About Eastern Norway (Østlandet)

Eastern Norway is the country's most populated and economically important region, home to about half of Norway's population. The region includes the capital Oslo, the surrounding Viken county, and the inland counties of Innlandet and Vestfold og Telemark.

Unlike the wet western coast, Eastern Norway has a more continental climate with cold, dry winters and warm summers. This makes it ideal for winter sports, and the region hosts most of Norway's major ski resorts. The beautiful valleys of Gudbrandsdalen and Hallingdal offer traditional Norwegian culture and stunning scenery.

Key Facts About Eastern Norway

Counties

Oslo, Viken, Innlandet, Vestfold og Telemark

Major City

Oslo (pop. 700,000)

Population

~2.8 million (50% of Norway)

Climate

Continental - cold winters, warm summers

Top Destinations

🏙️

Oslo

Norway's capital with world-class museums, vibrant culture, and waterfront life.

59.9139°N, 10.7522°E
🎿

Lillehammer

1994 Winter Olympics host, excellent ski resorts and Olympic attractions.

61.1153°N, 10.4662°E
⛷️

Trysil

Norway's largest ski resort with excellent facilities.

61.3167°N, 12.2667°E
🏔️

Jotunheimen National Park

Home to Norway's highest peaks including Galdhøpiggen (2,469m).

61.6000°N, 8.3000°E
🏛️

Valdres

Beautiful valley with stave churches and traditional farming culture.

61.0833°N, 9.2500°E
🚢

Oslofjord

Scenic fjord with islands, beaches, and historic sites.

59.4000°N, 10.6000°E

Major Valleys

  • Gudbrandsdalen: Norway's longest valley, traditional farms and Lillehammer
  • Hallingdal: Valley with Geilo ski resort and stave churches
  • Valdres: Scenic valley with Beitostølen and traditional culture
  • Numedal: Historic valley with medieval stave churches
  • Telemark: Birthplace of telemark skiing

Ski Resorts in Eastern Norway

  • Trysil: Norway's largest resort (71 slopes)
  • Hemsedal: "The Scandinavian Alps" (52 slopes)
  • Hafjell: Olympic venue near Lillehammer
  • Kvitfjell: Olympic downhill venue
  • Geilo: Historic resort between Oslo and Bergen
  • Norefjell: Close to Oslo

Outdoor Activities

  • Hiking: Jotunheimen, Rondane, and Hardangervidda national parks
  • Skiing: Excellent downhill and cross-country throughout the region
  • Cycling: Rallarvegen and other scenic routes
  • Fishing: Rivers and lakes throughout the valleys