Things to do in Elverum

According to Ole Paus, Elverum is only "a ditch somewhere to the right of Hamar", but more specifically, the forest capital of Østlandet is located in Østerdalen, bordering Åmot, Trysil, Våler and Løten.

A lot must have changed since Paus released the song 'Elverum' in 1979 because we couldn't disagree more. The city is full of cultural and natural treasures worth visiting, the highlights being the Norwegian Forestry Museum, all kinds of festivals and the city centre, popularly known as 'Leiret'.

Thon Hotels has two partner hotels in Elverum. Hotel Elgstua is conveniently located on Trondheimsvegen, while Hotel Central is located in the city centre. Together, they offer 190 newly renovated and attractive rooms.

Here are some tips for things to do when visiting Elverum:

Norwegian Forest Museum

Want to learn more about Norwegian forestry practices and everything related to forests? The Norwegian Forest Museum offers exciting experiences for young and old alike, with exhibitions and activities with a focus on hunting, fishing, forestry and the forest industry in Norway. The museum is beautifully located by the Glomma river and has three floors with various exhibitions, a library, museum shop, gallery and a large open-air museum with playground and fish pond. There are tables and benches by the fish pond, which is regularly stocked with trout for easy fishing. Fishing rods can be borrowed from reception. Why not challenge each other to a fishing contest?

Glomdal Museum

Approximately five minutes by car from both Thon’s hotels in Elverum, you'll find one of the Nordic region’s largest outdoor museums and Norway’s third largest after the Norwegian Folk Museum and Maihaugen. The Glomdal Museum opened in 1911 and consists of no fewer than 92 houses from the period 1612-1940, where you can learn more about how people in the area lived in the past and about agriculture, handicraft traditions and the history of defense in Norway. The museum also showcases the multicultural history of Hedmark, with a permanent exhibition on the Romani people and their culture and history. There is also a charming café called Kafé Anno on the museum grounds.

Terningen Skanse

History buff? Then you should absolutely visit the Terningen Skanse, one of the most intact star-shaped ('schanze') fortifications in Norway from the Napoleonic Wars. Located near the Terningåa river a few kilometres west of the city centre, the site was granted protected status in 2014 and has, among other things, moats, a drainage channel and a gunpowder cellar.

Løiten Brænderi

At Løiten Brænderi, located around 15 minutes by car from Thon’s hotels, you can go on a unique tour of the old distillery factory as part of a walking theatre performance called 'En Akevisitt'. The shops Bokloftet and Løiten Lys, as well as a large collection of grandfather clocks, are also found in the area. For a fun dinner experience, book a table at the distillery restaurant during the interactive crime comedy show called 'Dinner with Murder', where you get to solve a crime mystery while enjoying a three-course dinner. Nowadays, both aquavit and gin are produced here and the Hedmark Alkemiske Destilleri arranges tastings and lectures on the history of spirits for visitors.

Klevfos Industrial Museum and Munch Centre

Did you know that Edvard Munch was born in Løten? At the Munch Centre in Klevfos, which offers daily tours during the summer, you can learn more about the artist’s childhood and how his place of birth influenced his art. Here you'll also find the Klevfos Industrial Museum, which used to be one of the country’s smallest paper factories in operation from 1888-1976, complete with machinery, a forge and workshop. There is also plenty of fun for the children, who can make their own paper, build a cogwheel and try it out in the river, watch a theatre performance and play at the playground, which also has a lean-to and barbecue area. Klevfos Industrial Museum and the Munch Centre are located in Løten, around a 20-minute drive from the centre of Elverum.

Elvebris

The Norwegian festival summer can also be experienced in Elverum, such as at the new festival Elvebris. In 2022, this two-day festival took place on 24-25 June at Sagtjernet Amfi, known as one of Norway’s most beautiful festival areas. Both Norwegian and international artists from a wide range of genres came here to perform and create the ultimate summer party. So, get out your sun hat and festival shoes and get ready for next year’s Elvebris!

Smaksfestivalen

Love good food and drinks? Make sure to visit Elverum during the annual Taste Festival in November. The festival was held for the first time in 2016 and has had afterwork activities, masterclasses and various lectures on the programme, as well as events such as an aquavit lunch, afternoon tea and trend tips from experts. And, of course, plenty of great food and drinks to enjoy!

Tip! Also check out Festspillene i Elverum, the city festival Elverumsdagarna, the film festival Movies on War, Grundsetmartn and the Nordic Hunting and Fishing Days.

Moose watching tour

Much of Elverum is covered in woods, which means you're in the kingdom of the 'king of the forest'. You have a greater chance of spotting the majestic animal on a moose tour with Finnskogen Adventure, where together with an experienced guide and Norwegian elkhound, you walk through Finnskogen’s beautiful nature, trying to silently sneak up on a moose. During the tour, which lasts around three hours, you also learn more about moose hunting and are served moose meat snacks and a hot drink. You’re sure to see moose tracks, but whether or not the king himself appears is up to his majesty himself. The tour starts at Circle K Hernes, around a 10-minute drive from both Elgstua Hotel and Hotel Central.

For climbing enthusiasts

If you’d like to do some climbing while you’re in Elverum, head for the Terningen Arena. Here you'll find a 24-metre-high indoor climbing wall with 17 top rope attachments – and you can rent equipment such as harnesses, rope brakes, carabiners and ropes, as well as a climbing harness for children. If you prefer bouldering, you’ll also find a three-metre-high wall here, ranging from vertical to steep overhang. You need a climbing license ('brattkort') to climb, but anyway can use the bouldering wall.

Fast-paced fun

In October 2022, a 2,500-square-metre go-kart centre opened on the ground floor of the Kremmertorget shopping centre in Leiret. Here you can race against friends, family and even yourself, and record your times in an app for a complete overview. Get ready to feel an adrenaline rush and compete to be the fastest racer on the track! Also check out Starmoen Motorsenter for more fast-paced experiences, including go-kart and rallycross tracks.

Skiing paradise

Did you know that the municipality of Elverum has over 200 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails in winter? A great area for cross-country skiing is Flishøgda, located around 30 kilometres from the city centre towards Trysil, where you can also stop at Rogstadbakkvollen for coffee and a bite to eat on weekends and holidays. Other nice areas to ski are Stavåsen and Grundsetmarka. Elverum is also close to the cross-country skiing paradise of Budor, the Rena ski resort and Trysilfjellet, which has both cross-country and downhill skiing.

Fishing in Norway’s longest river

Glomma runs through the middle of Elverum, so there are plenty of good fishing opportunities here for those with a fishing rod. Here you can fish for trout, grayling and pike, and there are several nice places along the river to cast your line. One of them is Strandbygda Grunneierlag, which runs from the centre of Elverum to Åmot. PLEASE NOTE: Remember to buy a fishing license.

Paddling along the Kynna river

Few activities allow you to get as close to nature as canoeing. Together with Finnskogen Adventures, you can enjoy a day on the water in the beautiful Kynna river in Finnskogen, where you can paddle with an experienced guide in calm waters surrounded by beautiful nature. Those interested in spotting wildlife may very well see moose, beavers and deer. You can cast a fishing line or take a dip in the water. The tour lasts around four hours and is available from May to September.

Go on a museum tour

One of Elverum’s most famous tours is the 'Museum Tour' and includes both the Norwegian Forest Museum and Glomdal Museum. Along the way, you get to see the best of Elverum and a number of cultural monuments, such as over a hundred historic buildings from Hedmark. The tour is around three kilometres long and mainly takes place on roads and wide paths in flat terrain. P.S. During the summer, you may need a museum ticket to pass through the museum area during the daytime.

Elverum’s best swimming spot

Love to swim? Head to Sagtjernet! Located just north of the city centre and around two kilometres from Hotel Central, the picturesque sandy beach at this lake may very well be the best spot in Elverum on a sunny day. In addition to great swimming, you'll also find a dive tower, playground, sand volleyball court, bonfire pits and Tufte park here. It's also a great spot for fishing for those who want to try their luck. You’ll find another delightful beach at Løkenstranda along the Glomma river.

Øksnafallene

A nice place to go for a walk and enjoy nature can be found by the Øksna river, around a ten-minute drive from Elgstua Hotel. Park right after the exit at the Øksna bridge, then follow the path to the beautiful Øksnafallene waterfall. Along the way, there are several nice viewpoints and small swimming holes where you can enjoy a refreshing dip. The trail is well marked and around four kilometres there and back.

Experience the magic of dancing birds

Together with Finnskogen Adventures, based around ten minutes from the centre of Elverum, you can enjoy a unique nature experience with one of their experienced guides, who takes you into Finnskogen to experience the spectacular mating dance of the black grouse and capercaillies up close. Capercaillies usually only mate during one week in April, while the black grouses perform their mating dance all month long. Along the way, you'll also learn more about the nature and wildlife found in Finnskogen. Remember to bring a camera!

Climbing to the top of Raskiftet

If you’ve packed your hiking shoes and are looking for a hike with great views, head for Elverum’s highest point of Raskifte. The peak is around 809 m above sea level and situated on the municipal border between Elverum, Åmot and Trysil. From here you can see the peaks of Trysilfjellet and Rondane, among other mountaintops. You can drive almost all the way to Gransætra, from where it takes around two hours to walk to the top and back down again.

Elgstua Kafé

The traditional Elgstua Kafé opened its doors in 1959 and has since been a popular eatery among both locals and travellers looking for a bite to eat on the move. The menu features a combination of traditional Norwegian homemade dishes like meatballs, moose stew, pork belly with sauce and more international dishes like hamburgers and club sandwiches. The café is located next to Hotel Elgstua, so it’s not far from the hotel to what is probably Elverum’s most famous restaurant.

Forstmann Spisested & Catering

Part of the Norwegian Forest Museum and with views of Glomma and Prestøya, Forstmann Spisested og Catering serves traditional food made from high-quality ingredients. Lunch and dinner have a focus on local ingredients, with everything from moose, bear and reindeer to grouse, pheasant, whitefish and char on the menu. The restaurant harvests, smokes and cures its own food, and also arranges theme evenings such as a 'banquet evening' with delicacies from the forest and sea, 'game evening' and 'lutefisk evening'.

FAVN Bar & Spiseri

Whether you’re hungry for something sweet, lunch or a good dinner, head to Favn Bar & Spiseri, located in the centre of the city, around a five-minute walk from Hotel Central. The menu is extensive and includes a homecooked meal of the day prepared with local seasonal ingredients, as well as sandwiches and homemade cakes. Or you can simply enjoy a good drink in good company by the fireplace.

Slakteriet

For a taste of Mexico in Elverum, head to the Slakteriet restaurant and bar. The menu features Mexican classics served with exciting side dishes, such as nachos, carne asada, marinated entrecôte, quesedillas and elote (grilled corn on the cob with parmesan), followed by a sweet and exotic dessert.

Steinbua

In a historic stone building from 1897 in the heart of the city, you'll find the Steinbua restaurant. The building was originally a warehouse for a wholesale business, but was renovated into a charming restaurant in 1989. Steinbua’s menu is highly varied, with everything from tapas to sushi and pretty much everything in between, so there’s something for everyone. 

Sharmas Indian Restaurant

In the mood for some Indian food? Located on Storgata in Leiret, Sharmas Indian Restaurant serves authentic food from several of India’s culinary regions. Here you can enjoy everything from traditional chicken tikka masala and lamb korma to a creamy chicken stew served with mango lassi or Kingfisher beer. And how about homemade pistachio-flavoured Indian ice cream for dessert?

Kafé Øst

In the heart of Leiret, the centre of Elverum, you'll find the cosy Kafé Øst. This charming café serves lunch and dinner dishes featuring seasonal ingredients. One of their most popular dishes is stone-oven baked Italian pizza with a local twist, such as topped with lingonberries and smoked elk from Gransjøberget.

Stri Pub

Stri Pub offers a great ambience and a bit of culture, in addition to a good selection of beers and cocktails. The pub has a very popular live stage where concerts and stand-up performances are held. They also organise Friday quizzes and broadcast various sports events on a big screen. In other words, all the ingredients for a fun night out!

Central Scene

One of Elverum’s most popular outdoor venues, Central Scene, is a cocktail and wine bar, sports bar and cultural scene all in one. Various concerts and cultural events are organised here, but the venue is also a great choice if you're simply in the mood for a good drink or a night out. If you’re hungry, you’ll also find what’s considered the city’s best burger and Italian pizza on the menu.

Moose watching tour

Much of Elverum is covered in woods, which means you're in the kingdom of the 'king of the forest'. You have a greater chance of spotting the majestic animal on a moose tour with Finnskogen Adventure, where together with an experienced guide and Norwegian elkhound, you walk through Finnskogen’s beautiful nature, trying to silently sneak up on a moose. During the tour, which lasts around three hours, you also learn more about moose hunting and are served moose meat snacks and a hot drink. You’re sure to see moose tracks, but whether or not the king himself appears is up to his majesty himself. The tour starts at Circle K Hernes, around a 10-minute drive from both Elgstua Hotel and Hotel Central.

Experience the magic of dancing birds

Together with Finnskogen Adventures, based around ten minutes from the centre of Elverum, you can enjoy a unique nature experience with one of their experienced guides, who takes you into Finnskogen to experience the spectacular mating dance of the black grouse and capercaillies up close. Capercaillies usually only mate during one week in April, while the black grouses perform their mating dance all month long. Along the way, you'll also learn more about the nature and wildlife found in Finnskogen. Remember to bring a camera!

Fast-paced fun

In 2022, a 2,500-square-metre go-kart centre opened on the ground floor of the Kremmertorget shopping centre in Leiret. Here you can race against friends, family or colleagues, and record your times in an app for a complete overview. Get ready to feel an adrenaline rush and compete to be the fastest racer on the track! Also check out Starmoen Motorsenter for more fast-paced experiences, including go-kart and rallycross tracks.