Våler: Bergtunet, Vansjø and Middagsåsen

Våler offers several distinct highlights for a stay: Bergtunet is known for its architectural history and memories of the Second World War, Vansjø for activities on the water, and Middagsåsen for alpine sports. You can give culture, water and outdoor activities different emphasis and plan your stay around the experiences that interest you.

Bergtunet and Våler Church

The former district governor’s estate, Bergtunet, comprises eight buildings, including a main building and a storehouse dating from the 1830s. The site also includes a collection of older houses and objects, as well as a defence museum with mementos from the Second World War. Våler Home Front Museum is located at Bergtunet and is run by the Forsvarsforeningen i Våler.

Våler Church also represents an earlier period: the stone church was built around 1190 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Together, the buildings mentioned here span the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Bygdedagene takes place every year in June at Bergtunet. Check the specific event dates for your travel dates, as individual dates may change.

Alpine sports at Middagsåsen

Middagsåsen Sports Centre is an alpine sports centre in Våler, Østfold, for alpine skiers and snowboarders. Its three runs include a children’s slope, a family slope and a slope dedicated to the park. The different types of runs offer a clear choice for winter sports. Operating details may change from one winter season to the next, and the slope configuration may also change as the facility develops. Check the information for the season of your trip.

Vansjø, swimming and hiking

Vansjø stretches across large parts of Våler. You can paddle among its many islands and bays by canoe or kayak; pike, perch and trout can also be fished in the lake. If you are planning a paddling trip, check local water conditions. Rødssund, near Rødsbrua, is a swimming area with a large beach and a large lawn. The area by the ferry landing at Dillingøy has a lawn and some shade from trees. As public swimming facilities can change seasonally, check conditions locally.

The hike to Brønnerødtjernet offers opportunities for swimming; some of the higher points along the water afford views over the lake. Unlike a swimming area, the route itself is part of the experience here. You can choose between paddling in bays and among islands, fishing, swimming at one of the places mentioned, or going for a hike with the opportunity to swim and enjoy the views. Routes and swimming conditions may vary, so bear this in mind when making specific plans.

On foot and by bike

In 2025, Våler gained a pedestrian and cycle path running from Augerød via Moss and Våler Business Park to the turnoff for Såner on county road 1026. If you plan to use other sections beyond this route, check their current status. The path adds another way to explore Våler on foot or by bike, alongside its water-based and cultural experiences.

The different highlights make it easy to choose what interests you: Bergtunet and Våler Church offer historic architecture, Middagsåsen offers alpine sports, and Vansjø offers activities on the water. Bygdedagene also provides an annual event in June. Which aspects of Våler appeal most to you depends on whether you want to focus your trip more on culture, winter sports, paddling, fishing or time by the water.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sperrebotn, Rakkestad, Moss, Aremark, Råde, Sarpsborg, Rygge, Halden

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