Brandbu: Størenslunden, Pilgrim Trail and Local History

Brandbu brings together nature and culture with specific routes through the town centre. Størenslunden, a park and natural area, lies in the centre. Its grounds are open to the public and can be used for self-organised activities and play. Facilities include a lit walking path and a ski facility. Public access is a useful point of reference for travellers who like to plan their own activities.

Open spaces and routes in the centre

From Brandbu, the Pilgrim Trail follows Kjølvegen. The Brandbu–Jølsen cycling route (Kjølvegen) starts in the centre of Brandbu. The details highlight different aspects for planning a trip: the Pilgrim Trail’s route along Kjølvegen is specified, while the cycling route’s starting point is in the town centre. The Vigga stream winds through the centre of Brandbu. The old crossing at Åvedalsbrua, also called Augedalsbrua, is located along it. This adds a historical point of interest to the stream.

Culture in the town centre

The Tegneseriemuseet in Brandbu covers 1,000 square metres and houses more than 200,000 books, comics, toys, games and other objects. The figures describe two different aspects: the museum’s area and the size of its collection. The museum also presents exhibitions on the history of broadcasting and newspapers. Brandbu also has many groups of buildings from different periods. They illustrate changes in communication and transport, activities and architectural styles. This offers different perspectives on local history: the museum brings together collection and media themes, while the building ensembles illustrate changes in architecture and the townscape.

Church, legend and landscape nearby

Nes kirke lies about 3 km from the centre of Brandbu. This large cruciform church dates from 1730. Høgkorsa, on the route from Brandbu, is associated with the royal sagas about Sverre Sigurdsson and Håkon Håkonsson. The site probably served as a resting or prayer place for pilgrims. For a different perspective on the landscape, hike up Brandbukampen: the route reaches 522 metres above sea level and offers views across Hadeland and Randsfjord. Nes kirke offers insight into architectural history, Høgkorsa into its probable former use as a resting or prayer place for pilgrims, and Brandbukampen into elevated views of the landscape while hiking.

More pilgrimage and cultural highlights in Gran

The wider destination of Gran also has a dedicated focus on pilgrimage. Pilegrimssenter Granavollen is an information and visitor centre for pilgrims. Together with the pilgrim association RiHaTo, it offers guided walks over various distances and in all seasons. Individual walks and the availability of a guide may vary; check dates if you plan to join one. In Granavollen, the Søsterkirkene, built in the 12th century, stand on the Pilgrim Trail to Nidaros. Granavollen is the only place in Norway where two medieval churches stand side by side. Also in Gran, Hadeland Folkemuseum is an open-air museum with a hilly museum park and more than 30 historic buildings from the Hadeland region. Visitors can also go inside the listed medieval old church of Tingelstad.

Discover more destinations: Gran, Bjoneroa.

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