Experience Tolga: cultural history and nature around Vingelen

An altarpiece dating from 1678, farmsteads and trails through the cultural landscape give Tolga and Vingelen a varied character. At the Vingelen Church and School Museum, you can see objects from Trefoldighetskirka and the school in Vingelen. Nature trails, a sculpture park and activities related to life on the mountain summer farms also make the region appealing to a range of interests.

Cultural history and living traditions

The Vingelen Church and School Museum preserves and displays objects from Trefoldighetskirka and the school, documenting local cultural history. The surviving objects include an altarpiece from 1678, as well as an altar and a pulpit. The museum opens in summer with various exhibitions; coffee and handmade products from local producers are also available for purchase.

Dølmotunet also combines cultural history with vivid insights into life on a farm. The living museum farm is home to pigs, lambs, kids, chickens, calves and horses. Farming, crafts and domestic activities are part of the programme throughout the summer. Vingelen itself has a well-preserved collection of buildings, described as unique in Norway, and a vibrant mountain summer-farming culture.

Tolga Sculpture Park features sculptures and installations made from Norwegian and Vietnamese granite in the area around Toljefossen. The landscaped area also includes bridges, a dam and walls. Another link to regional history is Tolgen hytteplass, an important part of the Røros Mining Town and the Circumference World Heritage Site. The Nord-Østerdal Fly og Militärhistorisk Forening presents contemporary history from Østerdalen and the mountain region through a collection of more than 1,000 registered objects.

Trails, mountain summer farms and Forollhogna

The Vingelen Cultural Trail starts at Bunåva in the village centre and passes several farmsteads. Along the way, it crosses Kjerkgjellen and passes the Vingelen Church and School Museum and Vingelen Church. For a different perspective on the surrounding area, the Tjønnhauan Nature Trail near Grantævet winds through the forest for 3.9 kilometres; its 20 stops make it an educational nature trail. Vingelen also has two easy summit hikes a short distance from the village centre.

As a National Park Village, Vingelen is a natural gateway to Forollhogna National Park. The Forollhogna Information Centre, located in the Bunåva multipurpose building in the centre, has an interactive exhibition about the nature and culture of the national park and the protected landscape areas. Topics include mountain summer-farm life and wild reindeer. If you are planning to visit the information centre, check the current opening hours in advance. Vingelen Fjellførerlag offers guided tours around the village, to the mountain summer farms and into the mountains, including Forollhogna National Park; check booking details before your trip.

Many trails to mountain summer farms in Vingelen are suitable for cycling. Trail conditions and access may vary by season. Fishing is another option: Vingelen has many fishing waters with mountain trout. Check the current fishing rules and permit requirements in advance.

Winter and getting around locally

In winter, cross-country ski trails are prepared in the municipality of Tolga’s recreational areas. Hamran Ski Park is described as a ski facility for year-round use. Facilities include 10-, 20-, 40- and 60-metre ski jumps, a ski lift, a ski park, alpine skiing and snowboarding; there is also a play area.

There are three ski huts in the municipality: Kletthytta on the west side, Sumundshytta on the east side and Vingelen skihytte in Vingelen. For navigation, the hiking map of Tolga provides an overview of 56 hikes and areas worth visiting. The map is available from the service office; check availability there before planning your trip. Vingelsgaard Gjestgiveri serves local food from the farm. Check what is on offer before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Tolga, Vingelen, Tynset, Trysil, Åmot, Alvdal, Elverum, Os.

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