Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Places to Visit in Norway in 2016
Left: Locally sourced food from around the Mjøsa lake makes Hedmark an interesting culinary destination. Middle: Magnor Glassverk is an avant-garde design corporation focusing on local craftsmanship. Top right: Glass inspired by moose, a common sight in Hedmark’s forests. Below: Cars and a need for speed are integral parts of Hedmark’s culture.
The most ambitious county in Norway Hedmark aims to appeal to visitors by emphasising its cultural heritage with activities including an up and coming culinary scene, intriguing wildlife, hiking experiences and local design. By Pernille Johnsen | Photos: Visit Hedmark
During the 16th century, Forest Finns migrated from Finland to Sweden and Norway and populated large areas of Hedmark. 20 per cent of the Swedish population stems from Finnish heritage, as well as several hundred thousand Norwegians. The history surrounding the Forest Finns casts a mysterious veil over the large forest Finnskogen, and the supernatural, mystical creatures and events frame Hedmark’s history. “Sharing the Forest Finns’ history is a growing source of pride in Hedmark,” explains Tove Guldbrandsen, general manager at Destination South Hedmark. Finnskogleden is a hiking trail in the border region between Norway and Sweden. “It is the ultimate wildlife experience, camping in tents and listening to wolves howling at night,” Gulbrandsen says. “Hedmark is known for a lot of things, but 90 | Issue 88 | May 2016
the fortress in Kongsvinger and Magnor Glassverk stand out as the guiding lights for exploring the county.” Both attractions are located in South Hedmark. Magnor Glassverk is an old glass factory, historically without any emphasis on innovation, but today it is proudly presenting its craftsmanship and has morphed into a flourishing design business. Visitors can watch as glass of all shapes and sizes is made by hardworking artisans. Meanwhile, Kongsvinger fortress, built in 1682, is one of the best preserved fortresses in Norway. It hosts 40,000 visitors each year and is surrounded by extensive woodwork, conveniently located by a river providing scenic views.
Tickling your tastebuds The culinary scene in Hedmark is noteworthy, especially in terms of the organic and
locally sourced food from farms by Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake. Award-winning restaurant Skaslien Gjestgiveri, established in 1952, is working to become the leading destination for farm-fresh food in Norway. The focus on culinary expansion is mirrored across the county: a taste festival is organised in Elverum and Hamar hosts a food and agricultural festival, both run as annual gatherings.
Three activities not to miss in Hedmark: - Art exhibition The Way I Saw It, ends this May - Finnskogleden hiking - Less demanding hiking in Syvtorpsrunden For next year, also keep an eye out for the annual Jazz Festival and Racing Championships, both usually taking place in early May.
For more information, please visit: www.visit-hedmark.no/en