Children/Family Archives

Kongsvinger Fortress

The fortress's outdoor area is open and accessible all year round free of charge.

Kongsvinger Fortress was built in the 1680s to defend Norway against Sweden. It was built on the remains of a former fortress, Vingersundet skanse, on the River Glomma and was designed to protect the interior against attacks from the east. The fortress has played an important role in several wars and has been central to the defense of Norway. Today, the fortress is a landmark and is used for cultural activities and recreation, as well as housing a museum and a hotel.

The fortress was built in the 1680s to protect Norway from Sweden.It was placed by the Glomma river and the traffic routes through Vinger to prevent the advance towards Christiania (Oslo). The fortress has been central to several wars, especially against Sweden, and was headquarters for the invasion of Sweden in 1719 and during the planned invasion in 1788.

The fortress was decommissioned as an active defense in 1823, but has been reopened on several occasions, including during the dissolution of the union in 1905. After the Second World War, the fortress was used for the internment of traitors and as a home for various military units.

Kongsvinger Fortress is a popular tourist destination, with a museum, hotel, and events as part of the town's cultural offering. The fortress has been of great importance to the town of Kongsvinger, both as a defense and as an important part of the town's identity.

You may book accomodation on the castle here

At the castle you will also find the Fortress Museum, which shows the history of defence from the Viking Age to the present day. In 2002, H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon opened the exhibition "The Good Helpers". During the last war, there was extensive cross-border cargo and courier traffic across the border with Sweden. The exhibition shows how the war affected the local community along the border. There is also a short video about the history of the fortress.

The picture gallery on the museum's third floor is "Fra Grændsevagten" – a photographic exhibition about the dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden in 1905. The photographs depict the life, excitement and drama in and around Kongsvinger Fortress.

The museum is open 11.00-16.00 Saturday/Sunday in April and September. Exceptions are Palm Saturday/Sunday, Easter Eve, Easter Monday, 17 May and the first Saturday in June.

The ordinary opening period is from 1 May to 31 August every day between 11:00 and 16:00.
Out of season we are open by appointment.

You may book a guided tour of the castle here.

Eidsvoll 1814 – Norwegian Center for Constitution

Welcome to Eidsvoll 1814 – the cradle of Norwegian democracy

As the place where the Norwegian Constitution was drawn up and signed in 1814, Eidsvollsbygningen (Eidsvoll Manor House) is one of Norway’s most important national symbols.

Today, the museum encompasses the house itself, along with ancillary buildings and surrounding park, the Democracy Centre Wergeland’s House, ticket sales and souvenir shop, the museum shop, Kafé Standpunkt with al fresco seating, and outdoor exhibitions.

As the place where the Norwegian Constitution was drawn up and signed in 1814, Eidsvollsbygningen is one of Norway’s most important national symbols. The Constituent Assembly was made up of 112 delegates, who gathered here from 10 April to 20 May 1814. The Assembly declared Norway an independent nation, after more than 400 years of union with Denmark, gave the country a constitution and elected a king. The Constitution is dated 17 May 1814, which is celebrated as Norway’s national day.

In 1814 Eidsvoll Manor House was a private home belonging to the owner of Eidsvoll Ironworks. It is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture, whose design draws inspiration from the ideals of antiquity, and it is unparalleled in Norway. Eidsvoll Manor House’s architectural qualities are obvious both inside and out.

Guided tours in english every opening day at 12:30

Check opening hours and guided tours here

Wergelands Hus – Our visitors centre contains the exhibit “Citizens in a Living democracy”, emphasizing past and present stories of people committed to a cause, as well as other smaller changing exhibits inside and outside the house. The centre is located only 50 m from the main building with nice outdoor surroundings.

Kafé Standpunkt – is a modern coffeehouse inspired by the coffeehouse traditions that were established in Europe during the 17thcentury. In Madame Juels coffeehouse in Copenhagen the early thoughts of Norwegian independence were born, leading on to the events in 1814. Our coffeehouse offers tasty pastries, lunch and coffee in a modern interior which includes a small bookshop.

The coffeehouse is located in our visitors centre with a nice view to Eidsvollsbygningen as well as the river Andelva. Seats app 60 pax in side and 25 pax outside.

Museums shop- Roomers say it’s one of the most pretty museum shops in Norway, with a charming athmosphere and helpful staff. Planning the shop we wanted to bring the experience from the main building into the shop and its interiors as well as range of products. No trolls here..

Public Tranportation

From Oslo central station there is a train to Eidsvoll Verk every half hour, and the trip takes approx. 30 minutes. From here it is a great walk of about 20 minutes if you feel like walking – if not, you can take the corresponding bus that is included in the bus ticket directly to Eidsvoll 1814.

Welcome!

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

The science park

Vitenparken (The Science Park) in the campus park of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB) in Ås. It has be upgraded and rebuilt intermittently in 2013, paving the way for a more dynamic museum with circulating, themed exhibitions. We offer an auditorium for up to 50 people as well as a conference room with every technical facility. Guided tours in the UMB park and Meierimuseet (The Dairy Museum) can be arranged.

See www.vitenparken.no or contact us to arrange tours of the park, book conference rooms or get updates on opening hours.

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

The Plus at Magnor

The Plus – the world's most eco-friendly factory and a hot destination

The Plus is a tribute to the public, and the area around the factory is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to spectacular architecture that blends beautifully with nature, you'll find Forest Camp with universally designed trails that take you on forest walks that are accessible for both prams and wheelchairs, a pink picnic table with room for about 100 people and several different activities for young and old. You can ride Norway's highest slide, enjoy the tranquillity of the forest at a wide range of social meeting places, experience a unique factory roof or hike along the Børli poetry trail. On the green roof, you will experience how this functions as an urban piazza in the middle of the forest with its furnished concrete floor, surrounded by the forest's high treetops. You can also familiarise yourself with Vestre and The Plus on one of our three information screens on the factory walls.

Designed by Danish architects BIG, The Plus is a tribute to the great outdoors. That's why Forest Camp (the area around The Plus) is a 300-acre area that is open to everyone. Through 2,000 square metres of windows in the factory, you can see the production process from outside, or you can book a guided tour inside the factory. In Forest Camp you'll find various social meeting places with benches of different kinds, including a pink long table in the forest with room for about 100 people.

Vestre will bring something new to Forest Camp every year, giving you a reason to come back year after year.

Guided tours and group visits
It's possible to visit the factory and learn more about Norwegian furniture production. Experience the spectacular architecture of The Plus – designed by world-renowned BIG Bjarke Ingels Group – from the inside. On the tour, you'll learn more about Vestre's history from the start in 1947, how architecture, technology, people and nature are united in The Plus, and how we work with both social and environmental sustainability.

If you would like a tour inside the factory with one of our guides, you must purchase a ticket. The tour follows the products' journey in the factory, and you'll get to see our robots Margot and Randi powder coating, and experience how nature, light and aesthetics affect us humans.

– Individuals and small groups can book tours online
– Contact us to book a guided tour for more than 15 people.

Enjoy your packed lunch in the sunshine
With everything you can experience at The Plus, it's a good idea to bring a packed lunch. We recommend enjoying your packed lunch outdoors on the seats in the forest area or on the factory roof. There are also great opportunities to bring a picnic blanket and find a peaceful spot to yourself.

If you don't have a snack in your bag, Ingelsrud patisserie is only a 3-minute drive away. You can also ask for food and drinks to be delivered at an agreed time at The Plus.

We ask you to always show consideration for nature so that those who come next also have an equally good experience.
– Please dispose of your rubbish in the bins we have provided.
– Please note that it can be very dry in the forest at times. We therefore discourage smoking and bonfires in these areas.

SAS Museum

The SAS Museum, officially opened in 2003. The majority of the staff is SAS pensioners.

In the museum you can follow the history of SAS since its start in 1946. The consortium was the first of its kind in the world of aviation. The exhibits comprise models of all SAS-owned aircrafts. One section of the museum includes a complete collection of SAS uniforms. In the library you can find more than 700 volumes of aviation literature, complete magazines and much more. The museum has a comprehensive archive containing documents, manuals and printed material available for study and research purposes.

The opening hours for the museum is usual Tuesdag from 10-15 and Sunday from 12-16 – but please chech the website for updates

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Vegalangs

Vegalangs in Nes is suggestion to the public to get to know better what is happening in our nice municipiality of Nes and Vegalangs is divided into three.

Vegalangs Gardimellom are experiences that extend all over Nes, which can offer you experiences on the various farms around our beautiful area and are in mid-June.

Vegalangs i Vormadalen takes place over a week at the end of July – beginning of August and is an open cultural event that will give the public an experience of what is special about Vormadalen. In Vormadalen, a number of large, two-storey main buildings from the 18th-19th centuries have been preserved, most of them on well-preserved at farms in beautiful agricultural landscapes. Few places have as many large central chamber buildings as here, in many varieties and designs.

Especially with Vormadalen is the river landscape with its ravines, which are a nature type that is distinctive even on an international scale. To bring out the distinctive character, the project will let the river, old buildings, historical events and the ravine landscape be the setting for the event

Vegalangs Opaker is in August at Opaker, some of the things that can be experienced are plays at the museum, open farms at Teppa and lots of other exciting things.

The program changes from year to year – and this is updated in our What´s on calendar.

Some of what can be experienced "vegalangs" are events with information about homesteads with games, food and drink events such as afternoon tea, concerts with pizza and beer, courses, open farm sales and guided tours in ravines and in the forest. In addition, many farm experiences around in different places in Nes,

The programs change from year to year – the same applies to dates and you will find an updated program on our website which is under construction.

Welcome!

Salamanderparken på Holumskog

What can you experience in the park?

By being observant, you will be able to meet many of the park's residents. The boards will give you knowledge about the developmental stages of the animals, their appearance and their way of life. This happens through pictures, text and play. In the salamander park you will find as many as five of Norway's six naturally occurring amphibian species and as many as three of Norway's five land reptiles. This makes this place a regionally and nationally valuable area. It has a distinctive and partly dramatic history. The pond has been threatened by both development and fishing. But student participation, research and willingness to take care of the place, have led to this gem being taken care of.

So why not take the trip to Salamander Park yourself?

In the salamander park you will find as many as five of Norway's six naturally occurring amphibian species and as many as three of Norway's five land reptiles. This makes this place a regionally and nationally valuable area.

The park is adapted for prams and wheelchairs.

So take a trip and experience something exciting and different in combination with a trip to Gallery Würth and maybe a bite to eat at Mortens Kro!

Information from Visit Greater Oslo

Car Museum – Eight Amcars Club

Halfway between the capital Oslo and Oslo Airport Gardermoen, you'll find a car experience like no other!

We host one of the world’s most unique collections of classic cars – over 100 rare old cars spread across two floors. This is a must-see for car enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates timeless design and history!

Opening hours:

Wednesday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Take a break in our authentic American Diner!

We serve ice-cold soft drinks, tempting ice cream, and delicious food – including the legendary burger named the best in the region by Romerikes Blad!

Don't forget to check out our shop for T-shirts, caps, and more.

EAC AS was founded in 1977 with the mission of preserving American cars from the nine brands that lost the battle against Ford and GM between 1946 and 1966: DeSoto, Frazer, Henry J, Hudson, Kaiser, Nash, Packard, Studebaker, and Willys.

Easy to find, easy to visit!

You'll find us right between Oslo and Gardermoen, at Asakveien 11, 1923 Sørum.

Free parking – including a paved area just for motorcycles.

Check VY for public transport options to us.

Looking to rent a car for a truly special occasion – or surprise someone with a historical ride? We can help!

Read more on our website

Get in touch – we’re happy to assist!

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Mjøssamlingene, maritime museum

Lake Mjøsas maritime museum is a special heritage site. Historical vessels can be seen along the pier when they not are on the lake. The museum is situated by the old ferry location where Lake Mjøsa flows into the river Vorma and shows the 19th century shipping environment. The oldest of the warehouses dates back to 1801. The guided tour tells the colourful stories from the time when Lake Mjøsa was the main transport route for people, goods and timber. Mjøssamlingene has its own pier and the area is well suited for exploration and recreation. There are guided tours in the weekends during summer. Groups can make appointments.

Mjøssamlingene is a part of Mjøsmuseet, a regional museum of cultural history in Gjøvik, Toten and Minnesund. Other museums includes: Mjøsas ark, an exhibition about Lake Mjøsa at Kapp, the open-air museum Eiktunet in Gjøvik, and two historic houses, Gjøvik gård and Stenberg.

Mjøssamlingene, Minnestranda 35, N-2092 Minnesund.

Tel. 911 70 500 (Mjøsmuseet)

post@mjosmuseet.no

www.mjosmuseet.no

How to get there:From E6: exit road direction Minnesund/Gjøvik Rv 33. Continue towards Langset and take exit to the right just before the bridge.

Welcome!

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Oscarsborg Fortress

Oscarsborg Fortress is a jewel in the Drøbak narrow. In summer, Oscarsborg is perfect for families and for those interested in nature, culture and history. Oscarsborg Fortress Museum presents the history of the place and organises guided tours. There are plenty of activities for children. A safari through the subterranean tunnels below the fortress, obstacle courses, bathing beaches and crab fishing.

The unique surroundings of the fortress provide a fantastic arena for the theatre, opera and concerts which are organised during the summer season. At Oscarsborg you will find an art gallery, exhibitions, hotel and a good selection of places to eat. In summer you can travel by ferry from Drøbak and Oslo, or arrive with your own boat to Oscarsborg Marina.

History

Akershus Fortress had been the defender of the capital Oslo/Christiania for hundred of years. In the sixteenth century there was a great deal of unrest in Europe and it became important to have a fortification further out from the capital. The Drøbak Sound was identified as a strategic position for defence. In 1640 King Christian IV in Copenhagen ordered a blockhouse to be built on the Southern Kaholmen, which was finished in 1643.

The state bought the two Kaholmen Islands in 1845. The planning began immediately and the construction works started in 1846. After the visit of King Oscar in 1855 the fortress was given the name Oscarsborg. However, already in the 1860’s the fortress was out of date, developments in artillery had been rapid and the technical revolution had created a transformation in the way warfare was conducted.

Originally the fortress Oscarsborg was created to resist attack from sea and not over land. To withstand attacks over land the fortress was extended from 1890. New gun batteries were placed on Kaholmen, Håøya and on both sides of the fjord. An underwater stone wall (jeté), minefield, torpedo battery and entrenchments was also built.

When the negotiations with Sweden took place in 1905, the Oscarsborg fortress was regarded as the strongest fortress in northern Europe, with a defensive line that stretched 10 km from the Heer Entrenchment in the east to the top of Håøya in the west.

On the 9th of April 1940 Oscarsborg Fortress endured its first real trial. The fortress delayed the German attack by sinking the heavy cruiser “Blücher”; the newest cruiser of Germany. This slowed the attack, which gave the King, Government and Parliament sufficient time to evacuate Oslo and later on take up the fight against the occupation of Norway.

After the Second World War the strategic importance of Oscarsborg reduced and the last fortification was ended on the 1st of January 1993 and in 2002 the fortress became finally abolished.

In 2004 the Parliament decided to create The National Fortifications Heritage(“Nasjonale festningsverk”) which has the responsibility for the maintenance of 14 historical fortresses, among them Oscarsborg Fortress.

Cultural arena

Oscarsborg is a unique cultural arena for opera and concerts throughout the summer season. This year has an exciting programme with an acoustic pop/rock festival, wandering theatre troupes and fantastic opera experiences in the courtyard throughout August – just to mention a few. Oscarsborg has an art gallery run by Avistegnerne in Drøbak. “Forsvarets Hus” (“Military House”) in Kommandantboligen shows how the Norwegian military is today.

Getting here

The island can be reached by boat from Drøbak all year and there are buses from Oslo to Drøbak with regular departures. During spring and summer months you may take the ferry B21/B22 from Oslo, Aker Brygge to Oscarsborg and Drøbak. Ferry scedules

Member of Visit Greater Oslo