Eidsvoll: History, Culture and Trails

When looking for a hotel in Eidsvoll, you can first decide which themes you want to shape your stay: local history, cultural events, walking trails or other destinations in the municipality. Historic sites and cultural venues come together in the town centre; elsewhere in the municipality, museums and other destinations add to the picture. This lets you tailor your travel plans to your own interests.

Culture and History in the Town Centre

Panorama Cinema and Culture House is located in the centre of Eidsvoll and hosts concerts, performances and talks. The auditorium has 291 seats for stage events. If you have a particular date in mind, check the current programme, as events may change.

Eidsvoll Church is located at Tingvollen, above the town centre. It is a cruciform church dating from around 1190; from there, you can look out over Eidsvoll and the Vorma. On 10 April 1814, delegates to the Norwegian Constituent Assembly met in the church. Nearby stands a statue of Camilla Collett, Henrik Wergeland’s sister. The building’s history, the view over the town and the historic meeting in 1814 give this area several distinct cultural connections.

Historic Buildings and Museum Themes

Eidsvoll bygdetun in Hammerstad comprises 29 buildings depicting a rural community from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can stroll among the historic buildings, learn how people lived in the past and discover more about the history of the local community. The Okkupasjonsmuseet at the bygdetun shows how occupation and resistance unfolded in Eidsvoll during the Second World War. Everyday life over two centuries and the history of the occupation period are presented there as distinct themes.

The barbecue area, activity trail and open-air stage are freely accessible year-round, including outside the museum’s opening hours. If you plan to use these facilities, check the latest operating details before your visit.

Walks and Cycling Route

You can reach Sundtoppen via a path from Sundgata or by taking the steps behind Sushi Woki and Thaimat. The Sundet–Wergelandshaugen–Eidsvoll prestegård walking trail starts at Bankplassen in Sundet. If you would rather plan a cycling route, you can follow the section of National Cycle Route 7 between Oslo and Eidsvoll: the Pilgrimsruta is described there as 82 kilometres long and of moderate difficulty. These trails and the cycling route offer different options for planning a trip on foot or by bike.

The Vorma and Historic Transport Routes

Eidsvoll has two main guest jetties. One is by the old bridge, next to the outdoor restaurant there; the other is by the new bridge, near the log-driver monument. Boats on the Vorma call at both jetties. A different connection to shipping belongs to the history of the railway: in 1854, Norway’s first railway line opened from Kristiania to Eidsvoll, which was initially its terminus. There was a landing stage at the station, where goods could be transferred to boats on Lake Mjøsa. The guest jetties and the former goods transfer point thus belong to different chapters of local transport and shipping history.

More Destinations in Eidsvoll Municipality

The wider travel destination of Eidsvoll includes other places in the municipality. The Norwegian Constitution was written and adopted at Eidsvoll Manor in 1814. A guided tour is required to visit. The Eidsvoll 1814 Museum preserves the manor as a national cultural heritage site.

In Minnesund, also part of the wider travel destination of Eidsvoll, the Mjøssamlingene explore the history of boats and goods transport on Lake Mjøsa. On display are warehouses, workshops and historic boats in their original setting. During the summer half of the year, the buildings can be visited every Sunday with a guide or museum attendant; exact dates vary from year to year. Check the dates if you plan to visit.

The Smaragdgruvene are also located in Minnesund. Visitors can explore the mining area on their own and search for emeralds; there is also a small museum. It is just under one kilometre from the car park to the mines. These destinations in the municipality broaden the picture beyond the town centre while keeping their respective themes distinct.

Discover more destinations: Minnesund, Dal, Råholt

Return to the wider travel overview: Eidsvoll.