Nord-Fron

Nord-Fron municipality has approximately 5.850 inhabitants and covers a area of 1.141,3 km2 in Oppland County, stretching from Rondane in the east to Jotunheimen in the west. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Vinstra. The farm Nord-Hoge in Sødorp parish, Nord-Fron is the legendary home of Peer Gynt. Peer was made famous by both Peter Asbjørnsen's folk tales and Henrik Ibsen´s play.

These are wellknown mountain ranges which offer the traveller a wealth of opportunities to experience the beauty of the nature. The river Lågen flows through the main valley, where the majority of the people live, and where a unique cultural landscape houses many historical sites.

Turn off the E6 at Vinstra, and you are on RV 255 - Bjørnsonvegen, a beautiful stretch of national highway. The road passes through a rich cultural landscape, from the beautiful farms in the lowland valleys of Vestre Gausdal to the high mountain valley of Espedalen and the fine historic architecture and spectacular precipitous fields in one of Norway´s highest villages at Skåbu.

Along RV 255 Bjørnsonvegen is Aulestad, the home of the writer Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, author of Norway´s national anthem. Lining the route are small village churches, art galleries, theatre, handicrafts shops. Don't miss the geological potholes. Take in a summer concert. Enjoy a visit to s mountain farm, hire a boat or go fishing in one of the myriad lakes, or riding, or simply ramble or cycle through the district.

There are overnight accommodation and many good places to eat, all grounded in local culture and tradition. RV 255 Bjørnsonvegen makes a rewarding detour from the E6; but it is also opportunity to carry on over mountains via the Jotunheimen road, over Valdresflya and on to the fjord country on the west coast. Or, for that matter, to take a day trip via RV 255 Bjørnsonvegen to Espedalen returning via the Peer Gynt Road.

VINSTRA

Vinstra, the seat of the townships administration has a population of approximately 3.000. It is a popular festival town, hosting the Peer Gynt Folk Festival and the Norwegian Ballad and Folk Song Festival as major attractions. Vinstra is an important traffic hub, it is the point of departure for the Peer Gynt road the Peer Gynt mountain road and the Jotunheimen road.

RONDANE NATIONAL PARK

Rondane National Park, which lies partially in Nord-Fron, was the first Norwegian National Park, established on 21 December 1962. In 2003, Rondane National Park was enlarged and smaller areas of nature protection were opened or enlarged.

JOTUNHEIMEN NATIONAL PARK

Jotunheim National Park is not technically in Nord-Fron, but its southern border brushes Nord-Fron´s western border.

KVAM

Kvam has many historical sites from both WW II and the "Scottish campaign" of 1612. The body of Captain Sinclair is buried in Kvam. The beautiful small church in Kvam, built in 1775, was burnt during the Occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany during World War II. The Peer Gynt mountain road leads from Kvam up into the mountains towards the Rondane range, returning to the valley bottom at Vinstra.

SKÅBU

Skåbu is a mountain community which has maintained its proud traditions in arts and crafts and furniture making. Skåbu is surrounded by hospitable mountains and old picturesque country courtyard and green hills. Skåbu has got its name from old Norse hunting goddess SKADIR. Skåbu usually have snow from Nowember until April, and have 130 km well prepared ski tracks in Skåbu and 200 km in Espedalen. Family alpine skiing at Dalseter Hotel 7 km from Skåbu.

SKÅBU CHURCH

Consecrated 1927. A copy of the Garmo church at Maihaugen, Lillehammer.

KVIKNE CHURCH

Beautifull crosschurch from 1763. Moved after the rock and clay slide Storofsen in 1789.

BORG MUSUM

At Kvikne the home of the folk highshcool teacher and historian Olav Åsmundstad. Distinctive furniture, wood carving, book collection and antiques.

FALCONRY CABIN

18 km from Skåbu along Jotunheimvegen. Follow path from Kvålsetra. 15 minutes to go to the restored falconery arena, used by Dutchmen from about 1650.

Jodalen cultural path

A path starting at the info-board in the center of Skåbu, telling about the clay slide Storofsen in 1789, old industry, catching, local flowers and animals.

Slangen cultural path

Easy path in a fir wood, along the Vinstra river up to wonderful waterfall. You can read a lot about old geology, flora, fauna and about our forefathers struggle to survive.

Krognæs Furniture Factory

At Krogenæs furniture factory there is an exhebition showing the history of Skåbu area. Local craft for sale.

ROCK CARVINGS

The rock carvings at Eidefoss by the river Fossen, comprise two images of moose. These are on a rock, possibly fallen from a west-facing, nearly vertical cliff, about 20 meters from the river. One measures 31 cm and the other 35 cm. The location of the site is south of the white water where the river broadens to the east. During normal water level the rock is well away from the river.

MOUNTAIN FARM VISITS

Breistulen

a beautiful mountain farm area with a nice view. A good starting point for tours, summer and winter. Mountain peaks: Gråhø ( 1156 m.o.s), Saukampen ( 1659 m.o.s.) and Heidalsmuen (1778 m.o.s.) Tollroad, 5 km from road 255 to Breistulen.

Harildstadsetra

Coffe, waffles, lemonade, traditional porridge. Open: July 10 - sept. 15.

Murudalssetra

Marked path from center of Skåbu. Open at Easter.

Sikkilsdalsseter

26 km from Skåbu. Rooms to rent, traditional food. Horseshow in June. Here we find The Prince's cabin, belonging to the Norwegian King's family. Peak: Sikkilsdalshø (1778 m.o.s.) Marked paths to Skåbu and Jotunheimen.

Veslevasseter

18 km from Skåbu towards Sikkilsdalen. 1 hour to go along a green marked path. Beautifull mountain area. This mountain farm is organised in the old-fashioned way cows and goats, selling the traditional redcheese, whitecheese and butter.

Slangen Seter

8 km from Skåbu. Boarding house, riding camp, farm holidays, fishing tour area. You can rent skis, sleights etc.

From Skåbu there are roads leading through the Espedal valley to Gausdal and Lillehammer, to Valdres via Bygdin and to Sikkilsdalen. Sikkilsdalsseter is on the very edge of the Jotunheimen mountain range, 1016 meters above sea level. Nearby you will find Prinsehytta where the Norvegian Royal family spend part of their holidags each year. There is a multitude of interesting flora and the terrain is excellent for walks or skiing along clearly marked paths. The mountain lakes are rich in fish and the district is  renowned for its annual release of horses, an event mant make a special effort to attend.

Hunting, catching and fishing is also today an important part of our daily life, as it was hundreds years ago.