Odnes: Nature, Fjord and Cultural Heritage
Accommodation in Odnes
Odnes combines nature and cultural attractions with a rich local history. Highlights include the VĂĄtmarkssenteret, trails on Odnesberget, swimming and harbour facilities on the Randsfjorden, and historic buildings. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the different ways to visit: the grounds and birdwatching tower at the VĂĄtmarkssenteret are accessible year-round, while visits to the gallery at Lille Odnes can be arranged by contacting them directly.
Experience nature and explore the trails
The Våtmarkssenteret comprises a nature centre and a birdwatching tower. Its grounds are set up for fishing, swimming, barbecuing and birdwatching. The grounds and birdwatching tower are accessible to visitors year-round, including outside opening hours. This means you can enjoy the outdoor facilities independently of the centre’s opening hours.
A nature and cultural trail runs from the VĂĄtmarkssenteret alongside the railway line to Dokka. The trail over Odnesberget offers a different experience: it starts at Varmestua in Odnesbakken, where parking is available, and is steep and exposed. Along the way, there are beautiful views of the Randsfjorden and Dokkadeltaet. The route also includes the former Odnesbakken ski-jumping site. Odnes Vel has built a shelter at the former ski-jumping tower.
The site’s sporting history is associated with specific records: world records were set at Odnesbakken in 1931. Birger Ruud jumped 76.5 metres, and Johanne Kolstad jumped 46.5 metres. Those interested in natural areas will also find two different types of protected areas in Odnes: Odnesberga is a forest nature reserve in Odnes, while Dokkadeltaet is designated as a wetland nature reserve near Odnes.
Local history and art in Odnes
Along the former Bergenske hovedveg, which today roughly follows Gamlevegen, Odnes has 28 buildings worthy of preservation. The buildings are predominantly in the Swiss style, with some Empire and Art Nouveau elements. The historic buildings worthy of preservation include former farm and post-station buildings, as well as a hotel, shops, a bakery, a bank, a butcher’s shop and villas. Looking at these different types of buildings adds a sense of the functions that formed part of the historic townscape to the architectural details.
Peder Aadnes KunstgĂĄrd, also known as Lille Odnes GĂĄrd, is where Peder P. Aadnes lived and worked as an artist. The gallery at Lille Odnes takes visitors through NR88, the garden, the barn and the studio. Private visits can be arranged by contacting them directly; opening hours are announced separately. Another historic attraction is Dampskipsbrygga in Odnes, preserved as a ruin in the fjord.
Swimming area and harbour
Sagvika in Odnes, on the Randsfjorden, is a swimming area with a boat dock. There is also a sand volleyball court. Odnes harbour has a guest jetty and a slipway. These details distinguish the swimming area from the harbour facilities and help you identify the different places to visit along the fjord.
More trails in the Søndre Land travel area
The wider Søndre Land travel area also offers options for planning your routes. It has a network of trails in the countryside, including marked and unmarked trails as well as old transport routes. Hiking maps developed by Søndre Land Municipality and the volunteer centre are a handy 10 × 20 centimetres and are also available digitally through UT.no. For cycling, Trevatn rundt is a marked route approximately 20 kilometres long in Søndre Land.
Discover more destinations: Fall, LandĂĄsbygda, Enger, Hov.
Return to the main travel overview: Søndre Land.
