Nes: Ravines, Nature Trails and Cultural History
Accommodation in Nes
Nes combines varied natural landscapes with trails and cultural heritage sites. These include ravines, large forest areas and marshes, as well as museums, historic farms and marked routes. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether to focus more on nature experiences, views or cultural history.
Landscape and trails in Nes
In the lower-lying areas below the marine limit, clay deposits have shaped a distinct ravine landscape. The Glomma and Vorma rivers cut through this area. The Nes Church Ruins stand on a promontory where the two rivers meet. The Veset and Holter Nature Reserve covers 219 decares and was established to protect threatened nature and safeguard biodiversity. It is maintained as a peaceful, natural area for hiking and outdoor activities for the residents of Nes.
Those who want to learn more about nature and the landscape along the way can follow a marked circular trail at the Sagstuen nature trail, with 40 information boards. They cover forestry and plant and animal life. At the forest lake Fløyta, you can follow the signposted and marked trail along the entire lake to its northern end, where there are good swimming opportunities.
At Vardehøgda, a 13-meter-high observation tower offers views across half of Eastern Norway. The signposted and marked trail there leads to one of the highest points in Nes and passes Dalsjøhytta and Dalsjøen. If you would like to combine a hike with a viewpoint, you can include these stops in your plans. Another walk starts in Seterstøa, across the road from the railway station. It has an elevation gain of 130 meters; at the top, the view stretches to Funnefoss and the Glomma.
For a trail with a swimming option, a scenic route leads from Udnes School to Hvamsetertjern. From Hvamsetra, the hike can also be continued to Røverskansen, the remains of an old fortification dating from between 400 and 600. Depending on your interests, you can plan a walk to the water or a destination with a historical connection.
Cultural history and local sights
The Kulturminneløypa in Vormadalen runs through a cultural landscape of national significance. Information boards tell the story of some of the cultural monuments; you can choose your own starting point. This is useful if you want to begin the route from a starting point that suits your plans. KulTour is another option for cycling: this bike tour in Nes visits selected cultural monuments in Vormadalen. It starts at the Nes Church Ruins and follows a signposted cycle route through the forest, past a golf course.
Stein skole in Vormsund is a school museum designed in the 1930s by well-known Norwegian artists. During the summer season, scheduled guided tours are offered every day the museum is open, at 13:00 and 14:30. If you would like to plan a visit, the tour times are relevant when choosing a day and arranging your schedule.
The Funnefoss Industriarbeidermuseum is located by the Glomma in Opakermoen and offers guided tours of the small workers’ homes on the farm. It tells the story of the paper mill, which employed 80 workers and was the first major industrial enterprise in Nes municipality. Auli Mølle adds to this insight into local history: the mill was built in 1909, while milling at this site dates back to the 17th century. Gamle Hvam Museum, meanwhile, is an authentic historic farm complex with buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
If you would like to supplement your own overview of the area with a local guide, you can also find one under Nesbyen.
For the broader travel overview: Buskerud.
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