Stor-Elvdal: Church, Culture Trail and Cultural Landscape

Stor-Elvdal is an ideal destination for exploring church architecture, cultural history and the Gamle Kongevei Culture Trail. Highlights include a trail around 14 kilometres long, a distinctive main church and the nearby cultural landscape of Koppangsøyene, each representing a different aspect of the destination.

Church architecture in Havnåsen/Koppang

Stor-Elvdal Church is located in Havnåsen/Koppang. It is the main church of the municipality and lies at its centre. Svend Aspaas designed the church, which was built in 1821. The octagonal building is designed in the Empire style; inside is a Baroque organ. The building’s form, style and organ each give the church a distinctive historical character. If you are interested in architecture, you will find several specific points of interest in one place: the octagonal floor plan, the Empire style and the Baroque organ.

Gamle Kongevei on foot or by touring bike

The Gamle Kongevei Culture Trail is a circular route around 14 kilometres long and suitable for touring bikes. A total of 18 information boards with images and text line the trail. If you do not want to take the circular route, you can also explore the Culture Trail on a shorter walk starting from Koppang or from the Koppangshammeren farm. The roughly 14 kilometres refers to the full circuit; the two starting points mentioned are relevant for the shorter walk.

The route ends on the riverbank, where you can look directly across at Stor-Elvdal’s main church. The riverside route therefore offers a view of a distinctive church building. Along the way, the boards provide information in both images and text, while the circular route, cycling option and shorter walk offer different ways to experience the Culture Trail.

Koppangsøyene: River landscape and cultural heritage

Koppangsøyene, near the destination, was recognised as a selected cultural landscape in 2022. The area includes a 12-kilometre-long agricultural landscape shaped by flooding along the Glomma in Østerdalen. Islands, waterways and vegetation form a unique mosaic; at Koppang, the Glomma divides into several branches between the islands. The landscape is also home to rich birdlife, diverse floodplain vegetation, cultural heritage sites from the Stone Age and Iron Age, and well-preserved historic buildings. Here, the river landscape, agricultural use and traces of human history come together.

Historic sites nearby

The history of churches and buildings also extends to the island area. St. Michael’s Church, the first church in Stor-Elvdal, stood on Koppangsøyene in the Glomma and was probably built in the 12th century. Barfrøstua, on the grounds of the Norsk Kultursenter, dates from around 1800 and was among the first buildings in Norway to be listed for protection in 1923. The two sites represent different periods: a probably medieval church and a house from around 1800 that was protected in 1923.

Another option for an outing is Tekna Park Koppang, a family park run by volunteers. Its character differs from that of the historic buildings and the Culture Trail.

Art and food nearby

Stor-Elvdal Hotell offers guided tours and talks about its extensive art collection, which includes works from the 18th century to the present day. If you plan to take part, check before your trip whether a tour is available. Stor-Elvdal Hotell’s culinary offering includes homemade dishes prepared, wherever possible, using local ingredients.

Discover more destinations: Atna, Sollia, Koppang, Strand.

Go to the main travel overview: Stor-Elvdal.