Frolands Verk: Find Ironworks History and Hotels

Frolands Verk combines the history of a former ironworks with a historic garden and the lakeside landscape of Trævannet. The ironworks was founded in 1763 and operated until 1867; it was especially known for casting cannonballs. The manor house, exhibitions, garden and bathing beach represent different aspects of the site. If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip to Frolands Verk, you can decide whether to focus on industrial and local history or a stay by the water.

Ironworks, Manor House and Abel

The manor house was completed in 1791. An extensive exhibition on local history offers a glimpse into life in the past. The exhibition about Niels Henrik Abel tells the story of the pioneering mathematician and his close connection to Frolands Verk through texts, images and an accompanying film. Abel spent the final months of his life in the manor house’s goat room, where he died on 6 April 1829. A sculpture in the garden also commemorates the site’s close connection to Abel.

The site’s technical history extends beyond the ironworks era. At Frolands Verk, the development of the 1905 electric arc furnace is presented as part of world history; its development made the production of artificial fertiliser possible. The technical topics associated with Frolands Verk thus span two periods: the ironworks era, which lasted until 1867, and the later development of the furnace in 1905.

Garden and Lakeshore at Trævannet

Across from the manor house is a historic garden that was developed alongside the ironworks. Lysthusheia, with its pavilion, is right next to the garden.

The Frolands Verk estate is located right on Trævannet. There is a popular bathing beach here, part of a state-protected recreation area. The beach is large and sandy, and there is also a car park and toilet facilities. Below Lysthusheia, on Trævannet, there is a landing stage and a slipway for launching boats.

Practical Information

The museum grounds can be reached via Fylkesvei 42. The address is Frolandsveien 1320, 4827 Frolands Verk; free parking is available on site. Parking arrangements may change, so it’s a good idea to check the current situation before you arrive. The ground floors of the stable and manor house have been adapted for wheelchair access. The café at Frolands Verk serves waffles, sausages, ice cream and coffee, among other things. As the menu may change, check the current offerings if a particular item is important to you.

More Cultural Routes in Froland

In the Froland destination, Allmannavegen offers another perspective on cultural history. The old road has been in use since the Viking Age. The Froland section is about 20 kilometres long; wherever possible, the marked route follows the original course of the road. Along the way are cultural heritage sites and cultural landscapes, including burial mounds, barns, old settlement sites and hay meadows; information boards line the route. In contrast, Frolands Verk focuses on the manor house, exhibitions and garden.

Discover more destinations: Mykland, Mjåvatn, Froland, Hynnekleiv.

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