Eidsvoll: Constitutional History, Museums and Nature

In Eidsvoll, your journey leads from a defining chapter in Norwegian history to museums, lakes and trails through varied landscapes. Eidsvoll Manor is associated with the 1814 Constitution; collections along Mjøsa tell the story of boats and freight transport. Swimming spots, hiking trails and cycling opportunities round out the itinerary. You can tailor your stay to the experiences that interest you most.

Constitutional History and Museums

The Norwegian Constitution was written and adopted at Eidsvoll Manor in 1814. A guided tour is required to visit the estate. The Eidsvoll 1814 Museum preserves the manor as part of Norway’s national heritage. The historic setting also includes a park that is open to the public; the cultural trail begins at the Old Eidsvoll Verk Bridge. These places offer different ways to explore Eidsvoll’s history: from the constitutional event and the heritage of the estate to a trail through the historic park.

The town’s more distant past is also present. The Eidsivating was founded on 17 June 1022 in Eid, now Eidsvoll. Eid had a strategic location as a hub for trade and transport. The museums offer another perspective on life in the region: Eidsvoll bygdetun in Hammerstad depicts rural communities of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Okkupasjonsmuseet there explores how occupation and resistance unfolded in Eidsvoll during the Second World War. Gullverket Museum focuses on Eidsvoll’s final period of mining and displays all the equipment used in the laboratory and its associated infrastructure.

Maritime History and Scenic Viewpoints

In Minnesund, the Mjøssamlingene focus on the history of shipping on Mjøsa, including boats and freight transport. Exhibits and areas include warehouses, workshops and historic boats in their original surroundings. During the summer season, the buildings are open on Sundays with a guide or museum attendant. Since the exact dates can vary from year to year, it is a good idea to check visiting days in advance.

The Smaragdgruvene at Mjøsa in Minnesund offer another way to discover the area’s history. Visitors can explore the mining area independently and search for emeralds; there is also a small museum. It is just under a kilometre from the car park to the mines. Carsten Ankers lysthus, meanwhile, is a copy of the house Anker had built near Feiring Jernverk on Christenkollen. The viewpoint is a popular excursion destination with magnificent views across Mjøsa.

Trails, Peaks and Water

Those who enjoy exploring on foot will find marked hiking trails and cross-country ski trails in Eidsvoll, including both lit and unlit routes. There are many kilometres of suitable forest paths for cycling and running. The 35-kilometre pilgrimage trail through Eidsvoll passes several historic sites and different types of natural landscape. An eight-kilometre section runs from Eidsvolls-bygningen to Eidsvoll kirke. For more cycling inspiration, Mjøstråkk is divided into seven suggested stages, with start and end points in Eidsvoll and Minnesund.

At 698 metres, Skreikampen is the highest peak in Eidsvoll municipality and along Mjøsa. It is a popular destination for winter hikes; a cross-country ski trail runs through open mountain forest to the summit. Its elevation and winter activities give this destination a different focus from the longer pilgrimage trail or the Mjøstråkk stage route.

Water also shapes the choice of excursions: Hurdalsjøen and Mjøsa offer good swimming opportunities. At Hurdalsjøen, the Rødvika/Prestsand bathing area is accessible to people with mobility impairments. Its two bathing spots are child-friendly and have sandy beaches. Boaters have good access to Mjøsa and the Vorma from Eidsvoll. Eidsvoll also has two guest moorings: one by the old bridge, next to the outdoor restaurant there, and one by the new bridge, near the log-driving sculpture.

Discover more destinations: Minnesund, Eidsvoll, Dal, Råholt, Nittedal, Asker, Ås, Skedsmo.

For the broader travel overview: Akershus.