Stange: Trails, lakeside scenery and cultural heritage

More than 500 kilometres of marked trails offer a variety of ways to explore the landscape in Stange. There are also the shores of Mjøsa, natural areas and cultural sites, each with its own stories. When planning your trip, you might first consider whether you mainly want to hike, experience nature, visit historic sites or include a cycling route.

Hiking trails and landscapes

The Rondanestien passes through the municipality of Stange on its route between Oslo and Hjerkinn. The national pilgrimage route, Pilegrimsleden, also runs through the area: it leads from Oslo to Nidaros, enters the municipality at Lysjøen and continues to Stange kirke. Pilegrimsbua shelter is located near the route in Stange allmenning. It offers toilets, Wi-Fi, a fire pit and firewood, as well as information, drinking water and a place to dispose of waste. Opening hours vary by season; check the details before you travel.

The length and landscape features of the Ottestadstien and Ilsengstiene are both clearly specified. Ottestadstien is a 16-kilometre trail network that reaches the shores of Mjøsa and passes the Norsk Utvandrermuseum at Åkershagan. Ilsengstiene extend for more than 25 kilometres and pass through wetlands with a rich variety of birdlife. The two trail networks therefore differ not only in length, but also in their described natural and cultural features. Check local trail conditions before setting out on the Ilsengstiene.

The Våletjern nature reserve is also a distinctive landscape: it is protected to preserve a naturally nutrient-rich pond, diverse plant and bird life, and a complex of peat bogs. Follow the local rules for the protected area. Swimming is possible in Mjøsa and in smaller lakes and ponds; swimming conditions vary by season.

Cultural sites and experiences

At Atlungstad Brenneri, on the eastern shore of Mjøsa at the mouth of the Fjetrebekken, several farms from Stange founded a distillery in 1855 to process the area’s growing potato surplus. An account updated in 2025 notes that full-scale operations have ended, but Atlungstad remains active, producing spirits and sharing its history. The site thus links its origins with a use that goes beyond its former role in potato processing.

Stange kirke has rich furnishings from the 17th and 18th centuries, including a large pulpit from the 1630s. Kvennstugua, a local heritage farm and museum, is in Vallset and serves refreshments on Sundays. The property is located on the former site of the Søndre-Amundrud mill and sawmill. Stange Vestbygd was selected as one of the most valuable cultural landscapes in Innlandet. Cycling enthusiasts can also look to the Gylne Gutuer cycling race as a local landmark: it starts and finishes in the centre of Stange.

Tangen Dyrepark is home to more than 200 animals from around 30 Nordic and exotic species. Children can take part in feeding sessions, get close to the animals and learn about them in their natural surroundings. During the Lemurbesøk experience, visitors can enter the enclosure and see the lemurs Ronja, Luna, Bellatrix, Ginny, Draco and Langballe up close. These activities give your visit a different focus from the trails and cultural sites; for current conditions, refer to the information for the experience.

Getting there and choosing where to stay

Stange is about an hour from Oslo and can be reached by train, bus or car. Actual travel time may vary depending on connections and traffic. Stange station is also a stop that cyclists can use to join or leave the Mjøstråkk cycling route. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, the purpose of your trip can help guide your choice: hiking days, visits to cultural sites and incorporating the cycling route each offer a different focus. Use the destinations mentioned to decide which aspects of Stange you would like to include in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Stange, Espa, Ottestad, Tangen, Eidskog, Elverum, Åmot, Tynset.

For the broader travel overview: Hedmark.