Discover Lesjaskog: Wooden Church, School History and Nature

Lesjaskog offers reasons to include cultural history and outdoor activities in your travel plans. The wooden church, a school museum with engaging historical objects, and a range of recreational opportunities offer different points of interest. Which holiday accommodation suits your stay also depends on which of these themes interest you most.

Wooden Church and School History

Lesjaskog Church was built of wood in 1697. In 1855, it was moved from its original location at the Lesja ironworks to its present site. Its year of construction and relocation therefore tell of two distinct stages in the church’s history: it was built in 1697 and moved in 1855. Visitors interested in historic buildings can explore both aspects during a visit.

The school museum in Lisser displays a door from Lesjaskog School. Its motifs come from Norse mythology and include the Midgard Serpent and Odin riding Sleipnir with Huginn and Muninn. Alongside this distinctive exhibit, the museum displays objects from different periods in the history of schooling. The collection covers the period of the itinerant school from 1739 to 1860 and that of the permanent school from 1860 to around 1960. The contrast between these periods gives a museum visit a tangible historical context.

Tandseterstugu is also a wooden building with a history of its own. It is old and was probably built in the 18th century. Since 1982, it has stood beside Lesjaskog Church in Lisser.

Walking Trails and Recreational Opportunities

The Lesjaskog lysløypeanlegg in the centre of Lesjaskog has walking trails. Skiåkran, a ski play area, is also located in the centre. These offer different options for planning your day: you can explore the trails or consider the ski play area as a distinctive feature of the village.

Lesjaskogsvatnet, in Lesja Municipality, is a very important local recreation area. Activities listed include fishing, paddling, swimming and boating, as well as walking and cycling. There are also barbecue areas. The range of activities mentioned therefore extends from spending time by the water to being active on land. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you would rather set aside time for water activities, fishing, walks or bike rides.

Near Lesjaskog, the Valldalsleden runs from Einbu via Gruvlia towards Lesjaskog and Lesjaskogsvatnet. Landowners and volunteers established and marked the trail together; it is intended to offer nature and cultural experiences. Lesjaskogsvatnet Camping is located on the Valldalsleden and offers cabins and tent pitches.

Choosing a Location and Planning Your Journey

Trains no longer stop at the disused Lesjaskog and Lesjaverk railway stations. Bear this in mind when planning your journey: these stations are not train stops. Your choice of holiday accommodation may depend on your interests—for example, the wooden church and school history, the walking trails and ski play area in the centre of Lesjaskog, or the recreational opportunities listed for Lesjaskogsvatnet in Lesja Municipality.

If you would like to include other places in your search as well as Lesjaskog, you can also find Lesjaverk and Bjorli here.

For the broader travel overview: Lesja.