Rena: School Museum, Church and Pilgrim Trail

In Rena, the School Museum, Åmot hovedkirke and the start of the Østerdalsleden shape the character of the town. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing these local points of interest from the winter sports facilities in the wider Åmot destination: the ski centres mentioned are located there. This allows you to consider Rena as a place to look for accommodation and the different offerings in Åmot based on the specific facts.

Winter sports in the wider Åmot destination

In the wider Åmot destination, Rena alpin og skisenter has two lifts and six runs. The longest run is 1,700 metres long. Furutangen skisenter, also in the wider Åmot destination, has two lifts and five runs. It also has a large terrain park, snowmaking on all runs and floodlighting on several runs.

A direct comparison of the figures shows that both ski centres have two lifts, while Rena alpin og skisenter has one more run than Furutangen. The length of the longest run is also specified for Rena alpin, while the description of Furutangen lists its terrain park, snowmaking and floodlighting.

Cross-country skiing is also part of the picture in the wider Åmot destination: Rena alpin og skisenter is a starting point for tours towards Skramstadsætra and Engulsfjellet. Operating details may change seasonally, so check the latest information about the ski facilities before your trip.

Cultural history in Rena

The Skolemuseet i Åmot is housed in an impressive wooden building of cultural and historical significance near the university college in Rena. This unique building was created to a design by architect Henrik Bull. Highlights of the museum include a historic classroom, teaching materials, lunch boxes and school satchels. For groups, the Friends of the School Museum can offer a meeting room for up to 15 people, as well as brief explanations and guided tours of the Skolemuseet. If you would like to use this offer, arrange the details with the Friends of the Museum in advance.

Another architectural landmark is Åmot hovedkirke in Rena. This substantial wooden building was built in the Art Nouveau style to a design by Henrik Bull. The church was built around 1900 and consecrated in 1902. The altarpiece and pulpit date from 1775 and were carved by Peter Kasterud of Fåberg. The two dates therefore relate to different parts of the history: 1775 refers to the carvings, while around 1900 and 1902 refer to the church’s construction and consecration.

Nesvangen in Rena also brings together local history and the river landscape: it lies at the confluence of the Glomma and Renaelva rivers and is designated as Åmot’s 1,000-year site. Thus, Rena’s distinctive riverside setting complements its specific architectural and school history.

Pilgrim trail, rivers and cycling routes

The western section of the Østerdalsleden begins at the pilgrim bridge in Nesvangen, Rena, in Åmot municipality. From there, it is 375 kilometres to Trondheim. The Østerdalsleden is one of Norway’s officially recognised pilgrim routes. From Rena, it follows the west bank of the Renaelva towards Bjørkøyvelta and Flåtestøa. This gives you both the starting point and the direction of the trail; the 375 kilometres refers to the distance to Trondheim.

For cycling travellers, Elgtråkket is another long-route option: the route between Rena and Røros is 320 kilometres long. Close to Rena, the Glommastien follows the Glomma for about three kilometres and offers several opportunities for swimming and rest breaks. Prestsjøen is also nearby; it has swimming areas, a diving tower, playgrounds and a large open area.

There are opportunities for fishing and swimming along the Åstaelva. An easy cycling route runs via Åsta Øst along Fv. 535, also known as Østre Åbuveien, back to the centre of Rena. So alongside the long pilgrim route, there are shorter, specifically described routes and leisure activities to consider. When planning your stay, you can consider these local attractions separately from the ski centres in the wider Åmot destination.

For the wider travel overview: Åmot.