Discover Lunner: Nature, Trails and History

In Lunner, the landscapes of Nordmarka, trails by Harestuvannet, and a long mining and cultural history come together. A large part of northern Nordmarka lies within Lunner, including the lakes Mylla and Gjerdingen. You can plan your visit around different interests: walking and hiking trails, seasonal winter activities, and traces of history.

Landscapes and trails in Lunner

The Østhagan landscape protection area is associated with iron mines and limestone quarries. Lunner also has nine nature reserves; Tullebrennhaugen and Fjellsjøhøgda were added as two new areas. These names refer to individual protected areas within the municipality, not to a single shared destination.

There are several ways to explore on foot around Harestuvannet. The completed lakeside path is about one kilometre long, designed to be accessible, and wide enough for mechanical snow clearing in winter. Winter clearing depends on the conditions. Another hiking trail along the northern part of Harestuvannet runs from the centre of Harestua to Bøhrentangen and was officially opened in 2024. The recreational area along the trail includes a beach volleyball court.

The Turbosti is a short, child-friendly hiking trail. Its starting point is near the centre of Harestua, at the northern end of the path along Harestuvannet. The trail opened in 2025; check local signage and conditions before your visit. This makes it easy to consider the lakeside paths and the Turbosti as distinct options for spending time outdoors.

Winter and fishing

When there is sufficient snow, kilometres of cross-country ski trails are usually groomed within the municipality. When Harestuvannet is frozen, a cross-country skiing or walking track and an ice-skating rink are set up on the ice; safe ice conditions are required. These activities therefore depend on snow or ice conditions and should not be confused with trails that are available year-round.

Fishing is also one of the activities available in Lunner. The bodies of water vary in size and in their fish and insect life. Under the general fishing rules for the different areas, everyone aged 16 and over who wants to fish needs a fishing licence. The municipality updated its information on 15 December 2025. Before fishing, check the current rules for the relevant body of water, as regulations concerning waterways may change.

Mining history and culture

Several routes around Grua explore the area’s mining history. The nature and cultural trail from Grua Station to the Nysetergruvene mines runs on foot through varied terrain and takes about an hour; the actual walking time depends on your pace and conditions. The mine safari to the Nysetergruvene mines takes about two hours and meets in Grua. Current seasonal tour information is available, so check it before planning your visit.

The Hadelandsgrubene, also known as Store Gamle Grube, are among Norway’s oldest iron mines. Iron ore was mined there from at least the 1530s until 1799. The Vestby find at Grindvoll adds an archaeological perspective to this mining history: it includes bronze figurines and numerous other objects from the Late Bronze Age.

Lunner Church is another historic landmark. Its oldest part is a stone church dating from the 12th century. The Pilegrimssti trail around the church has seven stops and takes about 45 minutes. The nature and cultural trail and the Pilegrimssti therefore differ both in their settings and in the time you should allow.

Another distinct destination is Norway’s only lapwing park, located in Lunner and opened in summer 2024. With these natural attractions, trails and historic sites, you can shape your trip around the subjects that interest you most. When choosing a hotel in Lunner, it helps to consider your planned activities and their specific locations: the lakeside paths are near the centre of Harestua, while the meeting point for the mine safari is in Grua.

Discover more destinations: Sel, Skjåk, Gran, Østre Toten, Vestre Slidre, Nordre Land.

Return to the main travel overview: Oppland.