Kvikne: Mining History, Church and Hiking Destinations

In Kvikne, historic mining sites and church and farm history sit alongside opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing and fishing. These varied themes offer different starting points for your trip: you can explore archaeological traces, visit historic buildings or make time to spend in the mountain region.

Mining History in Kvikne

The Soåttdalen soapstone quarry lies west of Sandbekkdalen in Kvikne, Tynset, at an altitude of about 1,000 metres above sea level. It is one of the country's best-known soapstone quarries from the pre-Roman Iron Age. Several C14 samples of organic material from waste heaps near the quarry have been dated to between 400 and 300 BC. Both the archaeological classification and the surviving traces are therefore significant to the history of the site.

Another soapstone quarry is located at Kaltberget near Grøtberget. It dates from the Middle Ages and was operated on a large scale to produce pots. The two quarries represent different periods and uses of soapstone. At the Soåttdalen soapstone quarry, you can explore the area on foot and see traces at the sites where pots were extracted. Information boards are located on Riksveg 3 and at the quarry. Because there is a barrier, it is recommended that you walk along the access road; check local conditions before your visit.

Churches, Farms and Museums

Kvikne Church is a timber-framed wooden church dating from 1654. Its vertical exterior cladding is coated with tar. As a cruciform church, it has short transepts and a roof turret above the centre. In the 18th century, a sacristy was added behind the choir to the east and a porch to the west. The building is unusually well preserved, both inside and out, and has undergone relatively few changes. Inside, the three-tier altarpiece from 1663 stands out: the Last Supper is depicted below, the Crucifixion above it, and a sculpture of Christ at the top.

The history of the farms can also be explored at several locations. The oldest buildings at Vollan gård date from the 17th century. During Lorentz Lossius's period of operation, the farm was one of the largest in the area; today, Vollan gård is a museum and is worth visiting in summer. Kvikne National Park Centre is also located on the farm. The exhibition and information there cover reindeer, the mountain ecosystem and cultural heritage sites in Forollhogna and Knutshø.

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson was born at the Bjørgan vicarage on 8 December 1832. Several objects from his time are preserved in the old vicarage building, which dates from 1822. The building is now a museum affiliated with the Nord-Østerdalsmuseet. Bjørgan thus adds a distinct literary and cultural-historical focus to the area's mining history.

Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing and Fishing

The Forelhogna area lies on the eastern side of the Kvikne valley and includes Forollhogna National Park, established in 2001. Kvikne is one of the villages that serve as starting points for activities in the area around the national park. A cross-country ski trail is groomed at Kaltberget in winter; the summit is considered a worthwhile hiking destination year-round. Since the trail is seasonal, check its current grooming status locally.

There is a car park and a trailhead along Plassæterveien for the hike beside Svartsjøen to Ruv, at an altitude of about 1,028 metres. This allows you to include the hiking option in your plans without confusing it with the seasonal cross-country skiing. The Kvikne fishing permit area covers more than 70 lakes and over 160 kilometres of rivers and streams containing fish; there is a chance to catch large mountain trout there. Check the current fishing permit regulations before your trip. The Norsk Ørretfiskefestival is also held in Kvikne every year, with fishing in the Orkla. Check the event dates if you plan to attend.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Riksveg 3 runs through Kvikne and is one of the main road connections between Oslo and Trondheim. Bus services run from Kvikne between Tynset and Ulsberg, and onwards to Berkåk, Støren and Trondheim. If you are planning to travel by public transport, check the latest timetables from Vy or Entur. This lets you take road or bus connections into account as part of your trip planning, while sightseeing, hikes and seasonal activities each offer their own focus.

When looking for a hotel in Kvikne, consider whether mining and architectural history, outdoor activities or fishing will be the main focus of your trip. Choosing between the historic sites and the seasonal or year-round activities gives your plans a clear direction; check the latest conditions for individual visits and activities in advance.

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