Harestua: Cultural History and Outdoor Experiences

Harestua combines cultural history with trails and outdoor activities. There are different ways to discover the area: walk the trail from Bøhrentangen to the centre, cycle around two lakes or visit notable cultural heritage sites. When looking for a holiday rental, it may therefore be important to consider which side of Harestua you would like to shape your stay.

Walking trail and cycling tour from Harestua

The walking trail in Harestua runs from Bøhrentangen in the south to the centre of Harestua in the north. Its endpoints provide a point of reference for anyone who wants to explore the area on foot. Another option is the “Rundt Skillingen og Harestuvannet” cycling tour. It starts at Harestua station and takes you to and around the lakes Store Skillingen and Harestuvannet. The difference in elevation between the tour’s highest and lowest points is less than 50 metres. The starting point, lakes and elevation difference are concrete details to consider when deciding whether a cycling tour fits your travel plans.

The railway is also useful for getting your bearings in Harestua: the station is a stop on the Gjøvik Line. Trains from here run towards Gjøvik, Jaren and Oslo S. Since the cycling tour starts at the station, it is also a clear point of reference for this experience. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between a train connection with several destinations and a cycling tour with a fixed starting point.

Recreation area at Gråmerrtangen

The Gråmerrtangen recreation area has a sand volleyball court and a fire pit with a permanently installed grill. Gråmerrtangen also has a sandy beach and benches. These features make the area appealing to visitors who want to spend time outdoors: sports, a fire pit, a beach and seating are all specific amenities at the recreation area.

These interests may play a part in choosing where to stay without requiring you to plan any particular daily itinerary. If you enjoy cycling, the tour to and around Store Skillingen and Harestuvannet offers a different focus from the facilities at Gråmerrtangen. Those more interested in the town centre and cultural history can explore Harestua’s historic buildings. These different themes give you a choice of what to focus on during your stay.

Cultural heritage sites and local history

The Solobservatoriet is a notable scientific heritage site in Harestua. From 1954, the Solobservatoriet was Northern Europe’s largest astronomical facility. The buildings of the Solobservatoriet have been protected by the Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren) since 2016. Its historical significance and the protection of its buildings are closely linked to this place, giving Harestua a strong cultural and historical dimension alongside its outdoor activities.

Another heritage site is Harestua gamle skole, dating from the 1880s. It is one of the oldest buildings in Lunner Municipality and is preserved as a meeting place and cultural heritage site. Its focus is on forest worker culture and the history of education in Hadeland. The school is made available for cultural and social activities. It is therefore of interest not only as an old school building, but also for its role as a venue for such activities.

A meeting place for different interests

Friluftshub is located at the new square in Harestua, at Vannebos veg 196. It is intended as a meeting place for activities and events for both outdoor enthusiasts and others. Along with the recreation area and cultural heritage sites, it shows that Harestua appeals to a range of interests without being limited to a single type of holiday.

If you are looking for a holiday rental in Harestua, you can base your choice of location on the experiences that matter to you: the cycling tour from the station, the walking trail north to the centre, the facilities at Gråmerrtangen or the cultural history of the Solobservatoriet and the old school. You could also consider Grua as another place for your trip.

For the wider travel overview: Lunner.