Nestled in the Hallingdal valley, Nesbyen is a bustling town along the railroad that connects Oslo and Bergen. Its historic heart is clustered with buildings that date back to the 19th century while the surrounding mountains provide a spectacular setting for hiking, mountain biking and skiing. Nesbyen’s cultural heritage is celebrated at its historic open-air museum and along an inspiring art trail.
Things to do in Nesbyen
Gain insight into the region’s cultural heritage at the Hallingdal Museum, which is one of the oldest open-air museums in Norway. Wander between the beautifully preserved wooden buildings, with the oldest being the Stavloftet that dates back to around 1340. Admire the traditional costumes and agricultural artefacts on display or coincide your visit with one of the storytelling events that regularly take place.
Leading from the Hallingdal Museum is an art-inspired walk titled “In the Footsteps of Gude”. It features several scenes painted by one of Norway’s most famous Romantic artists, Hans Gude, including the mill dam and the Rukkedøla waterfall. Due to his influence, Nesbyen became a significant stopover for many Norwegian and foreign artists in the mid-to-late 19th century.
Mountain bikers can test their skills on some of Norway’s toughest trails or there are more than 450 kilometres of groomed cross-country skiing trails to explore in the winter months. Nesbyen is also home to Lake Trytetjern, which boasts a sandy beach that is a popular setting for swimming and sunbathing in the summer months.
Getting around Nesbyen
Nesbyen is just over two hours’ drive from Oslo and 2.5 hours from Oslo Airport, with regular trains connecting to the Nesbyen railway station. Buses travel throughout the town, although the centre is compact enough to explore on foot.