Valdres is a traditional district in central, southern Norway, situated between Gudbrandsdal and Hallingdal. Administratively, it belongs to Oppland. It consists of the municipalities Nord-Aurdal, Sør-Aurdal, Øystre Slidre, Vestre Slidre, Vang and Etnedal. The main town in the region is Fagernes, where there also is an airport. European route E16 is the main highway, while the main rivers are Begna and Etna. The railroad connection from Oslo (Valdresbanen) was shut down in 1988, but chartered train rides are available. Historically, Valdres has had an agricultural economy, but tourism has grown in prominence in later years. Valdres provides access between eastern parts of Norway and Bergen and the Jotunheimen mountain range.
