Innlandet

Innlandet is a county (fylke) in Norway located in the eastern, inland part of the country. It was established on 1 January 2020 through the merger of Hedmark and Oppland counties as part of a nationwide reform. The name means “the inland” in Norwegian.

Geography: The county encompasses diverse landscapes, from the shores of Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, to alpine mountains in Jotunheimen and Rondane. The Gudbrandsdalen and Østerdalen valleys are major geographic features. The region contains portions of several protected areas, including Jotunheimen National Park and Rondane National Park.

Administration and economy: Innlandet is governed by Innlandet fylkeskommune. The region’s economy relies on agriculture, forestry, hydropower, and tourism. Tourism is driven by outdoor recreation, winter sports, and cultural heritage; notable attractions include Mjøsa lake and the towns of Hamar, Lillehammer, and Gjøvik.

Transport: The Dovre Line (Dovrebanen) railway and the European route E6 pass through the county, connecting it to Oslo and Trondheim.

Culture and history: The town of Lillehammer hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics, reflecting the region’s long association with winter sports. The area has a rich agricultural and cultural heritage, with communities and traditions tied to its valleys, mountains, and lakes.