Summer guide to Hafjell; everything you need to know

Summer Guide to Hafjell

Hafjell is one of Norway’s most impressive outdoor destinations, and during the summer it transforms into a playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located in the heart of Gudbrandsdalen, Hafjell has something for everyone, from peaceful hikes to thrilling activities for the whole family. It is the perfect destination for those looking to combine outdoor adventures with the comfort of staying in a modern cabin, and to experience the best of both nature and local culture. Whether you plan to spend your time in the mountains, by the water, or on two wheels, Hafjell is sure to surprise you with its scenic surroundings and diverse offerings.

Summer Activities in Hafjell

Summer in Hafjell is all about exploring majestic nature, fresh air, and exciting adventures. Whether you prefer challenging summit hikes or easy strolls along the many trails, here are some of the best summer activities to discover:

Hiking, Summit Treks, and Mountain Walks

Hafjell and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of hiking opportunities, from easy, family-friendly walks to more demanding summit hikes for experienced trekkers.

• Nevelfjell (1089 m): A popular summit hike with spectacular views of Rondane and Jotunheimen. The route starts at the cross-country ski arena and is suitable for families with moderate elevation.
• Knyken (962 m): A rewarding hike that offers fantastic views over Gudbrandsdalen. It’s moderately demanding and suitable for both adults and children.
• Hafjell Loop: A circular trail through forest paths and mountain terrain, ideal for those wanting to experience Hafjell’s varied landscape with a mix of easy and moderate sections.

Detailed trail descriptions and maps can be found on ut.no, which provides updated route information.

Swimming and Water Activities

In summer, you can cool off in the beautiful mountain lakes around Hafjell. The area offers both calm lakes and exciting rivers for kayaking and canoeing.

• Krokvannet: A peaceful lake ideal for swimming, with scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
• Lunkefjell: Another popular swimming spot near Hafjell, offering great bathing and a quiet setting.
• Kayaking and Canoeing: Kayaks and canoes can be rented at Sjusjøen Camping and Lillehammer Kayak Club, with routes available for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

Cycling in Hafjell

Hafjell is a haven for cycling enthusiasts, offering trails for both mountain biking and road cycling. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Hafjell Bike Park is a must-visit.

• Hafjell Bike Park: A world-class bike park with 19 trails ranging from green to black difficulty, covering over 25 km. The park uses lift access, making it suitable for all levels.
• Cycling Tours: Great bike rides can be taken along Sjusjøvegen, which runs through valleys and highlands. You’ll find routes for every level, from gravel roads to technical trails.
• Bike Rental: Available at Hafjell Sport and Lillehammer Sykkelutleie, offering mountain bikes, e-bikes, and tandem bikes for an active day out.

Culture and City Life

Lillehammer Town Center

Just a short drive from Hafjell, Lillehammer is a charming town known for its historic buildings, cozy pedestrian streets, and rich cultural offerings. It is also a popular shopping destination, offering a mix of local boutiques and larger chains. Enjoy a stroll along the main street, visit cafes and eateries, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere.

Museums and Galleries

Lillehammer and its surroundings are home to several interesting museums and galleries:

• Norwegian Road Museum: Located just outside Lillehammer, this museum showcases the history of roads and transportation in Norway. Great for car and history enthusiasts.
• Lillehammer Art Museum: Featuring both modern and classical art, with a variety of exhibitions that attract both locals and tourists.
• Maihaugen Open-Air Museum: One of Norway’s largest open-air museums, featuring over 200 historic buildings and a traditional village setting. Ideal for a family day out.
• Bjerkebæk: The home of Nobel Prize-winning author Sigrid Undset. The property offers insight into her life and work, with a lovely garden and guided house tours.

Events and Festivals

Lillehammer and Hafjell host several vibrant festivals and events in the summer:

• Lillehammer Festival: A celebration of art, music, and culture, featuring concerts, theater, and exhibitions.
• Sporting Events: Summer brings races, bike rides, and marathons to the area. Lillehammer is known for its strong sports traditions. For dates and events visit Lillehammer.com
• Cultural Festivals: Events like Lillehammer Live attract both local and international artists.
• Lillehammer Literature Festival: Held annually in May, this prestigious event draws authors, literature lovers, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world. The program includes book talks, panel discussions, and literary seminars.

Restaurants and Cafes

Dining in Hafjell

• Hafjell Hotel Restaurant: Family-friendly with a diverse menu of Norwegian and international dishes. Great for lunch or dinner with mountain views.
• Pellestova Restaurant: Located at the top of Hafjell, offering simple but flavorful meals made from local ingredients.
• Hafjell Pizza: A casual spot for tasty pizzas and pasta, perfect after an active day.

Dining in Lillehammer

• Baker Hansen: A popular bakery and cafe known for cakes, pastries, and coffee. Ideal for a morning break or afternoon treat.
• Kaffeverket: A modern cafe focused on specialty coffee and small plates. Great for a light lunch or coffee break.
• Soria Moria Restaurant: Traditional Norwegian cuisine in a rustic setting just outside the town center.
• Fjellheimen (Hafjell): High-quality local food in beautiful surroundings. Ideal for a memorable dinner.
• Skanckebua (Lillehammer): Traditional Gudbrandsdal dishes with great views of the town.
• Gaiastova: Mountain restaurant with lunch, dinner, and live music on weekends.
• Skavlen: Modern restaurant at the top of the gondola with panoramic views and lunch dishes.
• Vidsyn: Restaurant with local ingredients and fantastic views, perfect for special occasions.
• Lodgen Spiseri: Traditional Norwegian meals, cakes, and kids’ menu.
• Favn: Bakery cafe with fresh pastries, coffee, and packed lunches.

Activities for Families and Children

Hunderfossen Family Park: Just five minutes from Hafjell, this park offers over 60 attractions, including trolls, fairytale castles, water fun, and rides. A top destination for families.

Lilleputthammer: A miniature town designed for young children, featuring carousels, trains, and child-friendly activities.

Olas Climbing Park: Located in Lilleputthammer, this adventure park is designed for children aged 5 to 10 and features 13 climbing elements and a zipline.

Jorekstad Water Park: Indoor water park in Lillehammer with pools, slides, and a children’s section. Great for rainy days.

More Adventures for Adults

• Husky Tours in Sjusjøen: Drive your own husky team through beautiful terrain, followed by coffee and bread baked on a stick in a cozy lavvu.
• Frisbee Golf: Hafjell has a 9-basket disc golf course near the town center. A fun and easygoing activity for all ages.
• Hafjell Golf Club: A 9-hole forest/park course on a ridge with stunning views, open to all skill levels.
• Berry and Mushroom Picking: Summer and fall are ideal for foraging blueberries, lingonberries, cloudberries, chanterelles, and porcini in nearby forests and mountains.
• Fishing and Hunting: Trout fishing in mountain lakes around Sjusjøen and Kroksjøen, and game hunting in Øyerfjell. Permits required.
• Zipline in Hafjell: Experience the thrill of soaring over the valley with Hafjell’s zipline. Great for both adults and teens.

Other Activities

• Climbing Parks: Available in both Hafjell and Lillehammer, offering high tree-top challenges for all ages.
• Fairytale Trails and Walking Paths: Explore short or long hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels.
• Stolpejakt: A free scavenger hunt game using an app to find posts in nature, combining fun and exploration.

Practical Information

Getting to and Around Hafjell

• By car. Approx. 2.5 hours from Oslo via the E6.
• By train and bus. Train to Lillehammer, then bus to Hafjell. Several daily departures.
• Without a car. Gondola lifts and local buses make it easy to get around. Taxi and bike rentals are also available.

Grocery Stores in Hafjell and Øyer

• Spar Hafjell. Located between Hafjell Hotel and Scandic Hafjell Hotel.
• Coop Extra Hafjell. About 400 meters north of Hafjell Hotel.
• Kiwi Hafjell. Also about 400 meters north of Hafjell Hotel.
• Hafjelltoppen. A local store near Gaiastova, convenient for nearby visitors.

Electric Car Charging Stations

• Hafjell Hotel. Charging stations near the E6 parking area.
• Hafjell Alpine Center. Seven CloudCharge 6.9 kW Type 2 chargers at the gondola entrance.
• Coop Extra Hafjell. Eight Kople chargers, including CCS and CHAdeMO fast chargers.
• Mageli Camping. Four Charge365 7.4 kW Type 2 chargers.
• Cabin and apartment rentals. Some offer private EV charging. Confirm with the host.

Waste Disposal in Hafjell and Lillehammer

• Hafjell Alpine Center. Sorting bins near the parking lot.
• Hafjell Center. Drop-off points for paper and plastic near Coop and Kiwi.
• Lillehammer Center. Waste stations near parking and public areas.
• Joker Øyer. Waste bins for plastic and residual waste.

Equipment Rental

• Hafjell Skiutleie. Rent skis, snowboards, cross-country skis, and accessories at Skitorget, Favn, and Gaiastova.
• Bikes. Rent mountain bikes, e-bikes, and children’s gear at Hafjell Sport and Lillehammer Sykkelutleie.
• Canoes and Kayaks. Rent from Sjusjøen Camping or Lillehammer Kayak Club.
• Fishing Gear. Available at Hafjell Sport and other local shops.

Cabin Living Services

• Linen and Towels. Rent for NOK 250 per set.
• Firewood Delivery. Order in advance and have it ready on arrival.
• Firewood Purchase. Available at Coop Extra and Kiwi Hafjell.

Accommodation in Hafjell with Cabin Living

Cabin Living offers modern cabins and apartments close to all major summer activities. Whether you’re exploring the mountains, enjoying the lakes, or diving into the region’s culture, you’ll find the perfect base with us.

Book Your Stay in Hafjell with Cabin Living

Easily find and book your ideal cabin or apartment at cabinliving.no. Curious about Hafjell in winter? Read our Winter Guide to Hafjell for info on skiing, winter fun, and more.

Sources

Hafjell Resort: https://www.hafjell.com
Visit Lillehammer: https://www.lillehammer.com
Hunderfossen Family Park: https://www.hunderfossen.no
Lilleputthammer: https://www.lilleputthammer.no
Sjusjøen: https://www.sjusjoen.no
Øyer Municipality: https://www.oyer.kommune.no
Cabin Living: https://www.cabinliving.no
Hafjell Skiutleie: https://www.hafjell.no