Rena – Rivers, Pilgrim Trail and School History

The Glomma and Renaelva rivers meet at Nesvangen in Rena. This is where the western section of the Østerdalsleden begins, and the town also has its own cultural character, shaped by its school history and a church with intricately carved furnishings. A stay here can combine river scenery, outdoor activities and historical discoveries. Which holiday rental in Rena suits your trip also depends on whether you mainly want to explore the pilgrim trail, cycling routes or places by the water.

Rivers and the pilgrim trail at Nesvangen

Nesvangen in Rena lies at the confluence of the Glomma and Renaelva rivers and is designated as Åmot’s 1,000-year site. The western section of the Østerdalsleden also begins there, at the pilgrim footbridge. The route is one of Norway’s officially recognised pilgrim trails and runs from Rena along the west bank of the Renaelva towards Bjørkøyvelta and Flåtestøa. If you would like to include a longer pilgrim trail in your trip, you can take Rena’s starting point into account when considering accommodation.

Nesvangen is 375 km from Trondheim. This gives a sense of the scale of the route: the Østerdalsleden is not just a short detour by the river, but part of a long pilgrim trail. When planning your trip, it is therefore helpful to distinguish between a stay around Rena and walking a larger part of the route.

Cycling and time by the water

There are also different options for cycling. Elgtråkket is a 320-kilometre cycle route between Rena and Røros. It is a separate option for travellers who want to include a longer route in their trip. The easy cycling route via Åsta Øst is a different option: it follows Fv. 535, also known as Østre Åbuveien, back to the centre of Rena. There are also opportunities for fishing and swimming along the Åstaelva.

Nearby, the Glommastien follows the Glomma for about 3 kilometres. Along this route, there are several places to swim and take a relaxing break. Prestsjøen also offers swimming, as well as a diving tower, playgrounds and a large open area. These differences can help you plan your day: the Glommastien focuses on the river and breaks by the water, while Prestsjøen also has playgrounds and open space. These interests may help you decide what you would like to focus on during your stay in a holiday rental in Rena.

Church and school history

Åmot hovedkirke in Rena is a solid timber building in the Art Nouveau style, designed by the architect Henrik Bull. It was built around 1900 and consecrated in 1902. The altarpiece and pulpit are among the notable historical details inside: both date from 1775 and were carved by Peter Kasterud of Fåberg. The church thus brings together an Art Nouveau building and much older furnishings.

The Skolemuseet i Åmot offers another glimpse into the town’s history. It is housed in a cultural heritage timber building near the university college in Rena. The building is described as unique and was also designed by Henrik Bull. At the museum, visitors can see a historical classroom and teaching materials, lunch boxes and school bags. These tangible objects and the recreated classroom bring school life to life.

The Rena skole building began being used as a school in August 1905. The Friends of the School Museum can offer a meeting room for up to 15 people, as well as brief explanations and guided tours at the Skolemuseet. These are ways to learn about the history of schools; contact the Friends of the Museum to arrange a visit.

For further information about the area, see the pages on Blikberget, Nordre Osen and Åmot.

For the broader travel overview: Åmot.