Lillehammer & the Peer Gynt Road - Norway - page 206

The Sjoa, Europe's best river for rafting, cuts through the park, centered at
Heidal with its rushing white waters. The rafting season starts in mid-May and
lasts until the end of September. Sjoa Rafting in Heidal offers trips through the
gorge and other activities in the park. Rafting trips along a 11km (6 3 ⁄ 4 -mile)
stretch of the Sjoa run 3 1 ⁄ 2 hours and cost 525NOK to 575NOK ($75-$82).
Call & 61-23-61-70 or email [e-mail] for more information.
The other national park, Dovrefjell Nasjonalpark, was enlarged in 2002 to
take in more of the surrounding area. The park now includes territory in three
counties, making it the largest continuous protected area in Norway. Although
still called Dovrefjell, its full name in Norwegian is actually Dovrefjell-Sun-
ndalsfjella National Park.
The core of the park was set aside for protection in 1974. The aim was to safe-
guard the highlands around Snøhetta, which soars to a height of 2,286m (7,500
ft.). Hikers can ascend to Snøhetta in about 6 hours.
The park is home to wolverines, arctic foxes, and reindeer. It is also the habi-
tat of the rare musk ox. This animal, which can survive at amazingly cold tem-
peratures, also lives in parts of Greenland and Alaska. It can weigh up to 446
kilograms (983 lb.). Obviously its coat is incredibly thick.
In 1931, 10 musk oxen were introduced to Dovrefjell, having been shipped
over from Greenland. Since these animals once inhabited Dovrefjell, they were
breeded successfully. The herd is now estimated to number about 80. It is highly
unlikely you'll come across the elusive wolverine or the arctic fox, however.
In another section of the park, the Knutshøene rises 1,690m (5,544 ft.), lying
to the east of the main route, E6. This section of the park is Europe's most
diverse, intact alpine ecosystem. Before setting out to explore the park, arm
yourself with a good map from the visitor center (see above).
One of the most intimate ways to explore the national park—and our favorite
way of doing it—involves participating in one of the 5-hour guided tours
offered by the Moskus Safari Dovrefjell (Dovrefjell Park Musk Ox Safari
Company), N-2660 Dombås ( & 99-70-37-66 ). Between mid-June and mid-
August every summer, they make daily departures at 9am, usually from the
Spranghaugen Car Park, near Mysusaeter, or—with prior reservations—from
one of the area's hotels. After a 40km (25-mile) bus or van ride, participants get
out for short hiking treks across the tundra (sturdy shoes and protective rain gear
are recommended) for close-up observation of the musk oxen and their natural
habitats. The cost is 250NOK ($36) per person, lunch is not included in the
experience, and participants are usually redeposited either in the Spranghaugen
Car Park or back at their hotels sometime between 1 and 2pm. For information
on other sporting or sightseeing options within the park, contact the Dombås
tourist information office at & 61-24-14-44.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
In the center of the historic town of Lesja, you can visit Lesja Bygdatun ( & 61-
24-31-53 ), consisting of a dozen houses moved to this site and revealing how
life was lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. You can explore farm dwellings,
cookhouses, barns, storehouses, and a forge hammering out wrought-iron prod-
ucts. Archaeological finds unearthed in the region are also displayed here. An
association of farm women bakes and cooks daily at the coffeehouse and restau-
rant, which serves waffles and other traditional baked goods. On Saturday they
serve the famous rumgraut (porridge made with sour cream). There is also a craft
shop selling embroideries, painted china and glass, wooden bowls, and other