Gausdal municipality has approximately 6.129 inhabitants and covers a area of 1.191,6 km2. Farming and forestry have always been important for settling and employment in Gausdal.
Turn off the E6 north of Lillehammer or 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.
Gudbrandsdalen valley is oriented in a north-westerly direction from Lillehammer and the lake Mjøsa, extending 230 kilometers toward Romsdalen. The river of Gudbrandsdalslågen (Lågen) flows through the valley, starting from Lesjaskogsvatnet and ending at Mjøsa. The Otta river flowing through Otta valley is a major tributary to Gudbrandsdalslågen.
Together with Glomma river and Østerdalen, Gudbrandsdalslågen and Gudbrandsdalen forms Norway´s largest river / valley system. Gudbrandsdalen is home to Dovre Line and the E6 road, and is the main land transport corridor through South Norway, from Oslo and central eastern lowlands to Trondheim and Møre & Romsdal.
AULESTAD
The author Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson holds a prominent place in the hearts of Norwegians, primarily because he wrote the poem that later became the Norwegian national anthem in addition to many other poems and stories. He published his first novel “Synnøve Solbakken” in 1857. In this and many other novels he told the story of the lives of ordinary people, partly rendered in an everyday language based on the vernacular of the region, which was unusual among his contemporary writers. His historic and realistic plays have been staged to this day. Early in the summer of 1875 the Bjørnsons moved to their new home at the Aulestad farm, a former posting inn in Gausdal.
During the last two decades of the 19th century, with Aulestad as his vantage point, Mr. Bjørnson played an important part in literary, cultural and political life. He took an active stand in questions concerning human rights internationally. In 1903 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. After the death of his widow, Mrs. Karoline in 1934, their home was turned over to the state and opened to the public as a museum during the summer months. Time has been stopped at Aulestad to give visitors an opportunity to experience the house and its beautiful garden as the authentic setting of the last part of Mr. Bjørnson’s authorship.
Karoline and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson enjoyed life at Aulestad. You will too, if you pay a visit to the home of the poet and take part in a guided tour of the events of his life. You can also enjoy Bjørnson´s favourite blueberry pancakes in the servant’s quarters. The latest special addition to events at Aulestad is guided tours especially designed for the children, who get to know that when Bjørnstjerne was a small child he thought that pigs had very bad manners. They also get to see the silver spoon that he used to teach the pigs the finer points of etiquette.
SKEIKAMPEN
Skeikampen is located centrally in southern Norway, only 38 km north-west of the Olympic City Lillehammer – the perfect destination for visitors looking for both excellent alpine and cross-country skiing terrain. At Skeikampen there is an alpine facility at the mountain with 10 ski-lifts and 17 pistes. The area also has an 18 hole golf course which is the highest golf course altitude in Norway.
Skeikampen also have more than 200 km of ski runs. The alpine plant has a capacity of 10,000 people per. hour. Skeikampen Alpine has a partnership with Kvitfjell, Hafjell, Sjusjøen and Gålå, where one can use the same ski pass in all five ski resorts.
HELVETE
The Potholes Helvete (Hell) are situated in the southermost part of Espedalen, approximately 200 meters from the RV 255. The potholes came into existence towards the end of the last Ice Age. At the time, Vinstra flowed down Gausdal and into Mjøsa, 8 km south of Lillehammer. About 9000 years ago, due to a collapse of a moraine ridge in Skåbu 22 km further north, the river ran a new course down to Gudbrandsdalen. The potholes are among the wildest experiences Norwegian nature can offer. A footpath is leading down to the potholes which is in good condition. Certain places have had stairs built. The lowest part is secured with rails. The footpath leads down to the bottom of the largest pothole, which has a diameter of over 20 meters and is 40 meters deep. From here, you can walk further into the gorge where you will find both larger and smaller sized potholes.
In the park, you will find a large picnic area and activities for both adults and children. Here is a cafe and modern lavatory facilities are easily acessible. Spacious parking facilities for both busses and cars. In the park, there are areas with an immensely varied and thriving flora. You will get close to domestic animals in their own natural environment. Both ducks and geese will meet you at the pond. In the fields ther will be cows, horses, goats, sheep, and pigs.
ORMTJERNKAMPEN NATIONAL PARK
Ormtjernkampen is the smallest of Norway´s National Parks. It is a natural ancient forest, where flora and fauna are allowed to grow wild, showing how the pine forest of southeast Norway was before the woodman«s axe made its mark.
The park has an alpine climate with cool summers and cold winters, and combined with a moderate annual precipitation this gives a high atmospheric humidity. Due to these climate conditions, mosses, lichens and fungi grow well on the ground and on the trees.
SKIING
Skeikampen is a compact resort built at the base of a magnificent mountain. 10 lifts and 17 slopes brings you quickly around the mountain. Designated children’s area located centrally with lift, ice skating rink and sledding area. The resort consists of a small ski village, offering excellent accommodation sites, charming restaurants and cafes, after-ski, as well as a range of fun activities.
GOLF
Skei Golfclub a golf course with 18 holes and a variation of difficulties and lies on Skeikampen approximately 30 km from Lillehammer.