Hedmark Travel Guide (East Norway/Norway/Nordic countries/Europe)

Introduction to Hedmark
List of Places to Visit in Hedmark
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Hedmark: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Hedmark
Best Things to Do in Hedmark: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Hedmark
Food and Drink Scene of Hedmark
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Hedmark: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Hedmark: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Hedmark
Best Time to Visit Hedmark
Do’s and Don’ts of Hedmark
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Hedmark
- Health in Hedmark
Getting to Hedmark: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Hedmark
Where to Go Next from Hedmark: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Hedmark

Located in East Norway, Hedmark is a stunning region home to natural wonders, historical landmarks, and rich cultural traditions. With abundant forests, spectacular lakes, and stunning mountain scenery, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hedmark is also steeped in history and has a rich cultural heritage, making it an excellent destination for history buffs.

List of Places to Visit in Hedmark

Here’s an overview of the must-visit places in Hedmark:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Hedmark boasts a wealth of museums and historical sites that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the top places to visit:

Norwegian Forest Museum: Located in Elverum, this museum highlights Norway’s forest-based culture and heritage. Visitors can explore exhibits on forestry, hunting, and wildlife, as well as a stunning butterfly garden.
The Norwegian Aviation Museum: Located at the Gardermoen airport, this museum showcases the history of aviation in Norway, including military aircraft, commercial planes, and private jets.
Domkirkeodden: This open-air museum in Hamar showcases the ruins of a medieval cathedral and the rich cultural heritage of the Hedmark region. Visitors can explore a range of exhibits, including Viking history and maritime artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Hedmark: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hedmark is renowned for its stunning natural scenery, including forests and mountains, clean lakes and rivers, and untouched landscapes. Here are some perfect outdoor spots in Hedmark:

Femundsmarka National Park: This national park is the perfect place to get lost in the wilderness of Hedmark. Located in the eastern part of the region, Femundsmarka offers hiking trails, fishing and canoeing, and cozy hytte (cabins) for overnight stays.
Rondane National Park: Rondane is a beautiful national park located in the heart of Norway’s rugged mountain terrain. Here visitors can enjoy hiking and skiing, spot wildlife, and explore glaciers and stunning waterfalls.
The Glomma River: Glomma is Norway’s longest river, and the vast riverbank is perfect for a peaceful walk in the stunning natural beauty of the region.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hedmark

Hedmark is full of fantastic Hiking/Biking Routes that will suit hikers of all levels:

Birkebeineren Ski Stadium to Lillehammer: A 21 km hiking route that starts at the Birkebeineren Ski Stadium in Lillehammer.

Best Things to Do in Hedmark: Activities and Tours

There is no shortage of things to do in Hedmark. Here are some of our top recommendations:

Dog sledding: Hedmark’s snowy terrain is perfect for dog sledding. Visitors can enjoy stunning mountain views while being pulled by the region’s finest Huskies
Horseback riding: The region is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, and horse riding is the perfect way to take in the breathtaking views across the region’s wilderness and rural landscapes.
Guided hiking tours: There are plenty of guided hiking tours that will take you to some of Hedmark’s best sights, so if you’re looking to explore the great outdoors and learn more about the region, consider booking a guided tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hedmark

For visitors to Hedmark, we recommend the following itinerary to explore this region fully:

Day	Activities
1	Start your trip by visiting Domkirkeodden in Hamar.
2	Explore Oslo, the capital city of Norway, which is only 2 hours drive from Hedmark.
3	Spend a day in the beautiful Femundsmarka National Park.
4	Take a guided tour to discover Hedmark's unique culture and heritage.
5	Spend a day skiing in Rondane National Park, one of Norway's oldest and most famous national parks.
6	Visit Norwegian Forestry Museum in Elverum and discover the importance of forestry in Norway.
7	End your trip to Hedmark with a relaxing walk along the banks of the Glomma river.

Food and Drink Scene of Hedmark

Must-Try Dishes

When it comes to cuisine, Hedmark is famous for using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to produce unique flavor combinations. Here are a few must-try dishes for foodies:

Elk burgers: Locally sourced, delicious, and super healthy
Rømmegrøt: A Norwegian porridge made using sour cream, flour and cream with sugar and cinnamon on top.
Sheep’s milk cheese: Norway is known for its delicious cheese, and Hedmark is no exception.

Local Beverages

The region is famous for its coffee and brewing traditions. Here are some great drinks to try while you’re in Hedmark:

Aquavit: A liquor made from potatoes and flavored with caraway, the perfect drink to warm you up for the winter.
Karsk: A traditional Nordic drink made from coffee, sugar, and locally-brewed moonshine; it’s a bit strong, but it will surely keep you warm.

Where to Stay in Hedmark: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

From luxurious hotels to cozy lodges, Hedmark offers a range of accommodation to suit all budgets:

Scandic Elgstua Hotel: Located near the Elverum city center, Scandic Elgstua Hotel is a perfect choice for visitors. It offers comfortable and spacious rooms, a spa area where guests can relax and various restaurants to enjoy a delicious meal.
Brumunddal Hotell: Located in Brumunddal, this hotel offers stunning views of the Mjøsa lake, modern rooms, excellent food, and a charming atmosphere.
Bjørnen Fjellstue: Situated deep in the forest of Hedmark, Bjørnen Fjellstue offers a unique and peaceful accommodation experience.

What to Buy in Hedmark: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hedmark offers a range of unique, handcrafted products that are perfect for souvenirs. Here are some of the most popular products to take home with you:

Handcrafted knives: Hedmark is renowned for its excellent knife-making tradition. Visitors can buy handcrafted knives from local artisans as a unique souvenir.
Lefse: A traditional flatbread made from potatoes, baked thin and crispy, that will make a perfect addition to your food bag.
Jakt and Fiske: The region’s outdoor activity magazines are a perfect way to learn more about the region’s outdoor heritage.

Local Culture and Customs of Hedmark

Hedmark has a rich cultural heritage, and its traditions are deeply tied to the natural beauty of the region. Here are some cultural events that you shouldn’t miss:

Rørosmartnan: Rørosmartnan is an annual trade fair, has been around since 1854, which takes place in early February and is one of the largest winter festivals in Norway.
Norwegian Wild Reindeer Center Pavillion: The reindeer have had a central place in the history and culture of the Sami people, based in northern Scandinavia. Hedmark offers visitors the chance to learn more about them.

Best Time to Visit Hedmark

The best time to visit Hedmark is during the summer months (June to August). This is when the region’s natural beauty is at its finest, with lush green landscapes and warm sunny weather. However, if you’re looking for a winter wonderland, Hedmark is the perfect destination with its snow-covered landscapes and unique winter activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hedmark

Here are some of the do’s and don’ts when visiting Hedmark:

Do:

Bring your hiking or biking gear as many of the activities require that you have a pair.
Try locally made food and drinks as they are delicious and unique.
Book accommodations in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.

Don’t:

Do not litter as Norway is renowned for its commitment to cleanliness and preservation of natural resources.
Refrain from taking pictures of people without obtaining their permission first.
Do not be rude to local customs as Norwegian people are very proud of their heritage and culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hedmark

Hedmark is a safe region to visit, with low crime rates and excellent healthcare facilities. Visitors should be careful when hiking, skiing, or engaging in any outdoor sports and follow safety guidelines at all times.

Health in Hedmark

Hedmark’s healthcare facilities are of high standards, and visitors can receive excellent medical care if needed.

Getting to Hedmark: Transportation Options and Logistics

Traveling to Hedmark is easy thanks to its transportation infrastructure:

Airports Near Hedmark

The nearest airport to Hedmark is Oslo Gardermoen Airport, which is located just 60km away from Elverum, the region’s largest city.

Bus Stations Near Hedmark

Hedmark is well connected by bus services, which offers frequent services to and from major cities in the region.

Other Options

Visitors can rent cars to explore the region and have the freedom to set their travel itinerary.

How to Get Around in Hedmark

The region of Hedmark has a comprehensive transportation system, including buses and trains, which conveniently connect all the popular tourist spots. Visitors can also rent a car or hire bikes to explore the region at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Hedmark: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hedmark is an excellent starting point for exploring other nearby destinations in Norway. Here are some great places to visit after exploring Hedmark:

Røros: This historic town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its well-preserved wooden buildings.
Trysil: Norway’s largest ski resort, Trysil offers visitors a range of winter sports activities, including downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Lillehammer: Home to the 1994 Winter Olympics, Lillehammer is a picturesque town with historic buildings and excellent skiing opportunities.

Conclusion

Hedmark is a stunning region of Norway, rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. It’s an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone looking to soak in the beauty of Norway’s countryside. With so much to explore and discover, Hedmark is sure to delight visitors of all ages and travel styles. So why not start planning your trip today?