Drive it Yourself: Oslo to Trondheim on the E6
Take the major highway E6 between Oslo and Trondheim.
Ringebu is a small village that is home to the Ringebu Stave Church, one of Norway’s 28 stave churches.
Latitude: 61.3 degrees north
Population: 4,300
Ringebu Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Ringebu
Ringebu Stave Church is one of Norway’s most beautiful and historically significant stave churches, originally built during the 13th century. The church combines medieval wooden architecture with later additions, including its distinctive red tower visible across the Gudbrandsdalen valley. Visitors can admire intricate carvings, traditional craftsmanship and centuries of Norwegian religious history. The surrounding churchyard and valley views create a particularly atmospheric setting.
Prestegarden is a historic rectory complex beside Ringebu Stave Church and an important cultural landmark within the region. The beautifully restored buildings house exhibitions, artisan workshops, cafés and seasonal cultural events. Visitors can explore traditional architecture, local crafts and gardens while learning about life in Gudbrandsdalen through the centuries. The peaceful surroundings make it one of the area’s most charming heritage sites.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Kvitfjell is one of Norway’s leading ski resorts and lies only a short distance from Ringebu. Originally developed for the 1994 Winter Olympics, the resort offers alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross-country trails across impressive mountain terrain. During summer, the area transforms into a destination for hiking, mountain biking and scenic alpine walks. Panoramic views across Gudbrandsdalen make Kvitfjell popular year-round.
Venabygdsfjellet is a mountain plateau known for wide open landscapes, lakes and excellent hiking opportunities. Trails pass through alpine terrain with views towards Rondane National Park and surrounding peaks. The area is especially popular for cross-country skiing during winter and peaceful hiking during summer. Traditional mountain lodges throughout the region provide food and accommodation for outdoor travellers.
Rondane National Park lies within easy reach of Ringebu and is Norway’s oldest national park. Visitors can explore rugged mountain peaks, valleys and alpine plateaus through a network of scenic hiking routes. Wild reindeer still roam parts of the landscape, adding to the wilderness atmosphere. The park is particularly popular for hiking, photography and ski touring.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Ringebu
The E6 is the main highway that runs the entire length of Norway. The section from Oslo to Trondheim is the busiest, passing through the Gudbrandsdalen valley before crossing the mountains towards central Norway. Along the way are many historic sites and points of interest, making it an interesting drive to take.
This tourist road goes through the Rondane National park, which was established as the first national park of Norway.
No self-guided walks are currently available for Ringebu
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Ringebu
Ringebu has been an important settlement within Gudbrandsdalen since medieval times due to its fertile farmland and strategic location along routes connecting central Norway. Agriculture and livestock farming shaped local life for centuries, while rivers and mountain passes linked the valley to surrounding regions. The construction of Ringebu Stave Church during the 13th century reflected the growing importance of Christianity and regional communities within Norway.
Throughout the Middle Ages and early modern period, Gudbrandsdalen became known for strong farming traditions, timber construction and distinctive valley culture. Traditional architecture, folk costumes and local crafts developed unique regional characteristics still visible today. The valley also served as an important travel corridor for traders, pilgrims and travellers crossing Norway.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, improved transport connections and growing interest in mountain tourism gradually transformed Ringebu into both a cultural and recreational destination. Preservation efforts helped maintain the region’s historic buildings and traditional landscapes while tourism connected to skiing and hiking expanded.
Modern life in Ringebu combines traditional valley culture with outdoor tourism and rural living. Agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, while mountain recreation and cabin tourism have become increasingly significant. Residents enjoy close access to forests, rivers and alpine landscapes throughout the year.
The region is particularly active during winter ski season and summer hiking months, attracting visitors heading to Kvitfjell and nearby national parks. Despite growing tourism, Ringebu retains a peaceful atmosphere shaped by local traditions and community life. Small cultural festivals, artisan markets and local food traditions continue to play important roles throughout the year.
Nature remains central to daily life, with hiking, skiing and fishing deeply integrated into the local lifestyle. The combination of cultural heritage and mountain scenery gives Ringebu a distinctly traditional Norwegian character.
Fly: The nearest major airport is Oslo Airport. From there, visitors can continue north by train or car through Gudbrandsdalen.
Drive: Ringebu lies along the E6 highway connecting Oslo and Trondheim. Scenic drives through Gudbrandsdalen pass rivers, farmland and mountain landscapes.
Train: Ringebu Station is located on the Dovre Line railway connecting Oslo and Trondheim. Train journeys through the valley are considered among Norway’s most scenic inland routes.
Ferry: No ferry access.
Ringebu itself is small and walkable, though rental cars are highly recommended for exploring mountain regions and nearby national parks. Regional buses connect surrounding villages and ski areas, while cycling is popular during summer due to scenic valley roads. Guided tours are also available for cultural sites and mountain excursions.
Cafes & Bakeries
Hey Ringebu is a lovely little cafe in the centre of the village.
Ohlalla Sjokola & Kafé is a cafe and chocolate bar.
Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Camping
Cabins & B&Bs
Skjeggestad Gjestehus is a nice little BnB.
Click here to view rates & book
Kvitfjell Vandrerhjem – Affordable accommodation popular with skiers, hikers and travellers exploring Gudbrandsdalen.
Chains & Mid-Range
High End & Unique Properties
Venabu Fjellhotell – Historic mountain hotel surrounded by hiking and skiing terrain with strong traditions in Norwegian mountain hospitality.
Take the major highway E6 between Oslo and Trondheim.
Find the remains of the original 13th-century stave church in this ‘modern’ 1630 cruciform church. All you need to know about Ringebu Stave Church!
Drive it Yourself: Gudbrandsdalen Gudbrandsdalen is a valley just north of Oslo. Described by VisitNorway as ‘the king of the valleys’, Gudbrandsdalen has a lot