The tiny village of Vinstra immerses you in the raw and rugged natural beauty of Norway. The village is famous as the home of Peer Gynt, a beloved Norwegian folklore character. In nearby Gålå, the Gålåvatnet open-air theatre hosts family-friendly performances and musicals inspired by Peer Gynt and his misadventures.
Peer Gynt Way meanders for 65 kilometres through the Gudbrandsdalen Valley. As you drive along the scenic route, you’ll pass by picturesque mountain farms, glassy lakes and lush forests. Locals say this is troll territory, so keep an eye out for the mythical creatures.
Vinstra is home to restaurants and taverns where you can enjoy traditional Norwegian dishes. Whey cheese is a local specialty, often served with bread and lingonberry jam. Solbra-Seter Farm is considered the birthplace of whey cheese and features an excellent museum on the history of the Norwegian delicacy. The farm is also dotted with wooden buildings with grass-covered roofs.
Getting there
Vinstra is located in Innlandet County, a one-hour drive from Lillehammer and 3.5 hours from Oslo. Rental cars are the easiest way to explore Vinstra and Innlandet County at your own pace. Oslo Airport is a three-hour drive away.