow’s milk, is a local specialty that has been produced in the region for centuries.
  • Handicrafts: There are several shops in Otta that sell traditional Norwegian handicrafts, such as wool sweaters, woodcarvings, and pottery.

Local Culture and Customs of Otta

Otta is located in Gudbrandsdalen, a valley known for its distinctive cultural heritage. Visitors to Otta can experience traditional Norwegian customs and festivals, such as May 17th celebrations and Christmas markets.

Best Time to Visit Otta

The best time to visit Otta is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is mild and the days are long. However, visitors should be prepared for occasional rainfall and should also bring warm clothing for the cooler evenings.

Do’s and Don’ts of Otta

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Take care of the natural environment and wildlife
  • Try the local food and drink

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the natural environment
  • Disrespect the local culture or traditions
  • Ignore safety warnings or guidelines

Safety and Health

Safety in Otta

Overall, Otta is a safe destination for travelers. However, visitors should be aware of the risks associated with outdoor activities such as hiking and white-water rafting, and should take appropriate safety precautions.

Health in Otta

Like the rest of Norway, Otta has a high standard of healthcare. Visitors from EU/EEA countries can obtain medical treatment in Norway with their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Getting to Otta: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Otta

  • Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL): This is the nearest international airport to Otta, located approximately 210 km away.
  • Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD): This airport is located approximately 230 km from Otta and offers domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Otta

  • Otta Bus Station
  • Lillehammer Bus Station
  • Kvam Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train: Otta has a train station that is serviced by the Dovre Line.
  • Car Rental: There are several car rental companies located in the area, including Avis and Hertz.

How to Get Around in Otta

The best way to get around Otta is by car, although there is also a local bus service that operates in the area. Taxis are also available for hire.

Where to Go Next from Otta: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Lillehammer: This town, located approximately 80 km from Otta, is known for its winter sports facilities and historic Olympic venues.
  • Geiranger Fjord: This stunning fjord is located approximately 200 km from Otta and is a popular destination for cruises and sightseeing.
  • Trondheim: This vibrant city, located approximately 230 km from Otta, is known for its rich history and cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Otta is a charming town that offers visitors a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, Otta has something to offer for everyone.

Otta town at the confluence of Otta river (emerald, opaque as it brings meltwater from glaciers) and Lågen river from Lesja and Rondane-Dovrefjell plateau Otta town at the confluence of Otta river (emerald, opaque as it brings meltwater from glaciers) and Lågen river from Lesja and Rondane-Dovrefjell plateau Altarpiece in Sel church Altarpiece in Sel church Snow-covered slopes of Rondane rising above Otta town (early May photograph). Snow-covered slopes of Rondane rising above Otta town (early May photograph).