Dal: Observation Tower, Hiking Trails and Railway History

When choosing accommodation in Dal, you can use your planned activities as a guide: train connections, hiking routes in the Hasler area, the observation tower on Hasleråsen and railway history offer different points of interest. The local information provides useful starting points for your planning without assuming any particular accommodation or facilities.

Train Connections and Getting Around

Trains from Dal station run towards Lillestrøm, Oslo S and Drammen. If you are planning a train journey, check the latest connections before setting off. The station opened in 1854, when the Hovedbanen railway was completed; railways have therefore been part of the area’s history for a long time.

The goods shed at the station is another historic landmark in its own right. It dates from 1853, is built using timber framing, and was designed by H.E. Schirmer and A.F. von Hanno. Its interior and exterior, as well as parts of the track area, are protected under Section 15 of Norway’s Cultural Heritage Act of 1978. The station and goods shed illustrate different aspects of the railway heritage: the development of the line and the architecture of an associated building.

Hiking and Views from Hasleråsen

There are several hiking routes and starting points in the Hasler area near Dal. The routes range from 1.5 to 13 kilometres, providing a practical guide when choosing a route. Two options are described for the route from Hasler to Svinåsen: a 2.4-kilometre route on gravel and a 1.5-kilometre alternative along a gravel road and forest path. The two options differ in length and surface.

The route from Hasler to Svinåsen runs east from the former site of Gartner Olsen at Hasler, opposite Dal, to the Svinåsen farm on the edge of Hasleråsen. The trails at Svinåsen are marked with signs and light blue marker discs; check the latest trail information before setting off, as markings may change. There is a mailbox on the 3.7-kilometre circular route at Svinåsen.

There is a 12-metre-high observation tower on Hasleråsen. It was built by volunteers, who contributed 400 hours of work to its construction. It was completed in 2013, replacing the former fire watchtower. From the tower, the 360-degree view extends across large parts of Eidsvoll and Ullensaker. One route to the tower is about five kilometres long and starts at the car park by the former nursery site at the end of Haslervegen in Dal. Check the route information locally before setting off.

Trails for Different Activities

Parts of the old Bergerlinna route are now a hiking trail. In winter, a cross-country ski trail is groomed there; seasonal grooming may vary. Bergerlinna was a horse-drawn railway and served as a transport route from Berger Bruk to Dal station. Remains of the route are visible in the landscape from the Risebruvegen–Sessvollvegen intersection. They are part of the municipality’s railway and industrial history. Dal is also considered a good starting point for cycling trips across Romerikssletta.

Trade and Building History in Dal

Bjørnsrud is a complex of shops and commercial buildings constructed in several phases. Its significance lies in Dal’s history as a trading centre. Another historic building is Dalshaugen “Hotellet”, also known as Sissener hotell: the building was originally a café with overnight accommodation and later became a hotel. It is now home to a shop. Parts of the extensively remodelled building are made of log construction and date from the 19th century. It is significant to the area around Dal station, where few older buildings have survived.

Additional Context: Eidsvoll

In the wider destination of Eidsvoll, the Norwegian Constitution was written and adopted at Eidsvoll Manor in 1814. A guided tour is required to visit the house. This stop adds a distinct historical point of interest in Eidsvoll to Dal’s local history.

Mjøssamlingene in Minnesund is a maritime museum about the history of boats and freight transport on Lake Mjøsa. Its exhibits include storehouses, workshops and historic boats in their original setting. During the summer season, the buildings can be visited every Sunday with a guide or museum attendant; exact dates may vary from year to year.

Discover more destinations: Minnesund.

View the wider travel guide: Eidsvoll.