Activities and experiences
Beautiful farmland, luscious valleys and breathtaking mountains. There is so much to explore and experience. If you want to get to know Lesja better, you can take a walk on paths and gravel roads directly from our doorstep. Attractions such as Lesja Church, Lesja Local Museum and the café and farm shop Avdemsbue are within walking distance of both the hotel and our farm.
If you are an experienced hiker, you can enjoy the spectacular view from the cabin Tussheimbue. From this beautiful architectural viewpoint, you can see the across Lesja and into the surrounding National Parks. Please be aware that the path is steep and somewhat demanding. It is important to dress for all weathers and wear hiking boots. At the top, there are ruins of a small building that a local hotel manager put up here at the start of the 20th century, this was the original Tussheimbue.
For more information, check out Ut.no.
From Lesja, there are several toll roads leading up to the valleys that are used for farming in the summertime. This luscious landscape is shaped by generations of summertime farming. The roads are great starting points for more demanding hikes up in the mountains. For potential routes and destinations, check out the apps UT and Outdoor Active.
Explore Lesja and the surrounding areas
Try your luck at fly fishing in the river Gubdrandsdalslågen which runs close to our farm. We have a great spot for fishing where you can lite a campfire and find shelter in a fishing hut. Nothing beats the feeling of frying the catch of the day over sparkling flames and enjoying the beauty of nature. You might even hear a beaver slap its tail in the water. The spot is located only 700 meters from Kolstad farm. We also have a boat that you can use if you want to visit the nearby lake Lesjaskogsvatnet.
Fishing licenses are sold at the local store, Joker, or at the web site: iNatur.no
Fly Fishing
Searching for your Norwegian ancestors or interested in those who lived here in the past? The museum is an excellent place to learn more about local history and traditions. You will find it only 1 km. from our farm and hotel. In the summertime the museum comes alive with a lot of different activities.
You can try your hand at local baking methods, handicrafts and artisan workshops. There are several exhibitions and much to experience all year. Learn how to bake the Norwegian «lefse», build a traditional fence and lots of other options.
This museum is part of the regional museum Gudbrandsdalsmusea. They are responsible for local archives and collection; A potential treasure trove if you want to find out more about your ancestral roots.
Lesja Bygdemuseum
Nearby the museum the Lesja Church is easily spotted with its characteristic spire. This timber frame building is from 1749. Inside, you will find beautiful and intricate wood carvings made by the local artisan Jakob Klukstad.
Lesja Church
Lesja is the perfect place to explore by bike. On the western side of the main road, you will find smaller roads with little traffic all the way through Lesja.
From Kolstad farm you can easily reach the ancient route «den Romsdalske hovedveg» that was once the main road between east and west. People have been travelling here for thousands of years. At the end of the 18th Century, it was expanded to fit horsedrawn carriages. These types of public roads were called Kingsroads. So, take a ride and get the Royal feeling!
Bike riding
Lorkverna
Visiting the pine forest at Lora in Lesja is like walking into a fairytale. Here, you can also learn more about our local industrial history. The oldest documentation of flour milling at this site is from 1326. The local historical society, Lesja historielag, have built a copy of the mill that was in use in the 1920s. It is open for visitors all year. This is also a great area for hiking or skiing. In the summertime they offer guided tours with demonstrations of different milling activities in the weekends. More information is found here:
Høyt & Lavt Bjorli
Children and adults can challenge themselves and enjoy a day at the climbing park Høyt og Lavt at Bjorli. They offer a great variety of climbing routes with different elements and zip lines.
Is it your dream to get a feel of the true Norwegian winter? If you want to go downhill or cross-country skiing or rush through the snow on your sled, there are many opportunities on our doorstep and in the nearby area. At Bjorli and Dombås you can find ski resorts with alpine slopes in all levels of difficulty, areas fit for off-piste skiing, and ski rental. There are also many different cross-country tracks to choose from.
The winter atmosphere offers something magical in this area. A tranquility that is perfect if you want to escape the busy pace of everyday life. We have very little light pollution, and it is an ideal area for star gazing.
Winter activities
In this area you will find one of Norway’s most iconic landscapes. Dovrefjell with its legendary Snøhetta-peaks, is situated a few miles from Lesja.
This is where the first hunter-gatherers followed the wild reindeer after the last Ice Age and the density of cultural heritage sites is very high. If you want learn more about the area’s rich history and how it has been affected by human activity for thousands of years, visit Norsk Villreinsenter and Viewpoint Snøhetta. From this world-famous architectural viewpoint, you will get a view into the Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park – the realm of the wild reindeer and the musk oxen. If you want to go hiking, there are many options both for mountain goats and those with less experience. You can go for shorter hikes on the Kingsroad and pilgrimage route or climb the Snøhetta-peaks at over 2000 meters above
Dovrefjell and Snøhetta
If you are curious about local Norwegian food, Avdemsbue is the place to visit. It opened in 2015 when 24-year-old Anna Avdem decided to revive shopkeeping at this location where the first shop was opened in 1878. She started her own local farm shop in the house from 1938 and expanded it with a cheese-shaped café area in 2019. In addition to very local produce from the Avdem Farm Dairy, you can find a wide variety of products and enjoy a bite to eat with a view to cattle grazing.
Avdemsbue
If you have any enquiries about events, celebrations or accommodation, please contact us!