Sand

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Sand's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival in Sand
morning
:

Start your journey with an early arrival in Sand. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee at a local café overlooking Gudbrandsdalslågen. Familiarize yourself with the village ambiance as you stroll by the waterfront.

afternoon
:

After settling into your accommodation, head to the Sand cultural centre for a guided tour. Explore exhibitions detailing local history and folk art. Capture the scenic views of the surrounding mountains from the centre's vantage point.

evening
:

Dine at a traditional Norwegian restaurant serving fresh trout and reindeer stew. Take a leisurely walk by the lake as twilight casts a golden glow over the water. If skies are clear, look for a chance to glimpse the Northern Lights dancing overhead.

day 2
Lake Gudbrandsdalslågen Cruise
morning
:

Board a morning boat cruise on the Gudbrandsdalslågen river. Listen to the guide share tales of local legends and river ecology. Admire the lush forests lining the riverbanks as you glide through the valley.

afternoon
:

Dock at a riverside farm and sample homemade cheeses and bread. Meet local farmers and learn about traditional dairy practices. Wander through flower meadows before returning to Sand.

evening
:

Attend a folk music performance in the village square. Join locals for dancing and sing-alongs at a cozy wooden hall. Savor hot lingonberry juice to warm up as the night cools.

day 3
Hiking in Heidal Valley
morning
:

Set off early for Heidal Valley with a packed breakfast. Trek along forested trails leading to panoramic hilltop views. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you ascend.

afternoon
:

Pause for lunch by a trickling mountain stream and enjoy homemade sandwiches. Continue your hike towards a hidden alpine lake known for its crystal-clear waters. Spot grazing reindeer and listen for bird calls echoing in the valley.

evening
:

Return to Sand for a relaxing sauna session at a local wellness center. Unwind in steaming waters as the sun dips below the horizon. Follow up with a light dinner of smoked salmon and root vegetable soup.

day 4
Visit Skei Church and History
morning
:

Walk to the historic Skei Church nestled among pine trees. Explore its wooden architecture dating back to the 19th century. Learn about local religious traditions from an affable guide.

afternoon
:

Head to the Sand History Museum to dive deeper into regional heritage. Examine traditional costumes, tools, and artifacts displayed in period rooms. Participate in a folk art demonstration and try carving your own souvenir.

evening
:

Share a communal meal with locals at the museum café serving heritage recipes. Engage in conversation about village life and traditions. Enjoy live storytelling around a crackling fireplace.

day 5
Troll Mountain Adventure
morning
:

Drive toward the nearby mountains known for their rock formations called Trolls. Lace up your boots for a challenging mountain ascent. Stop at viewpoints to photograph the dramatic landscape.

afternoon
:

Picnic on a rocky outcrop overlooking glacial valleys. Explore narrow ledges and hidden caves said to be troll dwellings. Learn about Norse myths surrounding the mountain from your guide.

evening
:

Return to Sand under a star-studded sky. Relax with a hot chocolate at a quaint café near the pier. Reflect on your day’s adventure as you gaze at the distant peaks.

day 6
Fiskumfoss Waterfall Trek
morning
:

Depart early for Fiskumfoss waterfall to catch it at its most powerful. Follow the river trail through dense birch forests. Hear the thunderous roar grow louder as you approach the falls.

afternoon
:

Settle on a flat rock beside the waterfall for a scenic lunch. Feel the cool mist on your face from the cascading water. Walk downstream to discover smaller cascades and hidden pools.

evening
:

Return to Sand for a lakeside sunset dinner. Try a locally brewed craft beer paired with Arctic char. Stroll along the dock as the fading light paints the sky in hues of pink and purple.

day 7
Skiing at Skeikampen
morning
:

Catch the ski shuttle to Skeikampen resort just outside Sand. Warm up with a hot drink before hitting freshly groomed slopes. Spend the morning carving turns through powdery snow.

afternoon
:

Stop at a mountain lodge for a hearty Norwegian stew. Glide across groomed trails or tackle a challenging downhill run. Enjoy panoramic views of Gudbrandsdalen from the top lifts.

evening
:

Return at dusk and warm up by the fireplace in your lodge. Savor homemade waffles topped with berries and cream. Plan the next day’s adventure over a cup of warming tea.

day 8
Local Farm Experience
morning
:

Visit a family-run goat farm at the outskirts of Sand. Participate in morning feeding rounds and bottle-feed young kids. Learn how to make traditional goat cheese from scratch.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch featuring fresh goat cheese salad. Wander through aromatic herb gardens and vegetable patches. Help gather eggs from free-range hens and butter churns.

evening
:

Join the farmers for an evening bonfire in the barnyard. Share stories over grilled sausages and fresh baked bread. Toast marshmallows as the sky darkens and stars emerge.

day 9
Photography at Otta River Gorge
morning
:

Head west to the dramatic Otta River Gorge at sunrise. Capture the narrow canyon walls bathed in golden light. Experiment with long exposures to highlight the swirling rapids.

afternoon
:

Hike along the edge of the gorge stopping at vantage points. Photograph unique rock formations and hidden waterfalls. Lunch on a scenic overlook while reviewing your best shots.

evening
:

Return to Sand for an outdoor photo review session. Project your images on a large screen at a local gallery. Get feedback from a professional photographer over light hors d’oeuvres.

day 10
Relaxation and Departure
morning
:

Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation. Soak in the serene surroundings with a final lakeside walk. Pack and prepare for your journey home.

afternoon
:

Visit local shops for souvenirs such as handcrafted wool sweaters and pottery. Sample regional berries and jams at a cozy shop in the village center. Capture last photos of Sand under afternoon light.

evening
:

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant with panoramic valley views. Reflect on your immersive Norwegian adventure over a glass of local apple cider. Depart feeling recharged and enriched by Sand’s natural beauty and culture.

Discover Sand

Read more in our Sand 2025 Travel Guide.

Sand Travel Guide