Discover Hakadal

Hakadal brings together the Varingskollen winter sports area, traces of its ironworks history and a valley framed by forested highlands. The railway station and the Hakadalselva river also help orient visitors.

Taking the train to Hakadal

Hakadal station in Nittedal is on the Gjøvik Line. Trains run from here towards Jaren, Gjøvik and Oslo S. If you plan to travel by train, check the timetable before setting off.

Winter sports at Varingskollen

Varingskollen Alpinsenter has six downhill runs and five lifts, including a free conveyor belt. The terrain park is 550 metres long and has more than 20 features, including large jumps and rails. Facility details may change following upgrades; the terrain park layout can vary between seasons. Check the latest information before your visit.

Traces of the ironworks

Hakadal Verk operated as an ironworks from 1550 to 1868 and is believed to be Norway’s oldest ironworks. The main building, erected towards the end of the 18th century and little changed since, and the old iron store remain. The main building is now used as an office and manager’s residence. The site is not generally open to visitors; visits are possible only by special arrangement.

Nittedal Bygdetun in Hakadal houses Nittedal Bygdesamling, with local history collections of furniture, tools, and craft and household items. It also includes an exhibition about iron production and the history of Hakadals Verk, featuring an original furnace from the ironworks. Opening arrangements may vary, and exhibition details may change. Check both before visiting.

History along the way

A digital walking game about the history of Hakadals Verk starts at Hakadal station and takes visitors through 21 stops. The content is presented on a mobile phone or tablet using text, audio, images and video. It offers a different way to explore the history of the ironworks than viewing the surviving buildings and collection items. Availability and participation terms may change; check in advance whether the experience is currently available.

The valley and highlands around Hakadal

Hakadal comprises a densely populated valley between the forested highlands of Nordmarka to the west and Romeriksåsene to the east. The Hakadalselva flows through the valley. Alongside sites connected with the ironworks’ history, the landscape is defined by the valley and its forested highlands.

Nearby, the circular Varingskollen rundt trail reaches its highest point west of Varingskollen, at around 410 metres. From there, the route descends gently towards Hakadal. The elevation is approximate, and trail conditions may vary. Take current conditions into account when planning your hike.

Nittedal in a wider context

Beyond Hakadal, Nittedal can be understood through its riverside and cycling landscape. The Nitelva flows from north to south through the valley floor, with fertile fields and pastures on both sides. The 37-kilometre river begins in the north as the Hakadalselva. The “Nittedal på langs” cycling route follows the valley floor and offers possible detours into Nordmarka and Romeriksåsen.

The churches also reflect the region’s history: Hakadal kirke in Nittedal dates from around 1610 and is a rectangular wooden building with 150 seats. Nittedal kirke was built in 1869 on the site of an older stone church from the 12th century, Olavskirken. This illustrates the difference between the history of a wooden church in Hakadal and that of a church elsewhere in Nittedal with a medieval predecessor.

For the broader travel overview: Nittedal.