Frolands Verk: Ironworks History and Experiences by the Water

Frolands Verk brings together the history of an ironworks, a historic garden and a bathing beach by the water. The place offers several specific ways to shape your stay: you can learn about the former ironworks and Niels Henrik Abel, or plan some time at Trævannet. Which of these aspects interests you most may also play a part in choosing Frolands Verk as your destination.

Ironworks and Main House

Frolands Verk was founded in 1763 and operated as an ironworks until 1867. The works was especially known for casting cannonballs. The Main House was completed in 1791 and listed as a protected heritage building in 1927. Many details from the time it was built have been well preserved, making the building itself an important part of the area's history.

The Main House also contains an extensive local history exhibition that offers insights into life in the past. It complements the story of the works with the history of the place and its people. If you enjoy exploring different historical subjects when travelling, Frolands Verk offers both industrial history and the development of local life.

Niels Henrik Abel and Technical History

An exhibition about Niels Henrik Abel tells the story of the pioneering mathematician through texts, images and an accompanying film. Abel had close ties to Frolands Verk and died there on 6 April 1829. He spent the last months of his life in the Goat Room of the Main House, where he died in 1829. A sculpture in the garden also commemorates the place's close connection to Abel.

Another focus is the development of the electric arc furnace in 1905, presented at Frolands Verk as part of world history. The development of the electric arc furnace made it possible to produce artificial fertiliser. The place thus brings together the story of a mathematician's life and a technological development, each connected to its history in a different way.

Historic Garden and Lysthusheia

Opposite the Main House is a historic garden developed alongside the ironworks. Lysthusheia, with its pavilion, is right next to the garden. This garden gives a visit a different focus from the exhibitions: in addition to buildings, historic objects and stories, the landscaped grounds are among the defining features of Frolands Verk.

Families can give different interests different weight when planning their trip: some may want to learn more about Abel and the ironworks, while others would rather spend time outdoors. The sculpture in the garden connects these two aspects by commemorating Abel. The garden and Main House therefore offer several ways to enjoy a visit without having to focus on just one subject.

Bathing Beach and the Waters of Trævannet

The Frolands Verk estate lies directly beside Trævannet. A popular bathing beach is located there, within a state-protected recreation area. The bathing beach at Trevann has a large sandy beach, a car park and toilet facilities. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider spending time by the water as well as exploring the area's history.

Below Lysthusheia, on the shore of Trævannet, there is a developed landing stage and a slipway for launching boats. Those interested in activities on the water will find facilities for boats here as well as the bathing area. The different options can help you decide what to focus on during your stay: culture and local history, or time by the lake.

Planning Your Stay

The museum grounds are accessible via County Road 42. The address is Frolandsveien 1320, 4827 Frolands Verk; free parking is available on site. The ground floor of the stable and the ground floor of the Main House have been adapted for wheelchair access. The café at Frolands Verk serves, among other things, waffles, sausages, ice cream and coffee.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Frolands Verk, you can consider a visit to the museum grounds as one of the reasons for your trip.

Other places at the same level: Hynnekleiv, Mykland, Froland, Mjåvatn.

Back to the main travel overview: Froland.