Tynset, a municipality and village in Innlandet county, Norway, is the urban and administrative center of the Nord-Østerdalen region within the Østerdalen valley, one of Norway’s longest valleys. Situated at approximately 480 meters (1,574 ft) above sea level, Tynset spans 1,880 km², making it the 43rd largest municipality by area in Norway, with a population of 5,581 (2022) and a low population density of 3.1 inhabitants per km². The village of Tynset, with 2,934 residents (2023), lies along the Glåma river, roughly halfway between Tolga and Alvdal, and serves as a hub for surrounding hamlets like Fådalen, Fåset, Telneset, Tylldalen, and Yset.
Tynset’s name originates from the Old Norse Tunnusetr, linked to the
Tonna river and the historic Tynset farm, where the first church was
built in 1211. Initially spelled Tønsæt, it was standardized as Tynset
in 1917. The municipality was established in 1838, with later boundary
changes, including the 1966 merger with parts of Kvikne, home to
Norway’s first significant copper mine (1630–1812). Tynset has a rich
cultural heritage, with ties to the Viking Age and the Birkebeiners, as
noted in Håkon Håkonsson’s saga. The region’s Catholic past is preserved
in artifacts at Kvikne and Tylldalen.
The Tynset Church, an
octagonal structure from 1795, is a cultural landmark, inspired by
Røros’ larger church. Its scenic hilltop location inspired a famous
psalm by Nobel laureate Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson. The church features a
gilded pulpit and is near a memorial marking the site of a 1211 stave
church. Tynset’s coat of arms, granted in 1985, depicts a silver moose
head on a blue field, symbolizing the area’s abundant wildlife. The
world’s largest “kicker” (kicksled) sculpture, a 5.25-meter-high,
11.6-meter-long monument, dominates Tynset’s square, celebrating the
locally produced Rappen and Tarzan kicksleds. The town hall, nicknamed
“brunosten” (brown cheese), was controversially voted Norway’s ugliest
in 2010.
Cultural life thrives at the 1988 Kulturhuset, hosting
concerts, theater, cinema, art exhibitions, and a library. Tynset boasts
a vibrant community with sports, music, and youth organizations, and it
has hosted checkpoints for the Femundløpet dog sled race. The region’s
museums, like Tynset Bygdemuseum and Tylldalen Bygdetun, showcase
historic housing and host events like the biennial St. Olav’s Day play,
Norway’s second-oldest outdoor historical drama.
Tynset’s vast forests and mountains, including parts of Forollhogna
National Park, are ideal for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking,
cycling, hunting, and fishing. Well-marked trails and plowed ski tracks,
especially in Fådalen valley and around Savalen lake, cater to
enthusiasts. Notable natural sites include:
Ripan: A glacial lake
formed during the last Ice Age.
Gammeldalen Nature Reserve: Features
dramatic corries and a WWII memorial at Telneset, marking a 1940 bombing
that killed six Norwegian soldiers.
Tronfjellet: A 1,666-meter summit
shared with Alvdal, accessible by Norway’s second-highest toll road (100
NOK), offering panoramic views and the grave of Indian philosopher Swami
Sri Ananda Acharya.
Jutulhogget: Northern Europe’s largest canyon, a
short hike from a parking lot, is a top attraction.
The Glåma river
and its tributaries, Sivilla and Ya, support fishing, while lakes like
Innerdalsvatnet and Falningsjøen add to the scenic appeal. Tynset’s
speed skating rink is internationally recognized for record-breaking
performances. Historic mountain farms (seter), still in use, are
accessible for hiking, and the municipality rents out chalets for
visitors.
Tynset is a modern trade and service center, with agriculture and
forestry remaining traditional mainstays. The public sector, IT, law,
finance, and construction are growing industries. The town hosts
regional services like a hospital, schools, and a family center.
Tynset’s shopping district along National Road 3 offers diverse retail,
and the town is known for its kicksled production, though some
manufacturing, like troll souvenirs, has moved abroad.
Accessibility is a strength:
Road: National Road 3, the shortest
route between Oslo and Trondheim, runs through Tynset. Rondevegen
connects to Lillehammer, Røros, and Sweden, as does County Road 30 via
Rendalen.
Rail: The Rørosbanen railway links Tynset to Oslo and
Trondheim, with a renovated station featuring a restaurant.
Air:
Røros Airport (56 km east) serves commercial flights, while Tynset’s
aerodrome accommodates small aircraft.
Tynset has a boreal, continental subarctic climate with cold winters, warm summers, and low precipitation (440 mm annually, driest February–April). Record temperatures range from -46.6°C (-51.9°F) in February 1912 to 31.4°C (88.5°F) in June 2020. January’s average low makes Tynset one of Norway’s coldest towns outside Finnmarksvidda, with a record June low of -7.9°C (17.8°F) in 1907.
Museums: Tynset Bygdemuseum (1 km from town) displays historic
homes, while Ramsmoen Museum Centre hosts year-round exhibits.
Kvikne’s Vollan Farm, from the 17th-century mining era, features a
private chapel.
Historic Sites: Kvikne Mines, operational from
1632, and Røstvangen Mines, active until a 1921 bankruptcy, offer
industrial heritage. Brydalen Church (1652) boasts Viking graffiti
and a Renaissance altarpiece.
Outdoor: Savalen and Fådalen are
tourist hubs for skiing and hiking. The 2.4 km-long Jutulhogget
canyon and Tronfjellet’s summit are must-visit sites.
Sports
Facilities: Tynset’s Tynsethallen (1986) and Holmenhallen (1996)
gymnasiums, plus a swimming pool, are impressive for a small
municipality. Norway’s first skateboard ramp, built in 1981 at
Telneset, reflects local innovation.
Tynset Hotel, a 4-star option 5 minutes from the town center, offers 30 rooms, free breakfast, and accessibility features, with proximity to attractions like The Soap Stone Quarry and Ramsmoen. Other lodging includes campgrounds, B&Bs, and chalets. Dining options are limited but include the hotel’s restaurant and local eateries at the shopping center. Tripadvisor notes 526 reviews of Tynset’s hotels, restaurants, and attractions, suggesting a modest but welcoming hospitality scene.
Tynset is praised for its serene, uncrowded landscapes and accessibility to nature, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Its cold winters and mining history add character, though some visitors find the town hall’s design jarring. The town’s compact size, modern amenities, and cultural offerings, like the Kulturhuset, balance its rural charm. Budget travelers may prefer visiting between March and May for lower hotel prices.