Summer guide to Sjusjøen; Everything you need to know
Summer Guide to Sjusjøen
Sjusjøen is one of Norway’s most popular mountain destinations – known for its extensive network of hiking trails, scenic surroundings, and family-friendly activities. In summer, the area transforms into an outdoor paradise where you can combine hiking and swimming with cycling, horseback riding, farm visits, and climbing. Its location offers short distances to Lillehammer and several well-known attractions.
Want to stay in the heart of nature, with easy access to trails, lakes, and experiences? Cabin Living offers summer-ready cabins at Sjusjøen – see the selection and book directly at www.cabinliving.no
Hiking and Nature Experiences
Sjusjøen offers easily accessible mountain terrain with soft trails and open landscapes, making it ideal for families, seniors, and active walkers. Most trails are well-marked, and you can choose your route based on your fitness level.
Recommended hikes:
- Nevelfjell (1089 m): A classic peak hike with panoramic views of Rondane and Jotunheimen. Starts from the ski arena – family-friendly with a moderate ascent.
- Snørvillen (995 m): A 10 km loop with diverse landscapes – from marshes and birch forests to alpine terrain. Quiet and less trafficked.
- Around Lake Sjusjøen: An easy 8 km loop on gravel roads, suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, running, or a peaceful evening walk. Several picnic spots along the way.
- Kroksjøen and Lunkefjell: Lesser-known trails and viewpoints that offer peace and solitude.
Maps and trail info: Visit ut.no for up-to-date maps and trail descriptions.
Paddling and Swimming
The clear mountain lakes in the area are perfect for paddling and swimming. You’ll find child-friendly beaches as well as more secluded spots for canoe and kayak trips.
Recommended lakes:
- Lake Sjusjøen: Shallow water and small beaches near the center make it ideal for families.
- Kroksjøen and Næra: Peaceful lakes with great conditions for paddling and fishing. Bring your own canoe or rent locally.
Canoe and kayak rental:
- 61° Nord Sjusjøen – Phone: +47 476 38 614
- Camp Sjusjøen (Sør-Mesna) – campsjusjoen.no/kano
- Sjusjøen Husky Tours – Phone: +47 948 46 270
Biking for All Levels
Sjusjøen is a popular destination for both trail and gravel biking, offering everything from technical trails to gentle, family-friendly routes.
Cycling tips:
- Natrudstilen Bike Arena: Technical bike park with trails in various difficulty levels.
- Lake Sjusjøen loop: Flat, easy gravel road – perfect for kids.
- Rømås loop and Lunkefjell: Varied terrain and great views.
- Hafjell Bike Park: Lift-access downhill biking for experienced riders – about 40 minutes away.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Within 30–40 minutes’ drive you’ll find several attractions that offer variety to your vacation – especially if traveling with children.
- Hunderfossen Family Park: Trolls, fairy tale castle, and water rides for children aged 2–12.
- Barnas Gård Hunderfossen: Animals, tractor track, and hay jumping – ideal for young children.
- Lilleputthammer: Miniature town with rides and trains – slow-paced fun for toddlers.
- Jorekstad Water Park: Indoor pools and slides – great for rainy days.
- Maihaugen and the Olympic Museum: Combine culture and history in Norway’s most famous open-air museum.
- Prøysenhuset: Child-friendly activities, theater, and café in the childhood area of author Alf Prøysen (Ringsaker, about 35 min away).
More Summer Activities
Whether you’re traveling with kids, teens, or grandparents, there’s plenty to explore in and around Sjusjøen:
- Horseback riding with Mesna Icelandic Horses: Tours adapted to skill level – from forest rides to mountain trails.
- Helgøya Climbing Park: Ropes courses and zip lines for the whole family (approx. 1 hour away).
- Stolpejakten (Pole Hunt): Free activity where you collect digital poles using a mobile app. Available in Sjusjøen and Mesnali.
Local Food and Farm Experiences
Experience Norwegian farm life and taste local products nearby:
- Hovelsrud Farm: Award-winning garden and organic produce.
- Norsk Urkorn: Local flour production and baking.
- Midt-Gard: Farm shop and child-friendly activities.
- Bakken Øvre Farm Food: Local ingredients and café in Mesnali.
Cafés and Restaurants
After an active day, enjoy a nice lunch or dinner. Here are some suggestions:
- Sjusjøen Café: Homemade meals and pastries.
- Natrudstilen Café: Simple dishes and pizza.
- Låven Bar & Restaurant: Open during winter season – check opening hours.
- Bakken Øvre Farm Food: Lunch in a rustic and cozy atmosphere.
- Lillehammer: Wide selection of restaurants and specialty shops.
Easy Outdoor Fun
Want to enjoy nature without long hikes? Try these low-threshold activities:
- Frisbee golf (Natrudstilen and Mesnali)
- Berry picking (blueberries, cloudberries, raspberries in season)
- Grazing animals and open summer farms
- Fire pits and shelters – bring firewood and a packed lunch
Practical Information
- Kiwi Sjusjøen: Open year-round with good selection
- Joker Mesnali: Smaller grocery store about 10 min away
- EV charging: At Kiwi and several cabins (see ladestasjoner.no)
- Oda.no: Grocery delivery to many addresses in Sjusjøen
- Firewood and bed linen: Available via Cabin Living
- Waste disposal: Return points along Sjusjøvegen and in Mesnali: https://www.visitsjusjoen.no/aktiviteter/aktuelt/slik-sorterer-du-pa-hytta/
Transport and Accessibility
- By car from Oslo: About 2 hours and 30 minutes (via Lillehammer and Nordsetervegen)
- By train to Lillehammer + bus 501 to Sjusjøen: Multiple departures daily
- By bike: About 25 km from Lillehammer – paved road and elevation gain
Ending and Booking
Sjusjøen in summer is open, fresh, and peaceful. Here, you can hike, swim, pick berries, make a bonfire, and relax on a terrace – all in one day. It’s easy to get here, and hard to leave.
See available summer cabins and book directly with Cabin Living at www.cabinliving.no
Want to know what Sjusjøen is like in winter? Read our Winter Guide here: [insert link]
Sources
- ut.no
- sjusjoen.no
- visitlillehammer.no
- bakkeoevere.no
- maihaugen.no
- sport1.no
- helgoyaklatrepark.no
- hovelsrud.no
- norskurkorn.no
- oda.no
- sjusjoenhuskytours.no
- Skeikampen.no
- Personal experience from Cabin Living and local knowledge