Lunner: Lakes, Trails and Old Iron Mines
Accommodation in Lunner
Lakes in the northern part of Nordmarka, trails by Harestuvannet and traces of historic iron ore mining give Lunner a distinctive character. The municipality includes a large part of northern Nordmarka, including the lakes Mylla and Gjerdingen. Visitors who want to combine nature and history will find a variety of ways to shape their holiday here.
Landscape and mining history
Lunner has nine nature reserves. Tullebrennhaugen and Fjellsjøhøgda were added as two new areas. The Østhagan protected landscape area also tells the story of how the land was used: it is associated with iron mines and limestone quarries. The history of the area therefore extends beyond individual buildings to the extraction of raw materials in earlier times.
Hadelandsgruben, also known as Store Gamle Grube, is among Norway’s oldest iron mines. Iron ore was mined there from at least the 1530s until 1799. Another glimpse into the past awaits in Grindvoll: the Vestby find includes bronze figurines and numerous other objects from the Late Bronze Age. The oldest part of Lunner Church is a stone church dating from the 12th century. These varied traces make culture and landscape possible focal points for a trip.
Trails around Harestua and Grua
There are several ways to spend time outdoors by Harestuvannet. The completed lakeside path is about one kilometre long, designed to be accessible and wide enough for mechanical snow clearance in winter. A hiking trail also runs along the northern part of the lake, from the centre of Harestua to Bøhrentangen. The recreation area by the trail also includes a beach volleyball court.
For a shorter walk, the Turbosti is another option. Described as a child-friendly hiking trail, it starts at the northern end of the path along Harestuvannet, near the centre of Harestua. If you are interested in Lunner Church, you can include the Pilegrimssti route around the church in your plans. It has seven stations and takes about 45 minutes.
Trails and mining history are also central to the area around Grua. The nature and culture trail from Grua station to the Nyseter mines follows varied terrain on foot and takes about an hour. The mine safari to the Nyseter mines takes about two hours. The different time estimates can help you plan these activities as shorter or longer outings, without combining them into a single route.
Winter days and waters
When there is enough snow, kilometres of cross-country ski trails are usually groomed within the municipality. When Harestuvannet freezes over, a cross-country ski and walking trail, as well as a skating rink, are set up on the ice. Mylla is named as a popular winter excursion destination in Lunner. Which of these options suits your trip also depends on whether you have ski trails, walks or ice skating in mind.
Lunner’s fishing waters vary in size and in their fish and insect life. If you plan to fish, follow the general fishing regulations for the different areas: everyone aged 16 or over needs a fishing licence. Lunner is also home to Norway’s only Vipe Park, which opened in summer 2024.
Places to help plan your holiday
When looking for a holiday apartment, consider which aspects of Lunner are most important to your trip: the trails and winter activities by Harestuvannet, the sites around Lunner Church, or the nature and culture trail from Grua. The places Grua and Harestua can also help you find your way around the municipality. This lets you choose where to stay based on the experiences you want to discover in Lunner.
For the wider travel overview: Oppland.
More destinations
More places in the same destination:
