Fåvang: Water, Art and the History of the Trails

Fåvang has several distinct sides: the Tromsa, public art, traces of cultural history nearby and the slopes of Kvitfjell. From Badedammen to the trails near Høgkleiva, the themes range from recreation and nature to history. Which of these you want to shape your stay is a good starting point when looking for a holiday rental.

Riverside scenery and historic trails

The Tromsa is a tributary of the Gudbrandsdalslågen on its eastern side and flows into it at Fåvang. The surrounding Tromsa water area shapes a landscape of rivers and wetlands, plateau-like mountain areas and a deep, narrow river gorge. River formations, botany, and land and aquatic fauna are part of its biological diversity; the area is also important for outdoor recreation.

Høgkleiva, a cultural heritage site with traces of Iron Age activity, a hillfort, a signal-fire site and a trapping system, lies on the Pilgrims’ Path between Fåvang and Ringebu. The rest area there is intended for pilgrims and other hikers. There are also sculptures by Ånond Versto at the viewpoint. At Høgkleiva, contemporary art, the Iron Age hillfort, legends and stories come together—a special meeting of nature, history and art along the trail.

Tromsa bru, also known as “Den Høie Bro,” tells a story of the history of the trails, too: along the Gudbrandsdalsleden, it is a historic crossing point for travellers. Its name and former function belong to a different route from the Pilgrims’ Path at Høgkleiva, showing how varied the historic trail connections around Fåvang are.

Sculpture, Badedammen and ski slopes

“Mammuten” by Linda Bakke stands at Badedammen, near the turn-off from the E6 to Fåvang town centre. The sculpture is a life-size, twice-lifesize replica of a mammoth skull. From here, you can look directly towards the gravel pit where mammoth tusks were found. This makes the work a way to discover the local fossil landscape, too. Badedammen itself is a landscaped recreational area with a green lawn, swimming water and a diving tower.

Kvitfjell offers a very different activity: its ski slopes range from a green beginners’ area for children to Olympic-level downhill runs. This range caters to different abilities and travel interests. If skiing is what matters most to you, the slopes are an important consideration; if you are more interested in art, water or historic trails, Fåvang and the surrounding area offer other themes to shape your holiday plans.

In the wider Ringebu destination

Ringebu also has cultural attractions of its own. Ringebu Stave Church was built around 1220 and is one of Norway’s largest surviving stave churches. Ringebu Prestegard is a historic cultural site with art exhibitions; Prestegardshagen has about 170 different varieties of roses. Gildesvollen is used for various events and activities. Ringebu town centre has shops, places to eat and services. These places and offerings are part of the wider Ringebu destination.

The wider destination’s historic trail landscape also includes Kongevegen over Høgkleiva, the first carriage road built through Ringebu. Venabygdsfjellet offers a different landscape and range of activities: this mountain area lies in Ringebu municipality, between Gudbrandsdalen and Østerdalen. Extensive cross-country ski trails stretch in all directions, and the well-known Troll-løypa starts at Venabygdsfjellet. The trails are a seasonal option, while Kvitfjell is known for its ski slopes.

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to decide what you want to focus on: the recreational area and “Mammuten,” skiing, or the pilgrimage and cultural trails. If you include the wider Ringebu area, cultural sites and seasonal cross-country skiing options are also available.

Discover more destinations: Ringebu, Venabygd.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Ringebu.