Tynset

Tynset is the Centre of the Nord-Østerdalen Region of Hedmark county. Tynset is well positioned in the centre of the mainland Norway. It can easily be reached by rail, road and air. Rv3 - the shortest route between Oslo and Trondheim - runs through Tynset. The Rondevegen connects Tynset with Lillehammer and Røros and continues into Sweden. Rv30 through Rendalen also continues into Sweden. The Rørosbanen railway line connects Tynset with Oslo and Trondheim. Røros Airport, 55 km. away, is part of the national network. Small planes can also use Tynset Airport.

Tynset is bordered in Hedmark on the northeast by Tolga, in the south by Rendalen and Alvdal, and in the west by Folldal and Oppdal. In the neighboring county of Sør-Trøndelag Tynset is bordered to the north by Rennebu and Midtre Gauldal, and in the west by Oppdal.

The municipality of Tynset was created in 1838. Alvdal was originally a part of Tynset, but it was separated as a municipality of its own in 1864. The old municipality of Kvikne was merged with Tynset in 1966.

1 The name
2 Coat-of-arms
3 Making a living
4 Kickers
5 A cultural centre
6 Kulturhuset
7 Tynsethallene
8 Outdoor life
9 Savalen
10 Wild life and preservation areas
11 Life on the seters
12 Locations and events
13 External links

[edit] The name

The municipality (originally the parish) is named after the old farm Tynset (Norse Tunnusetr), since the first church was built here. The first element is the genitive case of the rivername Tunna (now Tonna), the last element is setr n 'homestead, farm'. (The meaning of the rivername is unknown.)

Until 1918 the name was written "Tønset".

[edit] Coat-of-arms

The coat-of-arms is from modern times (1985). It shows the head of an elk.

[edit] Making a living

With its population of 5400 Tynset is the centre of the Nord-Østerdalen region. It is a modern business and shopping centre with a wide variety of business activities. Agriculture and forestry are still the traditional ways of making a living but municipal administration and service industries such as computer industry, law, finance and construction are playing an increasing role. Tynset has most of the functions of a regional centre because of its schools and hospital and many of the region's intermunicipal services have naturally been positioned in Tynset: The Family Centre, Centre for School Psychology etc.

[edit] Kickers

Giant kicker in Tynset Square

Tynset produces the traditional Norwegian form of transport - the "kicker". It is made in two versions: Rappen and Tarzan. The world's largest kicker dominates Tynset Square - four times's life-size. Tynset also used to produce the latex Troll souvenirs. The production has now moved abroad. But a giant, though ugly, troll still watches over Tynset Square.

[edit] A cultural centre

Tynset has a rich cultural life with a huge range of organisations in sports, music, drama, the arts and youth work.

[edit] Kulturhuset

When the centre for the arts (kulturhuset) was opened in 1988, Tynset entered a new era and the centre has become a living breathing cultural home for the population of Tynset and Nord-Østerdalen. The centre houses concerts, plays, cinemas, a library, art exhibition, rehearsals, reunions, conferences and festivals - and also has a cafe where people meet informally.

[edit] Tynsethallene

Tynset's first sports hall (Tynsethallen) was built in 1986. Then, in 1996, a second sports hall (Holmenhallen) was opened. A swimming pool and smaller Gymnastic Hall in the building connecting them complete a set of sports facilities, which few municipalities of Tynset's size can equal.

[edit] Outdoor life

Tynset is known for its vast areas of forest and mountain, which are ideal for skiing, walking, cycling, hunting and fishing. In many areas there are signposted paths and ski tracks are ploughed in winter.

[edit] Savalen

Savalen is known internationally for its speed-skating rink. Many personal, national and international records have been broken on this rink. Now Savalen has also developed a football pitch, an arena for Nordic skiing and biathlon, roller-ski track, an alpine area and 90-km. Of cross-country skiing tracks. Savalen has become a place, which is especially designed for the handicapped and includes wheelchair paths and a specially equipped fishing pier. Savalen now suits people of different ages who like different outdoor pursuits. With its various types of accommodation Savalen has become a perfect holiday area.

[edit] Wild life and preservation areas

Tynset has many wild life areas, which are national treasures. The geological formation in Ripan and Gammeldalen are extremely interesting. Ripan witnesses to the existence of a lake formed by glaciation during the last ice age. In Gammeldalen you will find some beautifully formed corries also created during the ice age.

[edit] Life on the seters

Tynset can be proud of being one of those municipalities that has many of its mountain farms (seter) still in production. It is therefor possible to visit such farms when out hiking and this is a valuable experience both for children and adults. Tynset municipality also rents chalets, which used to belong to mountain farms.

[edit] Locations and events

(Minutes by car from Tynset)

Kvikne Mines - Odden. The remains of mining operations begun in 1632. (60 min.)

Kvikne Church. A cross-shaped timber church built in 1652, with a richly decorated interior. The altarpiece is Norway's finest Renaissance altarpiece. (45 min.)

Vollan Farm and Chapel. The farm was originally built in the mining period. The core of the building dates from the 17th century. This is one of the few farms in the country with its own private chapel. (45 min.)

Vollandagan. Annual festival connected with the traditional life of Vollan.

Bjørgan rectory, Kvikne. The birthplace of the author Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson. (50 min.)

Soapstone quarry, Kvikneskogen, dates from 400-600 BC. (30 min.+ 45 min. on foot).

Røstvangen mines. The remains of a mining community from the beginning of this century. It survived for only 17 years and was ruined by the greatest bankruptcy of the period. (25 min.+ 15 min. on foot).

Tynset Bygdemuseum. Tynset's village museum is 1 km. from the town centre.

Ramsmoen museumssenter: Exhibitions throughout the year - in the centre of Tynset.

Garborgdagan. An annual festival built around the work of the authors Hulda and Arne Garborg. Held in Tynset kulturhus and at Kolbotn - Garborg's home for many years.

Tynsetutstillinga. An annual exhibition held in Galleri Elgen in Tynset kulturhus, featuring well-known Norwegian artists.

Tylldalen bygdetun. Tylldalen's village museum (20 min.) An annual play for St. Olav's Day is Norway's second oldest historical outdoor play.

Other attractions easily reached from Tynset:

The mining town of Røros - 45 min.
Jutulhogget - the deepest canyon in Northern Europe - 35 min.
The Aukrust Centre in Alvdal - 25 min.
Tronden Mt. - by road to the mountain top 1666m above sea level - 45 min.

[edit] External links

Tynset website

Municipalities of Hedmark
Alvdal \| Eidskog \| Elverum \| Engerdal \| Folldal \| Grue \| Hamar \| Kongsvinger \| Løten \| Nord-Odal \| Os \| Rendalen \| Ringsaker \| Stange \| Stor-Elvdal \| Sør-Odal \| Tolga \| Trysil \| Tynset \| Våler \| Åmot \| Åsnes