EidsvollOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

Early Assemblies and Industrial Foundations

Eidsvoll's history begins in the 1st century as the site for the Eidsivalag, an early Norwegian confederacy. Assemblies (ting) were held here for the eastern parts of the country. This function as a meeting place was due to its location with access to the Vorma River and Lake Mjøsa, providing passage to northern inland Norway. The name "Eidsvoll" comes from "eid" (a road around a waterfall) and "voll" (meadow), referring to the Sundfossen waterfall.

In 1624, Eidsvoll's industrial development began with the establishment of Eidsvoll Jernverk (Ironworks) by King Christian IV. This became one of Norway's oldest industrial enterprises, producing cast iron and bar iron, powered by the Andelva river's waterfalls. The ironworks operated for centuries until Carsten Anker acquired it in 1794. He restored the works and, in 1811, moved into the manor house, which later became the Eidsvollsbygningen.

The Constitution of 1814

The year 1814 marks Eidsvoll's central role in Norwegian history. Following the Treaty of Kiel in January 1814, which transferred Norway from Denmark to Sweden, Norwegians decided to determine their own future. From April 10 to May 20, 1814, 112 representatives met at Carsten Anker's Eidsvollsbygningen. They drafted and signed the Norwegian Constitution. This document, dated May 17, 1814, declared Norway an independent nation, established its constitution, and elected a king. This event is commemorated annually as Norway's Constitution Day. The Eidsvollsbygningen, a manor house built in 1770 and renovated by Anker around 1800, became a national symbol. After Anker's bankruptcy in 1822, a group of citizens, led by Henrik Wergeland, raised funds to purchase the building in 1851. They donated it to the Norwegian State for preservation as a national monument and museum.

• —Eidsvollsbygningen — This manor house, built in 1770, is where the Norwegian Constitution was signed on May 17, 1814. Guided tours show restored 19th-century interiors, including the Rikssalen (Constituent Assembly Hall), reception rooms, and private chambers.
• —Eidsvollsbygningen Gardens — The gardens around the historic building offer a place for walking. The grounds extend along the Andelva river.
• —Eidsvoll Verk — This former ironworks, established in 1624, was an industrial site. The area shows Norway's early industrial past and includes the Eidsvollsbygningen.
• —Eidsvoll Kirke — A cruciform stone church from around 1190. It has been rebuilt several times after fires, including in 1883 and 2000, but keeps its historical structure. Visitors can see its Romanesque architecture and the old cemetery.
• —Wergeland's House — Near the Eidsvollsbygningen, this visitor center houses the "Freedom and Democracy" exhibition. It explores the 1814 constitution and its relevance to modern democracy. It also has a café with views of the manor house and the Andelva river.
• —Vorma River banks — The Vorma River, which connects to Lake Mjøsa, was a thoroughfare. Walking along its banks, especially near the pier, shows the area's connection to water transport.
• —Old Eidsvoll Verk Bridge — This bridge, built in 1813, is part of a cultural trail that follows the industrial history of the area along the Andelva river, including former sawmills and brickworks.

The period from late June to mid-August is suitable for warm-weather activities. Temperatures in July average around 20°C, with clear skies and long daylight hours. This is the main tourist season, so major sights are open, and visitor numbers are generally manageable.

May, early June, and September offer pleasant weather with fewer visitors. However, some attractions, especially in smaller towns, may have limited opening hours outside of the main summer period (late June to late August).

Winter, from November to March, is cold and snowy, with average lows in January around -9°C. Many outdoor sites may close or operate on limited schedules, making it less suitable for general sightseeing.

Eidsvoll is 60 km north of Oslo and 21 km north of Oslo Airport (OSL). The easiest way to arrive is by train. From Oslo Central Station (Oslo S), a train to Eidsvoll Verk station takes about 30 minutes. Eidsvoll Verk station is a 15-20 minute walk (1.8 km) from Eidsvollsbygningen, or a connecting bus can be used.

By car, take exit 55 from the E6 highway and follow signs for Eidsvollsbygningen. Free parking is available at the museum. Other parking is available in the town center and at Eidsvoll Station. Walking is suitable for exploring historical sites and park areas. Public buses (Ruter) also operate within Eidsvoll. Card payments are widely accepted.