Innlandet
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| Innlandet | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Innlandet |
| Settlement type | County |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Norway |
| Seat type | Administrative centre |
| Seat | Hamar, Lillehammer |
| Government type | County municipality |
| Leader title | County mayor |
| Leader name | Even Aleksander Hagen |
| Area total km2 | 52072 |
| Population total | 371,385 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | CET |
| Utc offset | +01:00 |
| Timezone DST | CEST |
| Utc offset DST | +02:00 |
| Website | www.innlandetfylke.no |
Innlandet. It is the largest county in Norway by area, established on 1 January 2020 through the merger of the former counties of Oppland and Hedmark. The county's dual administrative centres are the historic cities of Hamar and Lillehammer, the latter internationally renowned for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics. Encompassing much of the interior of Eastern Norway, it is a region defined by deep valleys, expansive forests, major inland lakes, and towering mountain ranges.
Geography
The landscape is dominated by the great valleys of Gudbrandsdalen, Østerdalen, and Valdres, which are carved by rivers like the Gudbrandsdalslågen and Glomma, Norway's longest river. It contains significant portions of the Scandinavian Mountains, including areas of the Jotunheimen range, home to Galdhøpiggen, the highest peak in Northern Europe. Major lakes such as Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake, Femunden, and Randsfjorden are central features, while vast stretches of the county are covered by the coniferous forests of the Taiga. Protected areas include large parts of Rondane National Park, Norway's first national park, Jotunheimen National Park, and Femundsmarka National Park.
History
The region has been inhabited since the Stone Age, with evidence from sites like the Rødsmoen area. During the Viking Age, it was a nexus of inland trade and power, with the Hamar Cathedral ruins attesting to its medieval importance as a bishopric. The Kings' Road (Kongevegen) through Gudbrandsdalen was a vital historic transport corridor. The area was historically divided into the amt of Hedmark and Kristians Amt, which later became Oppland. Lillehammer gained global recognition from the 1994 Winter Olympics, while the Maihaugen museum in that city provides extensive insight into Norwegian cultural history. The Hedmark Museum in Hamar is another key institution preserving regional heritage.
Economy
The economy is diverse, with a strong base in agriculture, forestry, and renewable energy. The fertile areas around Mjøsa and in the valleys support grain production and dairy farming, with major cooperatives like Tine and Gilde operating there. Forestry supplies industries such as Norske Skog's paper mill in Follum. Hydropower generation is significant, with numerous power stations operated by companies like Hafslund Eco and Statkraft. Manufacturing includes advanced units of Kongsberg Gruppen and Elkem. Tourism is a major industry, centered on destinations like the Lillehammer region, the mountain resorts of Trysil and Hafjell, and the Peer Gynt Road.
Culture
The region is considered a heartland of Norwegian folk culture, being the origin of many traditional music forms, dances like the springar, and the iconic Hardanger fiddle. It is the setting for Henrik Ibsen's epic poem Peer Gynt and inspired much of the work of composer Edvard Grieg. Cultural events include the annual Peer Gynt Festival at Vinstra and the winter sports competitions at the Hafjell and Kvitfjell alpine centers. Notable museums are the Norwegian Olympic Museum in Lillehammer, the Norwegian Road Museum at Hunderfossen, and the Lillehammer Art Museum. The Dølahest and Gudbrandsdal horse breeds originate here.
Municipalities
The county is divided into 46 municipalities. The most populous include Lillehammer, Gjøvik, Hamar, Kongsvinger, and Elverum. Other significant municipalities are Ringsaker, Østre Toten, Vestre Toten, Sør-Fron, Nord-Fron, and Ringebu. In the north, larger municipalities include Tolga, Tynset, and Alvdal, while western areas encompass Vang, Vågå, and Lom, the latter being a gateway to Jotunheimen. Major tourist and industrial municipalities also include Trysil, Åmot, and Stor-Elvdal.