Vingelen – Birdlife, Forollhogna and Cultural History

Nature by the pond and trails in Forollhogna

Vingelen combines nature experiences around Forollhogna National Park with the history of its church and museum. The village is a good starting point for excursions in the national park. Local activities range from birdwatching at Nylandstjønna and cycling along Seterveien to visiting the church and museum. To plan your trip, first decide whether nature, cycling or culture will be the focus of your days.

More than 80 different bird species have been recorded at Nylandstjønna. Nylandstjønna and the surrounding wetlands are important stopover sites for birds on their way to their breeding grounds in Forollhogna National Park. The birdwatching tower stands on the pond’s shore, has two levels and offers a good view of the entire area. From the designated parking area by the road, a short path leads to the tower; it is damp and uneven in places. Please be mindful of farm activities.

For cyclists, Seterveien is another option: the signposted cycling route includes a nearly 50-kilometre, fairly hilly stage to Vingelen. Check the signs and route conditions before setting off. The stage’s distance and hilly profile shape the ride; for excursions in the national park, take seasonal route conditions into account.

Church, museum and information

Vingelen Church and School Museum is open in summer and features various exhibitions. It preserves objects from Trefoldighetskirka, including an altarpiece dating from 1678. Guided tours take visitors through the collections and Eggenstua, an Østerdal house dating from 1697. Before visiting, it is worth checking the seasonal opening hours and current tour times.

Vingelen Church is a timber-built long church with a gallery and 300 seats. It was consecrated on 17 November 1880; in 1926, Ragnvald Einbu painted the interior. The building style, seating capacity and two dates give a specific historical context to a visit to the church. Those interested in architectural history can see the building style and dates at the church; at the museum, the guided visits focus on the preserved objects and Eggenstua.

The Forollhogna Visitor Centre is located in Bunåva, a multi-purpose building in the centre of Vingelen. Its interactive exhibition teaches visitors of all ages about the nature and culture of the national park and the protected landscapes. As programmes and staffing may change, check the latest information about the centre before your visit.

Getting there and finding a hotel

Tolga is the nearest railway station to Vingelen. Check the timetable for your travel date before planning your journey.

Then look for a hotel in Vingelen that suits your travel plans.

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