Våler muncipality has approximately 3.900 inhabitants and covers a area of 705,2 km2. Kirkebygden is the administrative centre of Våler municipality. Våler borders to Sweden in the east, Åsnes in the south, Løten and Stange in the west and Trysil and Elverum in the north.
The municipality lies in the north end of the district called Solør, and is often referred to as Våler in Solør. Solør is the geographical area between the cities Kongsvinger and Elverum, consisting of the municipalities Våler, Åsnes and Grue. It is a part of the valley of Glomma. In the eastern part of Solør you will find the area known as Finnskogen. The valley in which Glomma passes, was after the last ice-age the base of a fjord arm which stretched into Østerdalen. But the land has risen, so the valley is now 160-180 metres above sea level. Glomma runs through Våler in a length of 17 km with waterfalls, rapids and nice places for swimming. One of its falls, The Braskereidfall, is a regulated power station which delivers power to Eidsiva.
The highest point in Våler, Solør and Glåmdalen is Kjøberget, 705 meters above sea level. Other elevated points are Bakklinten 654 meters, Blåenga 633 meters and Eidsfjellet 632 meters. The municipality of Våler is characterized by large forests and agricultural areas, thus forestry and agriculture being important industries. Våler is among the larger forested municipalities in Norway, with almost 90% of the total area covered with forest.
The municipality has several large and medium-sized produce enterprises, primarily connected to the industry of wood cultivation. The largest chipboard factory in Northern Europe, Forestia, is situated in our community, as well as Norway´s largest sawmill, Moelven Våler AS. Nortura Samvirkekylling AS, Våler, incubates and hatches day-old chickens.
Glåmdal region reach through the following township Sør-Odal and Nord-Odal in Oppland county and Eidskog, Grue, Kongsvinger, Våler and Åsnes township in Hedmark county.
Glomma, Norway’s longest river. At various points the river has created super beaches ideal for bathing and different forms of boating sports. Glomma is one of Norway’s best rivers for fishing, and in the currents by the bridge anglers can catch many kinds of fish including trout. The numerous lakes and rivers in the district are also worth trying.
Perch, pike and different variety of carp are the dominant species. They are more numerous in the slower water of the watercourse and in the estuaries where the tributaries join. Here perch and pike can reach a considerable size. In parts of the Glom where the current is strongest, and downstream from power station dams, large trout can be found. The access to fishing along the Glomma varies. Cultivated land and undergrowth restrict access and fishing from land in many places. On both sides of the river there is a comprehensive road system.
NORWEGIAN TRAFIKKCENTER
Norsk Trafikksenter at Våler. The biggest and most modern centre in Scandinavia, for advanced training and school of motoring.
In its quiet way people and nature have formed an advanced and rich cultural life. Cultural experiences, art and handicraft are reasons why you should come and visit us. The well known painter Kåre Tveter, and Hans Børli, one of Norway’s most outstanding poets, are typical cultural persons from Glåmdal. They have a lot to tell us, but they do not boast. It takes some time to discover them. The people of Glåmdal practise their art all year.
Visitors are always welcome to visit the Finnskog exhibiton, theatre days, “The castle play”, literary gatherings, music festivals, historical walks, musicals, accordeon festival, old farms and football matches. Or why not try a real local celebration at the village hall?
HANDICRAFT TRADITIONS
The most famous attraction is Magnor Glassworks with guided tours and factory shop. At the world exhibiton in Sevilla products manufactured in elk-leather were exhibited. Here you can buy them directly from the producers. Glåmdal has many old farms that are populated during the summer, small museums showing farms and homes, poets homes, old school life, and peat farming.
Dagny Juel, the bohemian woman painted by Edvard Munch and unhappily desired by the author August Strindberg, came from Glåmdal. Her former home is now the only Women´s Museum in Norway, officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen Sonja in 1995. In Glåmdal you can follow the dangerous footsteps of the border pilots from the last war. Furthermore you can try to saw with the old “tiger tail” saw, you can spend the night in a lumberjack´s log cabin. Or you can have an elegant luncheon in Dagny Juel’s dining room. Museums are more interesting when they are “alive”. In Glåmdal history is kept alive through activities and experiences where the guests are more than just spectators.
FISHING
Glomma is one of Norway´s best rivers for fishing, and in the currents by the bridge anglers can catch many kinds of fish including trout. The numerous lakes and rivers in the district are also worth trying. It is possible to enjoy the open-air life the whole year round in many different ways. Perch, pike and different variety of carp are the dominant species. They are more numerous in the slower water of the watercourse and in the estuaries where the tributaries join. Here perch and pike can reach a considerable size.
In parts of the Glom where the current is strongest, and downstream from power station dams, large trout can be found. The access to fishing along the Glomma varies. Cultivated land and undergrowth restrict access and fishing from land in many places. On both sides of the river there is a comprehensive road system. From the roads, and where the bridges cross the river, it is often possible to reach suitable fishing places. Good local knowledge is important, therefore talk to the locals! Fishing along the main watercourse is regulated to a small degree.