Skarnes: Cultural History and Active Discoveries

Skarnes offers a variety of reasons to explore the town: an art collection of 128 works, historic buildings and opportunities to get active. When planning a family trip, culture and leisure can be considered as separate interests. Rail connections may also play a role in choosing Skarnes as a holiday destination.

Railways and Local History

Skarnes station is on the Kongsvinger Line. Trains run from there towards Oslo S, Asker and Kongsvinger. When looking for a holiday rental in Skarnes, you can take these directions into account when planning your trip. Which connection suits your plans depends on where you want to travel.

Right next to the station building is Pakkhuset, also known as Skarnes Godshus. It was built in 1865 with a siding and was two carriages long. Its direct connection to the railway makes the building a distinctive detail of local history. It adds a historic goods shed to the picture of the station, without requiring a longer description of the train routes.

Another landmark in the town’s history is the old Skarnes Bridge. Since 1976, it has been used as a footbridge and cycle bridge, after the new Skarnes Bridge opened. Those interested in the development of transport routes will find a change in use here: today, the older bridge serves pedestrians and cyclists. Along with the train connections, these are different aspects to consider when exploring Skarnes.

Art and Cultural History

The Kåre Tveter Gallery Lyshuset has a collection of 128 works in various techniques, donated by Tveter himself. The range of techniques offers a specific point of interest for a culture-focused visit. Outside the summer season, Galleri Lyshuset can be visited by prior arrangement. So if you plan your trip for this period, arranging your visit in advance is part of the planning.

Trekanten brings together several chapters of local history. The building was constructed around 1900 and served, among other things, as a watchmaker’s workshop, bakery and cultural centre. In 2012, Trekanten opened as what may be Norway’s smallest cultural centre. Its different uses also make the place interesting for families who would like to learn about aspects of everyday and cultural life alongside leisure activities. The dates refer to different milestones: construction around 1900 and its opening as a cultural centre in 2012.

In the centre of Skarnes, there is an overview of blue information signs and other historical information boards. If you prefer to explore local history through individual signs, you can use these as a guide. In addition to the specific buildings, the boards provide a separate way to learn about the history of the town centre.

Leisure and Activities

For wheeled activities, Skarnes has the Glommasvingen roller park. It can be used for skateboarding, kick scooters, roller skating and other wheeled activities, and is open to everyone. When planning their day, families can consider whether an active outing like this suits their interests; the activities listed offer several options.

The Sør-Odal swimming pool has a 25-metre pool. This means swimming is among the leisure options in the area. The roller park and the swimming pool offer different activities: wheeled activities take centre stage at the park, while the pool is for swimming. You can decide which option suits your travel plans based on your family’s interests.

At the Odalstunet Museum, the buildings were open on Sundays in July as part of the summer schedule. This seasonal information is relevant when planning the timing of a museum visit. Skarnes thus brings together art, historic places and physical activity as different themes for a stay. When choosing your holiday rental, consider which of these interests matter most for your trip.

For the wider travel overview: Sør-Odal.