Mjåvatn: Lomåsen, Cultural History and Trails

Get to know Mjåvatn through its farm history and the trails in the surrounding area. Lomåsen offers a glimpse into the local cultural landscape, while the focus towards Øynaheia is on its recreational area and ski trails. The cycling and hiking routes also differ considerably in their courses and elevation profiles. This will help you decide whether you are more interested in historic sites, winter routes or a cycling tour.

Cultural history at Lomåsen

At Mjåvatn farm, Lomåsen is the oldest husmannsplass, or former cotter’s farm. The main building dates from 1760. Lomåsen is therefore notable both for the historical significance of the farmstead and for a building with a precise date. The historic road between Mjåvatn and Herefoss came later: it was built between 1879 and 1881. Farm history and transport history thus provide two distinct points of reference for the cultural landscape.

An account published on 27 February 2024 reported that hikers visited Lomåsen to see the old buildings and historic cultural landscape. It also mentioned occasional visits by anglers to the pond at Lomåsen.

Øynaheia and the nearby ski trails

The route to Øynaheia follows FV42 to Mjåvatn, then continues for about six kilometres. In the vicinity of Mjåvatn, Øynaheia and Toplandsheia form a regionally important recreational area that is particularly attractive as a winter destination. A well-maintained network of ski trails adds to this seasonal appeal. In Øynaheia, you can choose from loops of 2.2, 7.0, 14.6 and 16.5 kilometres. At 2.2 kilometres, the shortest loop is much more compact than the 16.5-kilometre loop; the other lengths are 7.0 and 14.6 kilometres. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.

If travelling from Osedalen to Mjåvatn via RV42, allow for the fact that some sections are busy and winding; traffic conditions may vary.

Cycling and hiking tours by route profile

For the Bukkene-Bruse cycling route, it helps to distinguish between the overall elevation profile and the route at this location: the total ascent is just over 1,000 metres, while the route descends after Mjåvatn. On the two-day cycling and hiking tour to Skarsvassbu, by contrast, the steepest climb comes right at the start, on the section from Osedalen to Mjåvatn. After that, the route runs relatively steadily through the valleys. Check current access conditions and the route before setting out.

Cultural routes in the wider destination of Froland

The wider destination of Froland offers further historical perspectives. Frolands Verk was established in 1763 and operated as an ironworks until 1867; it then turned to forestry and sawmilling. The main building was listed for protection in 1924 and, together with the farm complex, garden and surrounding outdoor area, forms a museum site.

Also in Froland is Allmannavegen, an old road that has been used since the Viking Age. The Froland section is about 20 kilometres long; wherever possible, the marked route follows the original road. Cultural heritage sites and landscapes—including burial mounds, barns, old settlements and hay meadows—as well as information boards can be found along Allmannavegen.

Discover more destinations: Frolands Verk, Froland, Mykland, Hynnekleiv.

Back to the main travel overview: Froland.