Garli is a remote spot on the Valdresflye, the high plateau road between Valdres and Gudbrandsdalen, and it sits in a landscape of bare mountain, lake and marsh at about 1,000 metres. The Valdresflye is a National Tourist Route, and the road crosses the plateau through the Jotunheimen and Jotunheimen-adjacent country, with views of the great peaks to the north, including the Besseggen ridge and the Gjende lake. The road was built in the 1930s as a tourist route, and it is surprisingly smooth, with long gentle curves and a clear sense of space. Fagernes, over thirty kilometres away, is the nearest town, with fuel and services.
The country is the home of the Jotunheimen mountains, whose name means the home of the giants, and which contain Norway's highest peaks, including Galdhøpiggen at 2,469 metres. The plateau itself is covered in low vegetation, lichen, moss and dwarf birch, and in summer, there are wildflowers. Sheep and cattle graze, and farmers used to bring their animals here for the summer. Old summer farms, seters, are scattered along the road. The area is popular with hikers, and in winter, with cross-country skiers.
The weather is an essential factor. The Valdresflye often has fog, rain and strong wind, even in July, and temperatures can drop sharply. The road can be closed in winter, from about November to May, and snow can remain in June. Carry warm clothing and waterproofs, and do not underestimate the cold. When the sun appears, the plateau lights up, and the lakes turn blue.
Along the road are several viewpoints and rest areas, including a small stone and timber shelter designed to blend into the landscape, and the Gjendebu lake view, one of the most famous in Norway. A bit further on, Bygdin lake is a long, narrow mountain lake with an old steamer, the Bitihorn, which ran in summer. There is little in the way of services at Garli, so fill the tank in Fagernes before setting out, and take food and drink. A hot coffee from a flask on the plateau, with a view of the great peaks, is a fine reward.