Drive it Yourself: Lom to Dombås on the Rv15 & E6
Read our road-trip guide for the drive from Lom to Dombås via the Rv15 and E6.
Located at the junction of the major national parks of southern Norway, Lom is a charming village that is a must-see on any road-trip in Norway. For anyone road-tripping around western Norway, Lom is an essential stop.
Latitude: 61.4 degrees north
Population: 2,211
Lom Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Lom
Lom Stave Church is one of Norway’s largest and best-preserved stave churches, originally built during the 12th century. The dark timber structure, dragon-head carvings and detailed craftsmanship make it one of the country’s most iconic medieval buildings. Inside, visitors can admire centuries-old paintings, woodwork and religious artefacts. The church remains an active parish church and a major cultural landmark in the Gudbrandsdalen valley.
The Norwegian Mountain Centre introduces visitors to the geology, wildlife and mountaineering history of Norway’s high mountain regions. Interactive exhibitions explore glaciers, climate and the culture of mountain communities surrounding Jotunheimen National Park. The centre is also a useful starting point for planning hikes and outdoor activities in the region. Its architecture blends modern design with traditional mountain materials.
This open-air museum contains some beautifully preserved wooden houses from the farms around Lom. You can wander around the woods admiring these wooden houses. One of the most known houses is Olavsstugu, where St. Olav is said to have spent the night when he was on his way to Trondheim.
Prestfossen is a powerful waterfall running through the centre of Lom, crossed by historic wooden bridges and walking paths. The rushing river gives the village a dramatic alpine atmosphere and is especially impressive during snowmelt in spring and early summer. Visitors can stroll along the riverbanks and enjoy views of both the waterfall and surrounding mountains. It is also a popular photography spot close to the village centre.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
This open-air museum contains some beautifully preserved wooden houses from the farms around Lom. You can wander around the woods admiring these wooden houses. One of the most known houses is Olavsstugu, where St. Olav is said to have spent the night when he was on his way to Trondheim.
At 2,469 metres, Galdhøpiggen is the highest mountain in Northern Europe and one of Norway’s most famous hiking experiences. Guided glacier crossings and marked summit routes attract hikers from around the world during summer. From the summit, visitors enjoy panoramic views across Jotunheimen’s snow-covered peaks and glaciers. Many travellers use Lom as a base before heading deeper into the national park.
Jotunheimen National Park contains some of Norway’s most dramatic alpine landscapes, including towering peaks, glaciers and turquoise mountain lakes. The area is ideal for hiking, climbing, skiing and wilderness experiences throughout the year. Popular routes range from gentle valley walks to demanding multi-day treks between mountain lodges. Wildlife such as reindeer, foxes and golden eagles can occasionally be spotted in the highlands.
The Besseggen hike is one of Norway’s most famous day hikes and can easily be reached from Lom. The trail follows a spectacular mountain ridge between the deep blue Gjende lake and the green waters of Bessvatnet. Hikers experience dramatic drops, sweeping mountain views and classic Jotunheimen scenery throughout the route. Summer boat services across Gjende are part of the traditional hiking experience.
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Lom
The Sognefjellet Tourist Road is one of the most unique roads in Norway and is often nicknamed “the roof over Norway”.
The Rv15 is a fantastic highway to know when road-tripping through Western Norway. The major tourist roads in some way connect to the Rv15, which runs from Otta in the east to Måløy on the west coast. The scenery is dramatic; steep mountain peaks, gorgeous fjords, and historic valleys. There are a number of important historic sites here, such as Lom Stave Church and the Viking discoveries near Nordfjordeid, so be sure to take your time and enjoy all the possible detours. While an ancient road has been here for hundreds of years, the modern road was completed in stages between the 1920s and the 1990s. Part of the highway replaces the historic trade road Gamle Strynfjellsvegen, which today is a tourist road.
No self-guided walks are currently available for Lom
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Lom
This includes Tindeveien and the Sognefjellet Tourist Road. I did this drive on a beautiful day in June.
This drive connects Lom to the E6. It was filmed the day after the previous video.
Lom has a long history as both a farming settlement and an important crossing point between eastern Norway and the western fjords. Archaeological discoveries show that people have lived in the area since prehistoric times, taking advantage of fertile valley land surrounded by mountains. During the Viking Age and the Middle Ages, Lom became a key stop for traders and travellers moving through the mountain passes between regions. The village developed around agriculture, hunting and seasonal mountain farming traditions that are still visible today.
The construction of Lom Stave Church during the 12th century reflected the growing importance of the settlement in medieval Norway. The church became both a spiritual and social centre for the surrounding valley communities. Over centuries, Lom remained relatively isolated due to its mountainous location, helping preserve many local traditions, dialects and building styles. Historic timber houses and farm structures can still be found throughout the region.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Lom gained greater national attention as explorers, climbers and artists became fascinated by Jotunheimen’s dramatic landscapes. Improved roads gradually transformed the village into a gateway for mountain tourism. Today, Lom balances tourism growth with strong cultural preservation and outdoor traditions.
Modern life in Lom revolves around tourism, outdoor recreation and agriculture. The village serves as one of the main gateways to Jotunheimen National Park, attracting hikers, climbers and road-trippers throughout the year. Many local businesses cater to outdoor travellers, offering guiding services, accommodation and equipment rental. Summer is the busiest season, though winter tourism has also grown due to skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.
Despite increasing tourism, Lom has maintained a strong sense of local identity and traditional mountain culture. Farming remains important in the valley, especially sheep and goat farming, while small-scale food production has become increasingly popular. Local ingredients and traditional cooking methods are proudly showcased in bakeries, cafés and restaurants throughout the village.
The community values sustainability and outdoor living, with residents closely connected to the surrounding mountains and natural environment. Seasonal festivals, folk traditions and local crafts continue to play an important role in village life. Visitors often describe Lom as authentic, peaceful and deeply rooted in Norwegian mountain culture.
Fly: The nearest larger airports are Oslo Airport and Ålesund Airport. From Oslo, travellers usually continue by car or bus through Gudbrandsdalen. Domestic airports in western Norway can also be combined with scenic drives across the mountain passes during summer.
Drive: Driving is the most convenient way to reach Lom and explore the surrounding mountain areas. From Oslo, the journey takes around 5–6 hours via the E6 and Route 15. Scenic drives such as Sognefjellet and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen make the journey itself part of the experience. Winter driving conditions can be challenging due to snow and mountain weather.
There is a bus station in Lom with buses to Bergen, Otta, Sogndal and Stryn. 8
Train: No train access
Ferry: No ferry access
A car is highly recommended for exploring Lom and the surrounding mountain regions. Public buses connect Lom with Otta, Sogndal and nearby villages, though departures are less frequent outside the summer season. The village centre itself is compact and walkable, with most attractions located close together. Guided tours, hiking shuttles and organised mountain excursions are available during peak tourist months.
Cafes & Bakeries
Lom Bakery – This famous bakery has become a destination in its own right for travellers passing through the mountains of eastern Norway. Known for stone-baked bread, cinnamon buns and traditional pastries, the bakery uses locally sourced ingredients and old baking techniques. The warm wooden interior and riverside location create a cosy atmosphere throughout the year. During summer, queues often stretch outside as visitors stop for coffee and freshly baked goods.
Restaurants
Brimi Blue – A well-known restaurant and food venue connected to chef Arne Brimi, focusing on local mountain ingredients and Norwegian culinary traditions. The menu often includes game meats, local cheeses and seasonal produce.
Fossheim Hotel Restaurant – A respected restaurant serving modern Norwegian cuisine with strong local influences. Its location near the stave church makes it a popular stop for travellers exploring the village.
High End & Unique Eats
Vianvang – Chef Arne Brimi’s mountain retreat offers exclusive dining experiences focused on storytelling, local ingredients and Norwegian food traditions. The setting combines dramatic mountain scenery with fine dining.
Camping
Lom Camping – A popular and affordable option offering cabins, camping facilities and riverside accommodation close to the village centre. Ideal for hikers, cyclists and road-trippers.
Cabins & B&Bs
Nordal Turistsenter – A traditional guesthouse with a relaxed atmosphere and scenic surroundings. Popular with visitors exploring Jotunheimen and nearby mountain roads.
Chains & Mid-Range
Fossheim Hotel – Historic hotel located in the centre of Lom, combining traditional charm with modern comfort. Known for excellent food and easy access to local attractions.
High End & Unique Properties
Roisheim Hotel is located just out of Lom. This historic farm property is incredible. I stayed here in June 2023. The rooms were warm but you can’t not like the history of the property.
Click here to view rates & book
Elveseter Hotell – A distinctive mountain hotel surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery and historic artwork. The property is known for its unique architecture, cultural atmosphere and proximity to hiking routes into Jotunheimen.
Brimi Fjellstugu – An atmospheric mountain lodge offering traditional Norwegian hospitality, gourmet dining and immersive nature experiences in the highlands surrounding Lom.
Read our road-trip guide for the drive from Lom to Dombås via the Rv15 and E6.
Read our road-trip guide for the drive from Lærdal to Lom via Tindeveien and Sognefjellet.
A practical and historical guide to Lom Stave Church, one of the best preserved churches on the road between east and west.
A detailed overview of the drive from Geiranger to Lom in Western Norway. This is more than just a highway; it’s gorgeous!