Itineraries - Norway - page 46

Ashorttrainorbusridefrom Oslo , Lillehammer hostedthe1994WinterOlympicsand
it remains one of central Norway's most pleasing spots, with a wealth of Olympic sites and
a lovely setting. Continuing north, Ringebu has one of Norway's prettiest stave churches,
but having a car enables you to take the quiet Rv27, which draws near to the precipitous
massifsofthe Rondane National Park ,beforecontinuingnortheasttoUnescoWorldHer-
itage-listed Røros , one of Norway's most enchanting villages, with painted timber houses
and old-world charm. From Røros, it's an easy detour north to Trondheim , a delightful
coastalcitywithastunningcathedral,largestudentpopulationandengagingculturalscene.
Turning to the south, head past Oppdal and Dombås , gateways to the Dovrefjell-
Sunndalsfjella National Park , which is a base for musk-ox safaris in summer. From
Dombås, consider a side-trip by train or down the E136, which leads through the heart of
Romsdalen with its sheer rock walls. Returning to the main road south, head to Otta ,
wheretheE15branches westto Lom ,alovelywoodentownwithagorgeousstave church
at the confluence of two steep valleys. The E15 continues deep into the fjord country to
Geirangerfjord , perhaps the king of all Norwegian fjords. Twist down through the net-
workoffjordstoStryn,OldenandFjærland,gatewaytownstothedramaticglacialscenery
of the Jostedalsbreen National Park .
Travel southeast to Sogndal, then northeast along the shores of pretty Lustrafjord and
up onto the Sognefjellet Road , which leads through the extraordinarily beautiful Jotun-
heimen National Park with its wonderful hiking trails, soaring peaks and countless glaci-
ers. One of the most scenic roads in northern Europe, Sognefjellet Road warrants driving
its length, even as far as Lom, and then returning as far as Turtagrø. From there, head up
a scenic road to Øvre Årdal , then twist your way across to the Jotunheimvegen scen-
ic road, and then to another, the wonderfully quiet Peer Gynt Vegen , and back down to
Lillehammer.