Furnes: Church Art, Trails and Mjøsa

Furnes combines church art, historic trails and experiences by Mjøsa. Furnes Church tells the story of a building from the early 18th century; traces of old paths and the route over Olaåsen open up views of the cultural landscape. By the water, there is also the lakeside path to Jessnes and the Jessnesstranda beach and recreation area. For your holiday planning, this gives you a choice between cultural history, exploring trails and spending time by the lake—a good basis for tailoring your search for a holiday rental to your own vacation priorities.

Church Art and Historic Traces

Furnes Church is a cruciform church that was consecrated on 12 July 1708. The new church was built using stones from the cathedral ruins at Domkirkeodden in Hamar; Vår Frelsers Church (Oslo Cathedral) served as its model. The date of consecration, the origin of the materials and the architectural model give the building a distinctive historical character. The church contains numerous works of church art by people from Furnes, particularly Jens L. Strammerud. The local artists add art from the area to the building’s history.

Furnes also has tangible traces of its transport history. Furnæs Station, renamed Jessnes in 1921, was the first stop in Ringsaker. Two almost parallel paths also run through Furnes, now called Kongsveg, Gamle Kongsveg and Kongsvegen. Between them is a crossing section of path from the Middle Ages, probably even older. The station and traces of the paths point to different chapters in the area’s history.

Another landmark is Høsbjør Turisthotell in Furnesåsen. Rudolf Emil Jacobsen designed the building. From 1919, it offered guests a magnificent view over Hedmarken and Mjøsa; the building remains a landmark in Furnes.

Trails and Experiences by Mjøsa

The circular route over Olaåsen follows Vollavegen and offers views of Mjøsa; vegetation can affect the view. The 1916 log cabin Trollstua is on the route over Olaåsen. Check its condition when you arrive. The route thus combines a view of the landscape with a specific historic building.

The historic Wegfahr in Furnes is accessible from Karmel menighetshus on Gamle Kongsveg via a path about 200 metres long. Parking is available at the menighetshus. As route details may change, check the current route before your visit. A lakeside path by Mjøsa runs from Espern in Hamar to Jessnes. Conditions on this path may also change; check the latest information before setting out.

Jessnesstranda is a developed beach and recreation area with a child-friendly beach, an HC pool, play equipment, a volleyball court and toilet facilities. During the summer season, school classes, sports clubs, associations and groups of friends use the area for swimming, playing, barbecues and beach volleyball. End-of-summer celebrations and gatherings are also held there; actual use may vary. Facilities and seasonal maintenance may change, so it is worth checking the latest municipal information before your visit.

Boats can travel from the harbour at Jessnes to Hamar, Tingnes and Brumunddal. This lets you include Mjøsa in your plans in a different way than by taking the lakeside path. Boat trips may be seasonal; check in advance which trips are available on your dates.

Choose Furnes for Your Holiday

When looking for a holiday rental, a good starting point is the kind of mix you want for each day: should your vacation focus mainly on building history and trails, or would you like to include beach activities and boat trips on Mjøsa? Furnes brings these interests together; Jessnesstranda and boat trips also involve seasonal considerations.

Discover more destinations: Nes På Hedmark, Moelv, Tingnes, Sjusjøen, Lismarka, Mesnali, Brumunddal.

Go to the main travel overview: Ringsaker.