Eidsfoss: Ironworks History, Gardens and Water Experiences

Eidsfoss combines memories of the ironworks with garden culture, exhibitions and summertime experiences on the water. A restored freight wagon, a school museum and a railway exhibition tell different parts of the area’s history. There is also the formal parterre at Eidsfos Hovedgård, ceramics activities and opportunities to spend time on the water by canoe, SUP or on boat trips. You can shape your stay around whether you mainly want to explore the culture or make the most of the summer season with active pursuits.

Traces of the Ironworks and the Railway

The restored freight wagon G2 10332 stands in front of the Snekkerverkstedet. It was built at the Eidsfoss works in 1910. The Fremtidstoget exhibition is in the adjacent Snekkerverkstedet and explores both the importance of the railway to Eidsfoss and the contribution of the Eidsfoss works to railway development. Together, the wagon and exhibition offer two concrete ways to discover industrial history: through a preserved vehicle and through the connection between the railway and the works.

The Jernverksmuseet also focuses on this industrial heritage. It is housed in a former ironworks warehouse by the outlet of the Eidselven. The Bettum workshop is now the best-preserved example of an industrial building from Eidsfoss’s ironworks era. If you are interested in historical workplaces and buildings, you can explore different aspects of the subject: the former warehouse, a particularly well-preserved industrial building, and the story of the works and the railway.

The Old Schoolhouse in Hauane offers another perspective. It houses a school museum and an exhibition about Rakel Seweriin. This visit complements the industrial history with local and educational history. If you are travelling with children, these different themes can provide an opportunity to learn about history through not only the ironworks, but also the school and the railway.

Gardens, Heritage and Ceramics

The gardens are another highlight of the Eidsfos Hovedgård estate. They include a formal, symmetrical parterre with flowers and herbs, surrounded by a landscape park. The contrast between the orderly garden and the landscape park illustrates the different approaches to garden design. Eidsfos Hovedgård was listed for protection on 11 April 1923 by the then antikvariske bygningsnævnd, chaired by National Heritage Conservator Harry Fett.

The Eidsfoss Ceramics Workshop is also located on the estate, in the Kavalerfløyen. It offers courses and workshops and produces its own ceramics. This extends the focus of a visit from the garden and historic estate to ceramic crafts. For planning your trip, it offers an area of interest distinct from the exhibitions on local history: you can choose whether you are more interested in historic buildings, garden design or ceramics.

Summertime Activities on the Water

Aktiv i Eidsfoss offers nine canoes and two SUP boards for hire. M/S Eikern runs atmospheric boat trips during the summer season. These include shrimp cruises, concerts, sing-alongs and a free summer school for children. The activities offer different experiences: you might be interested in a boat trip, a concert or singing together, while hiring a canoe or SUP board offers another way to spend time on the water.

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