Odnes: Nature, history and experiences by the Randsfjorden

Odnes combines nature experiences by the Randsfjorden with a distinctive architectural history and special places of remembrance. A birdwatching tower, paths through the landscape, a bathing area and historic buildings offer different reasons to explore the area. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Odnes, you can base your choice on whether you are most interested in birds and wetlands, paths on Odnesberget or cultural history.

Enjoy nature and watch birds

The Våtmarkssenteret at Odnes comprises a nature centre and a birdwatching tower. The outdoor area and tower are open to visitors all year round, including outside opening hours. The grounds offer opportunities for fishing, swimming, barbecuing and birdwatching. This brings a range of nature-related interests into focus: you can plan your visit around birdwatching or explore the other activities available in the outdoor area.

A nature and cultural trail runs from the Våtmarkssenteret along the railway line to Dokka. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you can make this walk a separate part of your travel plans. Near Odnes, Dokkadeltaet is designated as a wetland nature reserve. Odnesberga is also a forest nature reserve in Odnes. The two protected areas give the local nature theme different facets.

Odnesberget and the history of ski jumping

The path over Odnesberget is steep and exposed, and offers a very fine view of the Randsfjorden and Dokkadeltaet. It starts at Varmestua in Odnesbakken, where parking is available. This route is quite different from a visit to the outdoor area of the Våtmarkssenteret.

The Odnesberget path leads to the former Odnesbakken ski-jumping site. Odnes Vel has built a shelter at the former take-off tower. World records were set at Odnesbakken in 1931: Birger Ruud jumped 76.5 metres and Johanne Kolstad 46.5 metres. Here, the landscape of Odnesberget meets the history of ski jumping.

Architecture and art in Odnes

Along the former Bergenske hovedveg, which today roughly follows Gamlevegen, there are 28 heritage-worthy buildings in Odnes. Most of the buildings are in the Swiss style; some feature Empire and Art Nouveau elements. The historic building stock includes former farm and post station buildings, a hotel, shops, a bakery, a bank, a butcher’s shop and villas. This variety tells the story of the different types of buildings and former functions of the area.

Peder Aadnes Kunstgård, also called Lille Odnes Gård, was where Peder P. Aadnes lived and worked as an artist. The gallery at Lille Odnes offers private visits by appointment after contacting them directly. The tour takes you through NR88, the garden, the stable and the studio. The historic Dampskipsbrygga is also part of Odnes’ history: it survives as a ruin in the fjord.

Water and places to visit nearby

Sagvika in Odnes by the Randsfjorden is a bathing area with a boat pier; there is also a sand volleyball court. The Odnes harbour is a separate facility, with a guest pier and a boat slipway. If you would like to include water activities in your trip, each of these places offers a different focus.

Nearby is Fluberg Church, a cruciform church built in 1703. Also close by is the Lands Museum, an open-air museum with more than 35 historic buildings. These destinations complement Odnes’ architectural and art history with further opportunities to explore historic buildings. When choosing where to go, you can give greater priority to nature, water, local history or a visit to the open-air museum.

If you would like to explore other places while planning your trip, you can also find Enger, Landåsbygda, Fall and Hov here.

For the broader travel overview: Søndre Land.