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About
Hiking in Stange
In Stange, you will find more than 500 kilometres of marked trails. They take you from deep forests, through beautiful and vibrant cultural landscapes, all the way to Lake Mjøsa.
The trails are marked and maintained by several different hiking associations and organisations. In addition to local trail networks, there are two long-distance routes that pass through the municipality: the Rondane Trail and the Pilgrim Path. The Rondane Trail runs from central Oslo all the way to Hjerkinn, passing through forests and mountains. The Pilgrim Path is a national pilgrimage route that stretches from Oslo to Nidaros.
Ilseng Trails
The Ilseng trail network was named Norway’s best hiking trail network in 2019 by the county municipalities and the Gjensidige Foundation. The network consists of approximately 30 km of well-marked trails surrounding the village of Ilseng in Stange Municipality.
The marked trails around Ilseng are generally wide and well maintained, here, you will find an easily accessible trail network close to the village centre. Cultural landscapes, forests, and informative signs along the trails allow you to discover local history in addition to enjoying the beautiful and peaceful nature that Norway is widely known for. At the time of writing, the trail network features around 40 information boards, map displays, rest areas, shelters, and a variety of fascinating cultural heritage sites scattered throughout the lush landscape.
Maps of the trail network are available, among other places, at the local shop in Ilseng.
The trails pass through stunning scenery characterised by forests, cultivated farmland, rivers, field edges, and tractor tracks. Parts of the trail system follow the beautiful Svartelva River and also cross three other rivers: Starelva, Lageråa, and Fura. Along the way, you will walk past fields, grazing areas, beautiful farms, and wetlands with exceptionally rich birdlife.
A popular starting point is the sports park in Ilseng.
See the suggested main loop, starting from from the sports park.
Find more hiking suggestions in Ilseng on UT.no.
Ottestad Trail
The Ottestad Trail was established in 1993, and its 16-kilometre trail network passes through a fantastic and varied cultural landscape. The route is generally easy to walk, following pleasant pedestrian and cycle paths, attractive trails and farm roads.
The trail runs through some of Norway’s most fertile farmland in an area often referred to as Norway’s Tuscany, continuing through woodland and down to the shores of Lake Mjøsa. Along the way, you will pass several former crofters’ holdings, and near the Heksvold farm you will pass a pond and the municipality’s only privately owned burial ground from modern times.
There is also plenty of culture to experience along the route. Consider combining your walk with a visit to the Norwegian Emigrant Museum at Åkershagan or Atlungstad Distillery, which ceased production in 2008 but now operates as a museum and restaurant.
You will struggle to find a more varied hiking experience anywhere on the Hedmarken plain. You can walk the entire route or choose individual sections.
See a suggested trip along the Ottestad Trail, starting from the shores of Lake Mjøsa.
