Hov – Cultural Landscape and Draisine Rides on the Valdres Line

Two distinct themes shape a stay in Hov: the historical traces along the Hovsrunden trail and draisine cycling on the disused Valdres Line. There is also a sand volleyball court at Kråkvika, nearby. If you are looking for a hotel in Hov, you can choose your location based on whether local history, an activity on the railway line, or an additional sports option matters most to you.

Hovsrunden: Cultural Landscape and Building History

Near Hovland, the Hovsrunden trail passes through an old cultural landscape with several burial mounds, including some dating from the Iron Age. Hovlandsvegen reflects 100 years of architectural history. The route also passes the remains of Røberg farm, which was abandoned at the end of the 19th century. At Grette farm, there are Swiss-style buildings from the 1890s. On the return leg of the Hovsrunden, you can see By farm, considered Hov’s oldest settlement.

The dates range from the Iron Age burial mounds to the buildings from the 1890s and the abandonment of Røberg at the end of the 19th century. The historical themes of the Hovsrunden thus bring together archaeological traces, farm history, and architectural history.

Hov Church and the Original Churchyard

The present-day Hov Church was consecrated in 1781. Old walls in the churchyard at Hov Church show the original size of the churchyard. The present church probably stands on the same site as the medieval church. The walls illustrate the extent of the former churchyard; its probable location on the site of the medieval church adds another historical layer. For travelers interested in religious architectural history, visible traces sit alongside a carefully qualified historical interpretation.

Draisine Rides on the Valdres Line

Draisine cycling is offered on the disused Valdres Line between Dokka and Hov. In Hov, the draisines are rented out at the old Hov Stasjon railway station. The full route between Dokka and Hov is 24 kilometers long; this refers to the one-way distance. Before your trip, check whether rides are offered on your intended date, and confirm the current rental booking details.

A Sports Option at Kråkvika

There is a sand volleyball court at the swimming area in Kråkvika, which is near Hov. This local sports option adds another way to get active alongside the historical themes and railway-related activity.

Culture and Trails in Søndre Land

Regional highlights in Søndre Land include Fluberg Church and the Fallselva Cultural Trail. Fluberg Church was consecrated in 1703, is the oldest of the five churches in Søndre Land, and is listed as a cultural heritage church. The Fallselva Cultural Trail runs mainly along the river, from the dam at Trevatna to its mouth at Randsfjorden, near the former Holmen Mølle. The trail is the millennium site of Søndre Land municipality. Another cycling option is Trevatn rundt, a marked route of approximately 20 kilometers in Søndre Land. The trail network there includes marked and unmarked paths, as well as old transport routes, in the outlying areas.

Discover more destinations: Fall, Enger, Landåsbygda, Odnes.

Go to the main travel overview: Søndre Land.