Discover Heggenes

Heggenes combines a distinctive local history with crafts and regional food; nearby, Furustrand on Heggefjord offers opportunities for swimming and play. This brings together a range of interests for families and other travellers: a historic building in the town centre, handmade ceramics, produce from a traditional farm and activities by the water. When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to first consider which of these aspects you want to shape your stay.

Local history and a distinctive landmark

The Øystre Slidre ysteri is in the centre of Heggenes. The building was constructed in 1928 and operated from 3 April 1929 until 1994. With its distinctive chimney, the ysteri is considered an important building in the town. The building also appears in the Flåklypa films. For travellers interested in architecture or film, this brings together two different points of interest: the history of a local dairy and its connection to the films.

Furustrand also has a historical connection: the bathing house there was built in connection with the Heggenes Hotel. When the hotel burned down in 1952, the bathing house was the only building to survive. The history of the ysteri in the town centre and that of the bathing house nearby thus complement one another, without suggesting that the two places are the same.

Ceramics and farm produce from Heggenes

Valdres Keramikk Ateliér is located in the centre of Heggenes. It offers a wide range of handmade ceramics inspired by nature and tradition; the pieces are dishwasher-safe. The selection also includes paintings, silverwork and other local crafts. Orders are accepted. Those interested in crafted design will find a different perspective on local offerings here, alongside the history of the dairy building.

Moahaugen Gard runs a farm shop in Heggenes selling food made on the farm as well as products from small-scale producers in Valdres and Innlandet. The traditional farm keeps sheep and pigs. Kurv, Fenalår, cured ham and Pinnekjøtt are sold in the stabbur; individual products may vary by season. The studio and farm shop therefore appeal to different interests: handmade items on the one hand, and food from the farm and region on the other.

Swimming, playing and staying active at Furustrand

Furustrand is on Heggefjord, just below Heggenes. There are opportunities for swimming and jumping into the water, beach volleyball, ball games, canoeing and barbecuing. In summer 2007, a swimming cove for the youngest children was created; the water there is 40 to 50 centimetres deep. This specific depth can help you plan swimming time with younger children, without reducing Furustrand to swimming alone.

Depending on your plans for the day, you can focus on water activities, ball games or the barbecue facilities. A Trillestig was also created between Furustrand and Helsetunet—a path suitable for prams and similar use. This offers a different way to spend time in the area from taking part in activities by the water.

Which location suits your stay?

When searching for a holiday apartment, the distinction between the town centre and the surrounding area is a useful guide: the ysteri, the ceramics studio and Moahaugen Gard are in the centre of Heggenes; Furustrand adds activities on Heggefjord to the range of experiences. Consider which places you would like to include in your holiday plans and what you want your days to revolve around. You can then compare possible locations based on whether local history, crafts and farm produce, or swimming and play opportunities matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Beito, Beitostølen, Rogne, Skammestein.

See the main travel overview: Øystre Slidr.