Perched on the north shore of Strondafjorden, Fagernes is a charming village whose name translates as “beautiful headland”. It’s home to one of the largest open-air museums in Norway and serves as the gateway for recreational pursuits in the Valdres Valley.
On the outskirts of Fagernes is the Valdres Folk Museum, which was founded in 1901 to showcase the architecture and cultural traditions of the region. It encompasses more than 90 structures that have been collected from across Norway, including the mid-18th-century Brennbygningen and the ancient Handeloftet storage house. It also exhibits vintage musical instruments and folk costumes.
Follow the hiking trails that wind through the lush valleys of Valdres or tackle one of the soaring peaks in the Jotunheimen mountain range. Fagernes can also be used as a base for skiing in the winter months, with the nearby Beitostølen Ski Centre ideal for both beginners and advanced skiers.
Getting there
Fagernes is 2.5 hours’ drive from Oslo and Oslo Airport, with buses connecting the village to the Norwegian capital. Having your own car is the most convenient way of exploring the region, while the centre of Fagernes is compact enough to navigate on foot.