Brårud: Trails along the Vorma and waterways

Brårud combines trails by the water with several clearly described hiking ideas. There are walking areas on the west side of the Vorma, as well as the hike from Brårud to Vardehøgda, the Låveggsåsen rundt loop and a swimming spot at Ask dammen. This lets you shape your stay around what you want to do outdoors—from a stroll to a longer hike.

Waterways and the history of Svanfoss

Svanfoss sluse connects Lake Mjøsa, the lower course of the Vorma and the Glomma between Rånåsfoss and Funnefoss. The lock lies on the Glomma–Vormsund–Mjøsa waterway and is an important amenity for pleasure boats and other users of the waterway. This makes the use of the waterways another aspect to consider when staying in Brårud, alongside hiking.

The economic role of the lock is part of the area's history: around 100 years ago, Svanfoss sluse in Fenstad was a hub for industry, trade and transport. Its current operating status should be considered separately when planning a trip today. A notice updated on 3 July 2026 reported that the lock facility was temporarily out of service because of technical faults in its upper and lower sections. Check its current operating status before travelling.

Hiking to Vardehøgda

The hike from Brårud to Vardehøgda begins with approximately 3.5 kilometres along the road towards Eidsvoll. The route passes Sandaker gård; shortly afterwards, it turns left onto Brattstupvegen. It then follows a well-marked trail to Portmyrbakken and continues along a path to Vardehøgda. The description makes the route easy to follow in stages: first the road, then the marked trail, and finally the path. Road and access conditions can change, so it is worth checking the latest situation before setting out.

Loop trail, boardwalk and picnic spot

Another hiking option is Låveggsåsen rundt. The loop starts at the car park by the sports ground in Brårud and crosses Veslemåsan on a boardwalk more than 300 metres long. There is an open-sided shelter and benches for breaks at Låveggsdammen. The boardwalk and picnic spot provide distinctive landmarks on this loop; check current trail and facility conditions before visiting.

There is also a specific spot for another kind of outdoor activity: Brårud has a swimming spot at Ask dammen. Together with the walking areas along the Vorma, this gives you a choice between walking, a signposted hiking route and spending time by the water—without requiring all the activities to fit into the same day's plans.

Nature and culture in the wider destination of Nes

The Glomma and Vorma meet in the wider destination of Nes. Below the marine limit, the area is shaped by ravine landscapes formed by clay deposits; the waterways have cut through this terrain. Nes also has significant areas of intact fens and raised bogs. This adds other river and wetland landscapes within the wider destination to the local focus on the Vorma in Brårud.

Historic sites are also part of this wider setting: the ruins of Nes Church lie on the peninsula where the Glomma and Vorma meet. The Funnefoss Industrial Workers’ Museum comprises three houses with living environments from 1910 to 1950. Hydropower has been used at Funnefoss for several centuries; there was a mill, a sawmill and, from 1875, a wood-processing factory. These topics offer a different focus from the trails and waterside spots in Brårud and can complement your choice of excursions.

Choosing the right focus for your stay

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Brårud, consider what you want your stay to centre on: walks along the Vorma, the hike to Vardehøgda, the Låveggsåsen rundt loop or the swimming spot at Ask dammen. If you would also like to explore the landscapes and history of the wider destination of Nes, you can take these themes into account when planning excursions. This way, your choice of holiday location is guided by the activities you actually want to enjoy.

Discover more destinations: Nes, Vormsund, Årnes, Fenstad.

Back to the main travel overview: Nes.