Here you find small, charming shops and a cafè. And lots of history. There is also three museums here.
A part of the town, full of history and charm
Kongsvinger’s oldest part consists of big offiser’s houses and small soldier houses from the 1700 and 1800. Here are also the distinguished trade houses of the city’s two priviliged village shop keepers. This part of the city grew up from Kongsvinger fortress and down – nearest to the fortress is the 1700- year’s part, and down under is the 1800-year’s part.
A “living” old town with nice stores, a small cafè and markets
In June every year, «Liv i Leiren» is arranged, a market with market stands, food and entertainment, and the first weekend in Advent, there is «Christmas market in The old town “Øvrebyen».
Jonas Lie’s street
This is the childhood street of Erik Werenskiold, who grew up as a son of a commander at the fortress. The female piano player Erika Lie Nissen and her sister Thomasine Lie also grew up here. Thomasine married her cousin Jonas Lie, and they lived the first years in the old town – Øvrebyen. The city therefore has a “real” Jonas Lies street named after the author – the street where he actually lived.
An antiquarian part of Kongsvinger with the fortress and musèes
“Øvrebyen” was protected as antiquarian special area in 1975 to keep the character. This part of the city is a living museum area, «framed» by Kongsvinger fortress, Kongsvinger museum and the Women’s museum.
Order a guided walk in Øvrebyen
If you want to get better aquinted with the history of the old town, make a reservation at Kongsvinger museum.