Forming part of the traditional district of Østerdalen, Tynset lies along the banks of the Glomma River in central Norway. It’s home to several open-air museums and centuries-old mining landscapes and is the birthplace of the first Norwegian Nobel laureate, Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson.

Things to do

Delve into the region’s cultural heritage at the Musea i Nord-Østerdalen, which has its headquarters at the Ramsmoen Museum Center in Tynset. It operates one of Norway’s most beautifully preserved farm settlements at nearby Alvdal, as well as the birthplace of the Nobel Prize-winning Norwegian writer, Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, in Kvikne.

Also near Kvikne are the remains of a copper mine where ore was first discovered in 1629. Together with several houses that are now privately owned, its weather ore heaps and mining caves form part of one of Norway’s oldest mining landscapes. Stroll between the former water channels and dams used from the turn of the 18th century and several well-preserved galleries and drifts.

On the northern edge of Tynset is an octagonal church that boasts magnificent views from its hilltop position. Consecrated in 1795, it is said to have inspired Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson to write one of his most well-known psalms when he heard the bells ringing from its tower. A highlight of the church is its gilded pulpit, which is unique to this part of Norway.

Getting around

Tynset is around 2.5 hours’ drive from Trondheim and Trondheim Airport or Røros Airport is just an hour away and has flights to Oslo. Regular trains connect from the Tynset railway station to destinations across Norway while buses travel throughout the region. Having your own vehicle is the most convenient way of accessing Tynset and exploring the surrounding Østerdalen valley.