Tisleidalen: Cross-country Ski Trails, Water and Mountain Scenery

Tisleidalen combines varied natural scenery with forest and mountain landscapes. The Tisleia River rises in Tisleifjorden and runs for 16 km through Tisleidalen. The river and valley shape the character of the destination. The range of possible activities makes it an interesting place to plan a holiday together: cross-country skiing, experiences on the water, cycling and routes through the landscape offer a variety of options.

Cross-country skiing on an extensive trail network

In winter, an extensive network of cross-country ski trails is groomed on both sides of the valley in Tisleidalen. The Tisleidalen Løypelag trail network includes around 150 km of groomed ski trails. Possible starting points in Tisleidalen include Fjellbu, Liaset, Gjølmyr, Merket, Bjørkestølen, Vasetdansen, Hervasstølen, Sanderstølen, Hermannstølen and Breiset. These many starting points help you decide which part of the trail network you would like to explore.

One specific route is Haugsetfjellet rundt. The trail is 28.5 km long, starts at Røde Korssenteret Merket and follows a groomed route. If you would like to include a single longer cross-country ski route in your holiday plans, you can assess this one based on its stated length; it is also part of the cross-country skiing options in Tisleidalen.

Fishing and paddling on the river and lakes

There are many fishing spots along the Tisleia River. Fly fishing, spinning and bait fishing are all possible there, giving you three different types of fishing to choose from. Pardisfjorden is also suitable for paddling and fishing, as is Ølsjøen. If you enjoy spending time by the water when planning a holiday, there are several specific options: fishing along the Tisleia River, and paddling or fishing at Pardisfjorden and Ølsjøen.

Cycling on trails and in the mountain bike park

Tisleidalen offers good cycling opportunities on flat, open trails leading to the mountain farms. These routes appeal to travellers who want to cycle through open countryside with the farms as their destination. Another option is the mountain bike park at Røde Kors-Senteret Merket, where you can cycle. Nearby, Merket rents out bicycles and canoes; the area around the centre has suitable terrain for cycling and paddling. This makes it easy to choose between the trails described, the mountain bike park and activities on the water when planning a trip together.

Glacial potholes and views from Gribbe

Evidence of the Ice Age can be seen in Tisleidalen in the form of glacial potholes in Åbjøra and near Kvitingen. Gjøgerlaugitn near Kvitingen is also particularly worth seeing and visiting. If you would like to experience the landscape beyond the valley, consider hiking to Gribbe: the route passes through open terrain and a pleasant area with mountain farms. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Valdres and large parts of Jotunheimen. The hike combines open scenery, mountain farms and far-reaching views in one described route.

More places to discover: Ulnes, Skrautvål, Aurdal, Leira i Valdres and Fagernes.

For the broader travel overview: Nord-Aurdal.