This charming town lies at the center of Valdres, a region of glorious mountain ranges and fertile green valleys that are scattered with historic stave churches.
The town of Fagernes is the perfect base if you want to explore the varied and beautiful landscapes of Norway’s scenic Valdres region. Fagernes is the area’s largest town and offers good access to the natural attractions in all directions. Discover the rich offerings that lie in store here for hikers, bikers, skiers, history lovers and anyone with a passion for natural beauty.
At the intersection of the Sæbufjorden and Strondafjorden lakes, Fagernes sits in a naturally practical spot for a settlement. Learn about local history and culture at the wonderful Valdres Folkemuseum, located to the south of the town center, across the water. This rustic attraction is the fourth-largest open-air museum in Norway.
Norway is home to a total of 28 stave churches, medieval places of worship built in a distinctive geometric style. Find six of these churches within the Valdres region, all accessible from Fagernes. Drive around 30 minutes to the northwest to find the impressive Hegge and Lomen stave churches. Around the same distance to the southeast is the Reinli church.
In the winter, join the many visitors who flock to Fagernes to enjoy the wonderful array of wintersports offered in the surrounding area. Skiing will always be a favorite choice, but there are more unusual activities to try as well. Head off across the snow in a sled pulled by dogs, or let an expert teach you the basics of ice fishing.
Popular summer activities, meanwhile, include biking, hiking, climbing, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding and golf. Come prepared to spend a large part of your visit outdoors. There is just so much to do here that it can be difficult to resist trying as many activities as you can.
The quickest and most direct way to reach Fagernes from Oslo is by car. The journey takes about 3 hours. You can also travel by public transportation, but it can take as much as 90 minutes longer. Whichever route you choose, expect to see some breathtaking views while you travel.
