Stor-Elvdal: Cultural Trail, River Landscape and History

Discover Stor-Elvdal on an approximately 14 km circular route through cultural history and landscape: the Gamle Kongevei Cultural Trail is suitable for touring bikes and leads to a spot on the riverbank with a direct view of the Stor-Elvdal main church. You can also walk a shorter section of the trail from Koppang or from the Koppangshammeren farm. For your stay, you can choose between the full circular route and a shorter walk.

River Landscape and Cultural Heritage

Nearby is Koppangsøyene, an area recognised as a Selected Cultural Landscape in 2022. Shaped by flooding, this agricultural area stretches along the Glomma in Østerdalen and comprises islands, river channels and vegetation in a distinctive mosaic pattern. At Koppang, the Glomma divides into several branches around Koppangsøyene. The landscape is home to abundant birdlife and varied floodplain vegetation; it also contains cultural heritage sites from the Stone Age and Iron Age, as well as well-preserved historic buildings. Here, nature and history enthusiasts can experience both in the same cultural landscape.

Stor-Elvdal Church is located in Havnåsen/Koppang. As the municipality’s main church, it lies at its centre. The octagonal Empire-style building was constructed in 1821 to a design by Svend Aspaas and has a Baroque organ. Those walking the cultural trail can enjoy a view of the church from the riverbank; its architecture and long history make it a distinctive destination along the route.

The area also holds older traces of church history: St. Michael’s Church was the first church in Stor-Elvdal and stood on Koppangsøyene in the Glomma. It was probably built in the 12th century. Barfrøstua, a building dating from around 1800, is also located on the grounds of Norsk Kultursenter. It was among the first buildings in Norway to be protected, in 1923. Norsk Kultursenter AS is based in Koppang in the municipality of Stor-Elvdal.

Exploring Gamle Kongevei

The information boards also make the cultural trail a chance to learn more about the area along the way: there are 18 boards in total, with pictures and text. Together with the circular route, they offer the choice of a longer outing or shorter walks from Koppang or Koppangshammeren. The route is approximately 14 km long, so bear this distance in mind when planning your day. If you are particularly interested in Stor-Elvdal Church, the riverside destination offers a direct view of the main church.

For further cultural experiences, Stor-Elvdal Hotell offers guided tours and talks about its extensive art collection, which includes works from the 18th century to the present day. Another local attraction is Tekna Park Koppang, a family park run by volunteers. Choosing which of these experiences to include can give your stay a cultural, scenic or active focus. Stor-Elvdal Hotell’s culinary tradition includes homemade dishes prepared, as far as possible, with locally sourced ingredients.

If you’d like to explore other places in the municipality as well as Stor-Elvdal, you’ll also find Sollia, Strand, Atna and Koppang here.

For the main travel overview: Stor-Elvdal.