Historical buildings/environment Archives

The old town in Kongsvinger

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.

Gamle Hvam Museum

Take a break from everyday life – discover the peaceful charm of Gamle Hvam Museum

Step into the tranquil atmosphere of Gamle Hvam Museum, a living cultural heritage site surrounded by blooming gardens, historic farm buildings, friendly animals, and a nostalgic country store. Relax with freshly made waffles in the sunshine while taking in the scents of heirloom perennials and roses in full bloom.

Garden walks in historic surroundings

Join us for a guided garden walk through Gamle Hvam’s botanical treasure trove. Our knowledgeable gardener will lead you through the grounds, sharing the fascinating stories behind the traditional plants collected from old gardens across Eastern Norway.

Tours are available both during and outside regular museum opening hours.

A living collection of heritage plant

The garden at Gamle Hvam is more than just beautiful, it is a living conservation collection. Here you’ll find perennials, roses, and ornamental shrubs that were commonly grown in Eastern Norwegian gardens from the mid-20th century and earlier. Every plant has been carefully selected for its documented history and its adaptability to Norwegian growing conditions.

These old garden plants are uniquely valuable – hardy, resilient, and well adapted to local climates. The collection began in the 1980s, and since 2003, it has been part of the Plantearven (Plant Heritage) initiative, in collaboration with the Norwegian Genetic Resource Centre. Today, the garden serves as a clone archive, recognized for its national and regional conservation value.

Welcome to Gamle Hvam – where history takes root and grow

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Bærums Verk

Handelsstedet Bærums Verk has roughly 50 shops, artisans, workshops, galleries and eateries.

Verksgata, which consists of old houses for labourers from the 18th century, is open seven days a week all year round. Here you can find the artisan workshop of the smith, glass blowers, silversmiths, art galleries, eateries including pizza and pancakes, chocholate shop, delicatessen with local produce and other unique shops. The shopping mall in the old factory hosts a large selection of interior shops and chic clothes for the whole family.

Bærums Verk is a lovely place to visit for a day excursion and shopping. Walk along the river among the sculptures and the wooden houses, enjoy a good meal in one of the restaurants and cafes or visit the artisans in their atelier.

The beautiful sculpture park at Bærums Verk include 28 sculptures made by renowned Norwegian artists – a collection that expands with a new sculpture every year. Open 24/7 to the public.

Handelsstedet Bærums Verk’s opening hours can be found on Facebook and on www.baerumsverk.no

Bærums Verk is siutuated along the pilgrim path and is a gateway for recreational routes in Bærum.

Easy access to Bærums Verk by direct bus 150 from Oslo city centre, or bus 210 from Sandvika. Public transport schedule: ruter.no

Members of Visit Greater Oslo

Prøysenhuset – A Place of Storytelling and Culture

Welcome to Prøysenhuset – A Place of Storytelling and Culture

This summer, step into the world of Alf Prøysen, one of Norway’s most beloved cultural figures. Prøysenhuset, the Prøysen Museum, invites visitors of all ages to experience his enchanting stories, music, and legacy in a setting filled with warmth and nostalgia. Whether you're traveling with family, your partner, or exploring on your own, there’s something exciting waiting for you.

Alf Prøysen
Alf Prøysen (23 July 1914 – 23 November 1970) was a Norwegian author, poet, playwright, songwriter and musician. Prøysen was one of the most important Norwegian cultural personalities in the second half of the 20th century. He was born in Ringsaker and is known for his series of books featuring Mrs.Pepperpot. The house where he was born and raised and its surroundings have now become the Prøysen museum, 'Prøysenhuset'

Experience the Prøysen Museum
The Prøysen Museum is a national cultural centre built to remember, honour, and spread knowledge of Alf Prøysen's work. Through a guided tour of the Prøysen Cottage and the exhibition "Livets runde", visitors get an insight into Alf Prøysen's upbringing, life, and work. There are events throughout the year, but there are two main seasons during which the Prøysen Museum is particularly busy. "Christmas at Prøysen” and “Summer at Prøysen” offer a tight-packed program with experiences and together-time through activities, theatre performances, and concerts all generations can enjoy.
– See upcoming events at the Prøysen Museum

The experiences are lined up all year round, with two main seasons where Prøysenhuset really comes to life: "Christmas in Prøysen" and "Summer in Prøysen". These seasons offer theater performances, concerts and interactive activities that create great moments for the whole family.

In addition to the main seasons, Prøysenhuset offers a number of cultural experiences throughout the year. The weekend program includes presentations, storytelling and musical performances in Café Julie, where you can also enjoy homemade food in pleasant surroundings. Families with children can explore activity rooms, play in Mikkelikskiskogen and participate in "Bolla's picture hunt". For companies and groups, tailor-made programs are offered, including guided tours, storytelling and specially adapted catering in Café Julie.

See the full program here

Opening hours
Monday – Wednesday: Open on request for groups
Thursday – Friday: 10:00 – 16:00
Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 – 17:00

Kafé Julie
Welcome to Kafé Julie! Named after Alf's mother, the café offers good, homemade food made from scratch. Here you can enjoy generous portions at pleasant prices, whether you want a delicious lunch or just a cup of coffee with freshly baked cake. Singing with the food is not uncommon! The café follows the house's opening hours, and for groups and events, serving and catering are offered on request.
Read more about the offer at Kafé Julie here

Other events in Prøysen
Prøysenhuset organizes a number of family and cultural events throughout the year.
Follow Prøysenhuset on Facebook to stay up to date with what's happening and read more at proysenhuset.no

Learn about Alf Prøysen
The exhibition "The Circle of Life"
Our knowledge of Alf Prøysen is constantly evolving. His writings are constantly gaining new depth and interpretations, which in turn open doors in step with the times we live in. In the digitized exhibition "The Circle of Life" you can immerse yourself in Prøysen, and discover the relevance and genius of his word art.

Visit Prøysenstua
Get to know the person and author Alf Prøysen. Our facilitators will take you on a storytelling session in Prøysenstua, where Alf Prøysen grew up. Here you will hear about his childhood and upbringing on the Prøysen farmstead. The storytelling session also includes singing or reading a stub.

Whether you want to learn more about Prøysen's life and work, enjoy a concert or let your children explore the adventurous surroundings, Prøysenhuset is a destination that offers memorable experiences all year round.
Tickets are purchased at Prøysenhuset upon arrival.

Prices
Adult: 155 kr
Child: 80 kr
Student: 115 kr
Honorary: 115 kr
Family: 350 kr

For groups of more than 10 people, separate prices apply. Café Julie and the shop can be visited without an entrance ticket. Separate ticket prices apply during the events "Summer in Prøysen" and "Christmas in Prøysen".

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.

Wergelandshaugen

The old Magistrate's Villa from the 1920s has been converted into a stately meeting place. Traditional craftsmanship and historical references have been central to the restoration.

Wergelandshaugen is a place for a festive occasion, wedding, baptism, confirmation, memorial service, seminar or meeting place for colleagues and friends.

Wergelandshaugen has a beautiful and peaceful location, here you will immediately notice the tranquility that rural surroundings can provide. In the associated English garden, you can see and smell the plants and flowers from ancient times, back to the Middle Ages. The historic garden has been painstakingly restored to the 1920s, according to photographs and with contemporary plants. New this year is the portal to the forest and the balance park for children and young people.

You are invited to art experiences both outside and inside. Twice a year, Wergelandshaugen has artists in residence and various art exhibitions are held. There is also a sculpture park on the property where the sculptures appear as surprises placed in the scenic surroundings of the ravine landscape.

Wergelandshaugen is accessible by train, 35 minutes from Oslo S or 10 minutes from Oslo Lufthavn Gardermoen, then a 5-minute walk from Eidsvoll station. If you drive and arrive by car, it takes 50 minutes from the center of Oslo, large car park at the end of the property.

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

“Glasslåven” Artcenter

Production venue for professional Arts

Glasslåven Arts Centre is located in Gran,Hadeland Norway, and it opened in April 2016.
The preservation of a historical barn from the 1880’s has been renovated and rebuilt with ecological principals.
It has become a pilot project in which the sustainability of the area through generations, has inspired forward thinking and co-friendly building techniques.

The stable, hayloft and the basement potato storage are replaced with a gallery, production- and performance venues, glassblowing studio and regular studios for permanent and temporary tenants.
The arts center is a ecofriendly building for high quality and professional art.
Among our residing artists you’ll find two stellars in Norwegian arts & crafts, glass artist Ulla-Mari Brantenberg and jewelry artist Toril Bjorg.

Multiple visual artists, writers and a composer are among the artists who work here on a daily basis.

Regular opening hours:
Saturdays and Sundays 11:00 – 16:00
Extended opening hours during the summer vacation

GROUPS:
Season: All year
Price guiding: Under 10 persons NOK 600,-
Groups 10 – 25: NOK 55,- per person
Groups over 25: NOK 50,- per person
Weekend/night + NOK 950,-
Duration: Recommended 1/2 – 1 hour
Capasity: Groups over 20 are recommended to devide.

Thornegården i Son

The jewel is Thornegården, dating from the end of the 18th-century. During the Dutch trading from 1500 to 1800 this coastal town was such an important harbour that the Oslo fjord was called Zoon Water on Dutch maps. Idyllic Son is these days attractive to the many artists who live and work here. It also attracts grat activity in the sailing and wooden boat fraternities.

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Anno Kvinnemuseet – The women’s museum in Norway

"Kvinnemuseet" (The Women's Museum) will give the women history back
A few generations ago, women preferred not to take part in life outside the home. This has made women hardly visible in history books and in Norwegian museums.

The museum's collections consist of objects, books, photos and archive material. The museum has a well-stocked library that can be used by the public during the museum's opening hours. The museum's magazines contain a large collection of objects. Much is registered and available at Digitalt museum, and some selected objects can be seen in our permanent museum exhibitions "Play for life", "In all public" and "Din Dagny".

The Women's Museum also has some archival material and has recently begun cautiously registering this in the archive registration program Asta.

Exhibitions and events at the Women's Museum
Here you can experience three floors of information about women's lives and work – both nationally and internationally. In addition, the museum offers a number of events both at the museum and in the surrounding area. Entry ticket to the Women's Museum also gives free entry to the Kongsvinger Museum. (Does not apply to events)

• See what's on

Opening hours

Winter and spring season 1 February – 18 May: Saturday and Sunday 12-16.

Summer season 20 May – 31 August: Tuesday to Sunday 11-17.

Autumn season 6 September – 30 November: Saturday and Sunday 12-16.

Open for school classes and groups by advance booking all year round.

More information here

Open all year round for groups
The Women's Museum closes for a few months in the winter, but is available to groups all year round on request. School classes can visit the museum for free both during and outside the museum's normal opening hours.

Kindly get in touch to arrange group tours.

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