Koppang: Cultural Trail, Railway Tradition and Cultural Heritage

Cultural history, cycling and hiking give Koppang its varied character. In the town, a cultural trail and a historic railway station sit alongside museums; nearby paths and viewpoints add to the options. Stor-Elvdal also offers distinctive regional cultural attractions.

Cultural history in the centre of Koppang

The Stor-Elvdal Hotell complex in Koppang houses its own museum and a museum library. In July 2017, the entire hotel complex was granted Norsk Kultursenter status. One of the complex’s distinctive historic buildings is Barfrøstua: in 1974, Lars Krogh moved it from Gammelstu Trønnes, on the other side of the Glomma, to the new hotel grounds in the centre of Koppang.

Barfrøstua is among the first buildings in Norway to have been protected by the Riksantikvaren, in 1923. This helps place its history in context: it was protected before being moved to Koppang, while the entire hotel complex was granted Norsk Kultursenter status in 2017. When visiting Koppang, the museum, museum library and Barfrøstua each offer a different way to explore the town’s cultural history.

Exhibition and cultural trail

In the centre of Koppang, Besøkssenter rovdyr Østerdalen at Besøkssenter Østerdalen presents the permanent exhibition “De fire store”. Its focus is on bears, wolves, wolverines and lynx. The exhibition also covers ecology, wildlife management, research and agricultural history. Exhibition details may change over time, so check the latest information before your visit.

The Gamle Kongevei cultural trail starts at Storstua in the centre and features 18 information boards with pictures and text. The route is about 14 kilometres long and suitable for touring bikes; starting from Koppang, you can also walk a shorter section. The stone bridges over the Kjemåa are worth seeing. You can choose between a longer bike ride and a shorter walk while still visiting the cultural trail’s various stops.

Paths and activities nearby

Near Koppang, the route leads to the Hammarkollen viewpoint. A detour from the route at Gamlehammeren takes you to information boards about agriculture and log driving, alongside another viewpoint and a bathing spot. Check local conditions before setting out on these paths.

Another activity nearby is a beginner-friendly, nine-basket disc golf course. It is located by Koppang School, Stor-Elvdal ungdomsskole and Koppang Kindergarten, and is suitable for beginners and groups. So, alongside the cultural trail and viewpoints, you can choose a group activity or a shorter sporting option.

Railway tradition and travel planning

Koppang railway station is on the Rørosbanen line. Trains run from there towards Hamar, Oslo S, Trondheim and Røros. Check the timetable and current services before travelling. The station’s history is also notable: it opened in 1875, two years before the entire Rørosbanen line was completed. The station thus offers both a practical travel connection and a link to the history of the railway line.

Cultural heritage in the wider destination of Stor-Elvdal

The wider destination of Stor-Elvdal has other distinctive cultural attractions. Sollia Church is a small stave-built, long church dating from 1738. It is known for its beautiful paintings on all its walls and ceilings. As a regional point of reference for the cultural landscape, Koppangsøyene was recognised as a selected agricultural cultural landscape in 2022. The area stretches for twelve kilometres along the Glomma in Østerdalen.

To get your bearings in Koppang, you can consider the town’s history, railway tradition and paths separately: the cultural trail offers a cycling route and a shorter walking option, while the exhibition in the centre covers other themes. The additional destinations in the wider Stor-Elvdal area complement this picture without being confused with the attractions in the town itself.

Discover more destinations: Atna, Strand, Stor-Elvdal, Sollia.

Return to the main travel overview: Stor-Elvdal.