North for Lillehammer, in the middle of the beautiful region of Gudbrandsdalen, lies Vinstra with its over 2,500 citizens. Due to its location, Vinstra offers a wide reange of outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, rafting, cross-country skiing and slalom. However Vinstra is mostly known for its connection to Henrik Ibsen’s master work, Peer Gynt.
The Peer Gynt festival
This festival is a ten day long festivity which takes place every year in the beginning og August. The outdoor theatre Peer Gynt representation at Gålå and the concert on the Kvam mountain are two of its main highlights.
Peer Gynt theatre at Gålå
Surrounded by majestetic nature by the Gålå lake is where this outdoor theatre takes place. Every year since 1989 you can witness Ibsen’s most famous work unfold right before your eyes, and under the midnight sun. Peer Gynt is without a doubt Norway’s most famous screenplay of all time, and it is here in Gudbrandsdalen that Ibsen got inspired.
“If it may interest you to know, Peer Gynt is a real person who lived in Gudbrandsdalen.”
Henrik Ibsen
The spectacular Peer Gynt culture festival has taken place in August every year since 1989.
Mountain concert at Kvam
With views to the Rondane national park, 900 meters above the sea level, culture and nature meet every year. This concert is a highlight of the Peer Gynt festivities and attracts more than 2,000 concert goers.
If you would like to experience this, we stronly recommend you bring a camping chair, a blanket and some refreshments and enjoy the music and the view.
“The Milky Way”
One of Norway’s greatest biking trails
“The Mily Way” – or Mjølkeveien in Norwegian – goes from Vinstra to Gol in Hallingdal. This trail is about 250 kilometers long, with plenty of chances to stop and bathe or fish outdoors.
Additionally if you do not have the opportunity to bring your own bicycle, worry not: you can rent a bike at the following locations: Beitostølen, Fagernes, Vaset, Tyinkrysset or Gol. You may plan your journey here.
Luxury accomodations
The Per Gynt farm
This farm dates back to the Middle age, most specifically to 1557, and is one of the eldest in the region. Moreover the historical Per Gynt, which inspired Ibsen’s Peer Gynt, is believed to have lived here back in the 17th century.
Today the farm consists of seventeen preserved buildings with over 500 years of Norwegian history. Tatler magazine did name the farm one of the world’s topp 100 luxury resorts. The inside standard is more luxurious than the outside may suggest.
Other activities
Tradition and quality
At Sødorptunet in Vinstra you will find Øyens Hjemmebakeri, a traditional Norwegian bakery that follows old recipes.
River rafting
Bring your friends or family to an action-filled day in the river Sjoa, one of the world’s best rafting rivers.
Climbing for everyone
The whole family can enjoy a fun day of climbing at Høyt & Lavt, with its trails that accomodate all ages.
