Discover Nesgrenda

Discover Nesgrenda through the history of Næs Jernverk and Lunden Landscape Park. At the Næs Jernverk Museum, different ways of exploring industrial history sit side by side: a large Gauge 1 model railway exhibition, historic hammers and the “Opplev Hammeren” programme. Lunden adds a natural landscape dimension. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between exhibitions and facilities, and activities that are seasonal or depend on specific dates. This way, you can choose your visit date based on whether you are especially interested in model railways, smithing or a summer activity.

Model railways and historic technology

The large industrial building at the Næs Jernverk Museum in Nes Verk houses the Gauge 1 model railway exhibition, which is considered the largest of its kind in the country. The hall covers 460 m². Locomotives and carriages are displayed as models of real trains; in total, 375 metres of track run across the main line, branch lines and sidings. These figures give an idea of two different aspects of the exhibition: the floor area and the layout of the tracks. By contrast, Hammerbygningen presents another part of industrial history: the focus here is on the hammers, not the model trains.

There are three hammers in Hammerbygningen; the middle one has been restored. This gives the site a tangible historical connection that differs from the model railway theme. The 2026 programme adds another perspective: at “Opplev Hammeren,” visitors can experience the blast furnace, the crucible steelworks and the hammer building; a blacksmith shapes 10 kg of white-hot steel with rhythmic blows. The demonstration brings the named facilities together through a working process. Check the dates and availability of the programme for your travel period.

Lunden, paths and seasonal activities

Lunden Landscape Park was laid out between 1810 and 1825 as an extension of Næs Jernverk. The park’s design and the ironworks’ history are therefore connected, while the park also offers a different focus from the technical exhibitions. In summer, a rowing boat is available free of charge to everyone at Lunden Landscape Park. As availability for this seasonal activity may vary, it is best to check before your visit. At the Næs Jernverk Museum, marked paths lead to the old workers’ houses. These specific places to visit in the grounds complement the museum exhibitions.

The annual Smed- og håndverksdagene (Blacksmith and Crafts Days) include demonstrations of traditional crafts and guided tours of the Jernverksmuseum. Check the dates for your travel year before making firm plans to attend. This helps distinguish a date-specific programme from the exhibitions and facilities described above.

Solberg gruve and practical information

Nearby is Solberg gruve, about 3 km from the Næs Jernverk Museum. The iron ore mine was worked in the 18th century and closed in the 1860s; it supplied the blast furnace in Nes with iron ore. Nearby Solberg gruve is accessible to wheelchair users. If accessibility is essential for your trip, confirm the conditions in advance.

There is a signposted car park for the Næs Jernverk Museum on Riksvei 415 in Nes Verk. As road and parking conditions can change, check the situation before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Gjeving, Tvedestrand, Songe, Borøy.

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