Nearby Attractions

Folldal Gruver (mines)

Folldal mines is a former mining community built up around copper mines from 1748. The area comprises around 70 buildings, mine shafts, mine workings, etc. What was previously home to many workers is now an active museum with displays, marked trails, national park centre, café and of course the main attraction, the mine!

Hunderfossen Family Park

Hunderfossen is one of Norway’s most visited tourist attractions and is known as “Norway’s fairytale”. There are plenty of attractions, both inside and out. Hunderfossen is near Lillehammer and just an hour from Venabygdsfjellet, with over 60 family activities and displays to see and do!

Town of Ringebu

Ringebu was founded as a commercial centre in 1899, and often called “Norway’s smallest city”. Ringebu has a lively and attractive centre and in 2011 was awarded National recognition for its outdoor space and environment. Today, Ringebu is knows as one of the country’s best preserved village centres  with varied activities and a lively atmosphere. Come and join in!

Ringebu Stave Church

Ringebu Stave Church was founded around 1220, and is one of the largest remaining stave churches in Norway. The church is built in the Borgund style and the stave construction is still visible.

Guiding around the church is offered throughout the summer, click on the link below for opening hours and updated information. The church lies just to the south of Ringebu and is definitely worth a visit! 

Villreinen

Norway is the only country in Europe which still has a wild reindeer population, and therefore a responsibility to preserve them. Wild reindeer are shy creatures and are vulnerable to disturbance, especially in the Winter. It is for this reason that the main road over the mountains has a prohibition on cars stopping between Spidsbergseter and Gunstadseter in the winter.

On the guided walking tours from Venabu Fjellhotell you learn a lot about the wild reindeer herd and its history. You will also see 1000 year old reindeer traps/pits which remain in the landscape today.

Gudbrandsdal Go-Kart

Gudbrandsdal Go-Kart offers driving experiences  throughout the year. With an age limit of 10 years old, children can drive a go-kart with speeds up to 25km/h. Over 15’s can drive up to 50km/h. The go-kart centre also has disabled accessible vehicles for two people.

Sollia Church

Notched log style church from 1738. The church was built by local people who saw it necessary to build their own church as the duty to go to church was introduced. Before this, the people of Sollia would have to tavel over the mountains to  Ringebu twice a year. This was a tortuous journey, and on one occasion several people froze to death on the journey. Near the church there is a small layby which offers further information.

Annis Butchers & restaurant

“Annis Pølsemakeri” is an independent butchers in Ringebu. Here you’ll find her famous sausages and other meat products of the highest quality. The restaurant next door opened in 2017 and goes from strength to strength.

The chocolate barn at Nordre Nesset

“Sjokoladelåven” is highly recommended if  you’re travelling between Venabygdsfjellet and Folldal. Here at Nordre Nessets they produce delicious confectionary, truffles, pralines and chocolate. Their vision is to convey their love for the area through sensual experiences. Enjoy tasty bites of quality chocolate inspired by nature, mountains and forests.

Kvitfjell, Hafjell & Gålå

These are the three nearest downhill ski resorts to Venabygdsfjellet if you fancy challenging yourselves on the slopes. Kvitfjell is just half an hour away and was built for the 1994 Winter Olympics and hosted the Men’s downhill event and a World Cup race every year since. Hafjell lies nearer Lillehammer and also built for 1994 Olympics and is about 45 minutes from Venabygdsfjellet. Gala is a resort on the other side of the Gudbrandsdal Valley and lies about an hour away. 

Peer Gynt på Gålå

The Peer Gynt Festival is one of Norway’s premier outdoor cultural events. It celebrates Henrik Ibsen’s play of the same name and takes place during the first two weeks of August each year. The stage is located next to a lake and is staged as the sun sets in this stunning location. Venabu Fjellhotell offers packages which include tickets to see the play. For more information, click here.

Troll Ski Marathon

The longest cross country ski race takes place in April every year. The start line is in the middle of Venabygdsfjellet and runs through the mountains all the way to Sjusjoen, above Lillehammer. Participants must ski in classical style and the total distance covered is 95km. Shorter distances are also available. Click here for more information 

Welcome to Venabygdsfjellet!

Venabygdsfjellet is a mountain area that lies between Gudbrandsdalen and Østerdalen in the municipality of Ringebu. From December to April, Venabygdsfjellet is snow-proof with a stable winter climate and fantastic ski terrain.

Venabygdsfjellet is located south of Rondane National Park between Gudbrandsdalen and Østerdalen. The altitude is between 850 &1000 metres, so the terrain lies partly in the birch forest belt and partly above the tree line. The mountain peaks are located at 1200–1400 meters and offer wide views of all directions.

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