Veggli: Cultural History, Hiking Trails and Rail Biking

Veggli can be explored from several specific perspectives: sacred architectural history, historic hiking trails with archaeological traces, and rail-bike rides on the disused Numedalsbanen railway. The activity park in the center also shapes the range of activities in the village. You can plan your trip around culture, hiking or a ride along the railway line.

Veggli Church and older traces

Veggli Church is a long church dating from 1859 and replaced an earlier stave church. Medieval bells, a baptismal font and a chest have been preserved in the church. The central motif of the altarpiece depicts Nicodemus coming to Jesus at night and speaking with him. The building’s history, preserved objects and the image motif each give the church its own historical significance.

Near the start of the Nordmannsslepa trail by Veggli Church are around 30 burial mounds from the Migration Period. They are an archaeological trace alongside the church’s history and can be distinguished chronologically from another burial field at Kjemhus.

Hiking trails and archaeological sites

The Nordmannsslepa–Veggli route was officially opened as a historic hiking route in 2024 during Middelalderuka in Numedal. It is 23 kilometers long, runs in one direction from the center of Veggli toward Kongsberg, and is considered moderately difficult. A pilgrimage hike between Rollag Stave Church and Veggli Church takes place every year during Middelalderuka. Its endpoints and recurring date give this hike its own connection to the region’s church and event history.

The Kulturstien trail runs from the center of Veggli along the Nørsteåe to an old stone bridge and continues to the burial mounds at Kjemhus. There, the trail joins the Store Normannsslepa; a few hundred meters farther on is a large burial field with more than 30 burial mounds from the early Middle Ages. This burial field differs in age from the around 30 burial mounds from the Migration Period near the start of the Nordmannsslepa. Parts of the Kulturstien are not well maintained; take this into account when planning.

Rail biking on the Numedalsbanen

On the disused Numedalsbanen railway, you can ride a rail bike between Veggli and Rødberg through scenic, historic surroundings. The route follows the valley slope along the Numedalslågen and offers views of a largely unspoiled river landscape, dams and power plant facilities. The ride starts at Veggli station. Numerous points along the way offer a little practice in handling the rail bike. You can rent rail bikes at Veggli Vertshus; an introduction is provided before departure.

Activity park and Vegglidagen

In the heart of Veggli is the Activity Park, with a volleyball court, a cycling track and play equipment. The park also has a small impounded swimming area that is free to use on warm summer days. This gives you another specific activity in the village, in addition to hiking trails and rail biking.

Every August, Vegglidagen takes place at the Activity Park, with activities, market stalls and entertainment. Since the exact event dates and program may vary, check them before visiting.

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