Lom

Written by Elsa Holm, Graham Smith, Julien Lambert
05/09/2025
Lom Stave Church with cemetery and mountains in fall, Fossbergom, Norway.
Christian Iso, Pexels

Lom is a pivotal village in Norway, serving as a gateway to several national parks and home to Norway’s highest peaks. It offers a unique blend of cultural immersion through its ancient stave church and museums, alongside extensive opportunities for outdoor activities in dramatic mountain landscapes.

The village center, Fossbergom, is a pleasant hub where visitors can mingle at outdoor cafés and restaurants, especially lively during the summer. Traditional mountain lodges in the surrounding area also provide convivial settings for guests.

Top 6 Things to do in Lom

In Lom, experiences range from immersing oneself in ancient Norwegian history and local traditions to embarking on invigorating hikes, glacier walks, and thrilling river adventures in the surrounding mountains.

1. Visit Lom Stave Church

Stepping inside Lom Stave Church offers a direct connection to Norway's medieval past. This remarkably preserved wooden church, dating back to the 12th century, features intricate carvings and a unique cruciform layout from 17th-century expansions. It provides a quiet space to reflect on centuries of history and admire traditional craftsmanship. Guided tours are available, offering deeper insights into its architecture and significance.

Cost: Adults: NOK 110,-; Seniors/Students: NOK 70,-; Children: NOK 50,-.

Transport: The church is centrally located in Fossbergom, the village center, and is easily accessible by foot.

2. Explore the Norwegian Mountain Center (Norsk Fjellsenter)

The Norwegian Mountain Center serves as the official visitor center for Jotunheimen and the surrounding national parks. It offers interactive exhibitions that detail the region's geological history, rich biodiversity, and cultural traditions. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the mountains before venturing into the landscapes, with exhibits suitable for various ages.

Cost: Entrance fees may apply; specific costs were not consistently available in recent searches.

Transport: Located within walking distance of Lom village center, adjacent to the Stave Church.

3. Hike Local Trails or Access Jotunheimen National Park

Lom provides access to diverse hiking opportunities, from gentle village walks to challenging mountain ascents. You can embark on trails like Læshø or Lomseggen directly from the village center, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding national parks and even glimpses of Norway’s highest peaks. For more ambitious hikers, Lom serves as a gateway to Jotunheimen National Park, where trails like Besseggen Ridge offer iconic, breathtaking vistas of emerald and blue lakes.

Cost: Free for self-guided hikes. Guided tours for more challenging routes or peak ascents (e.g., Galdhøpiggen) are available from local operators (prices vary, contact Aktiv i Lom or Røisheim Hotel for details).

Transport: Many trails, such as Læshø and sections of Lomseggen, start directly from Lom village center. For deeper access into Jotunheimen, summer buses run from Lom sentrum to various starting points like Leirvassbukrysset, with costs typically ranging from NOK 100-150.

4. Experience Glacier Walking

Walking on a glacier offers a truly unique and memorable experience, moving across the 'blue ice' formations. Guided tours are available in the Jotunheimen region, often on glaciers like Bøverbreen, which is an arm of Smørstabbreen. These tours cater to various skill levels, allowing participants to explore crevasses, ice towers, and learn about glacial landscapes. Essential equipment like crampons and ice axes are provided by the tour operator.

Cost: Prices vary by operator and tour length. Aktiv i Lom organizes tours on Bøverbreen; contact them for specific pricing. (An example of a standard 6-7 hour guided glacier tour from Finse, a different location, costs NOK 1250,-, including equipment).

Transport: Tours typically depart from specific meeting points in Jotunheimen. For Bøverbreen, transport details from Lom would be coordinated with Aktiv i Lom, who arranges the tours.

5. Go Rafting on the Sjoa River

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, white-water rafting on the Sjoa River offers an exhilarating experience. Known as one of Europe's best rafting rivers, Sjoa provides a range of rapids from family-friendly sections to challenging class III-IV routes. Participants are equipped with wetsuits, helmets, and life jackets, and guided by experienced professionals. This activity is a fantastic way to experience Norway's powerful waterways and dramatic landscapes from a different perspective.

Cost: Prices for a day trip typically range from NOK 855,- for family rafting to NOK 2020,- for more challenging tours, including equipment and lunch for some.

Transport: Rafting operators (e.g., Go Rafting Sjoa, Heidal Rafting) usually have a base in Nedre Heidal or other locations along the Sjoa River. Direct public transport from Lom to these bases can be limited, so booking a tour often involves meeting at their base, requiring personal transport or arranging shuttle services with the operator.

6. Visit Lom Bakery (Lom Bakeri)

Indulge in a taste of local culture at the renowned Lom Bakery, a very popular spot that draws visitors from across Norway. Known for its delicious artisan breads, pastries, and sweet buns (boller), it's a perfect place to sample traditional Norwegian baked goods. The inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal stop for a casual treat or a warm drink, especially after a day of exploring.

Cost: Variable, depending on purchases (e.g., individual bakery items, coffee).

Transport: The bakery is conveniently located in the heart of Lom village center, easily accessible by foot from any accommodation in the area.

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