Grua: Mining History and Trails to Nordmarka

Grua combines mining history with trails through cultural and natural landscapes. The nature and cultural trail starts at the train station, passes cultural heritage sites and a protected landscape area, and ends at the Nyseter mines. The Hadeland Mining Museum is also located in Grua. When planning your visit, you can choose from a range of activities, from mining history and guided mine tours to exploring Nordmarka on foot, on skis or by bike.

Mining History in Grua

The Hadeland Mining Museum presents the history of mining in Grua and Hadeland. You can learn more about the subject at the Bråten site in the centre of Grua, where there is an exhibition about geology and mining in Grua and Hadeland. If you are interested in how the mining region was formed and used, you can explore these two offerings as different ways to discover the area during your stay.

The Nyseter mines are also part of the mining experience in Grua: the Hadeland Mining Museum offers guided tours there during the summer season. These tours are for visitors who would like to explore the mines as part of a guided activity.

The nature and cultural trail also passes Hadeland mines. This iron mine was already in operation in 1538 and is among the oldest iron mines in Norway. It is located in the Østhagan protected landscape area. On the same hike, you’ll encounter both cultural heritage sites and a landscape where mining history and nature conservation come together.

Church and Local History

Grua Church is a 1924 long church built of log timber with external cladding. It stands on a hillside immediately south of the centre of Grua. Its location and design provide another cultural point of interest alongside the area’s mining history. If you’d like to discover different aspects of the area, the church offers a different focus from the museum, exhibition and mines.

Exploring on Foot

The nature and cultural trail leads from Grua station past several cultural heritage sites and a protected landscape area to the Nyseter mines. Allow about an hour to walk from the station to the mines along this trail, depending on your pace. The terrain is varied. The approximate walking time can help you plan your day, without assuming a particular pace.

From Grua station, you can also explore Nordmarka on foot, on skis or by bike. This lets you choose activities to suit your preferred way of getting around. If you’re interested in cross-country skiing, Grua also has a specific starting point: the Grua–Nysetra ski trail begins a short walk from the station.

Station and Cross-Country Skiing

To reach the ski trail, first walk about 90 metres north, towards Oslo, along the old Rv 4. Cross the road and turn right onto a cleared path. The Grua–Nysetra ski trail begins there after about 350 metres. These distances are approximate and describe the route to the start of the ski trail.

The route between Grua and Nysetra is part of the connected cross-country ski trail network between Gjøvik and Oslo. Grua station is a stop on the Gjøvik Line. It opened as a stopping place in 1901, shortly before the entire Gjøvik Line was completed. Grua therefore offers a link to railway and local history, as well as a starting point for excursions into Nordmarka.

If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Grua, your planned activities can help you choose a focus for your stay: mining history and trails to the mines, the church and cultural heritage sites, or activities in Nordmarka. Another local page: Harestua.

For the main travel overview: Lunner.