Eidsvoll 1814 information for visitors
Eidsvoll Verk, a day trip from Oslo, isn’t only for patriotic Norwegians. If you want to learn more about how Norway managed to wriggle its way from the control of the Swedes, head to the Eidsvoll 1814 museum.
Unless you’re afraid of an overdose on the Norwegian constitution and its creation, visiting Eidsvoll 1814 could be something to consider for a pleasant day out. You might think that only Norwegians would be lining up to see where their modern nation state was born – in fact, there is an English language tour available every day. Americans of Norwegian descent love to make the pilgrimage to this site, and another group of prominent foreign visitors is from Germany.
It takes about an hour to drive to the Eidsvoll 1814 from Oslo, and ample, free parking is available within a two-minute walk to the buildings, including the Eidsvoll Manor House (Eidsvollsbygningen) and the Wergeland House.
The main character in the story you’ll hear about from your guide is that of Carsten Anker (1747-1824), a businessman, civil servant and politician. He made his manor house available for the original National Assembly (Riksforsamlingen) of Norway.
The hall where the 112 delegates from all of Norway (except Northern Norway) met and debated, is iconic – known in history books from a famous historical painting. In real life, it gives a slightly different and more modest impression. It was a room on the top floor, which was an unfinished part of the house, as Anker was in dire financial straits already at the time of the gathering in May, 1814.
Eidsvoll 1814 buildings on conservation list
The buildings have recently been listed for protection by Riksantikvaren, the Directorate for Cultural Heritage. In addition to the constitutional history, the manor house is one of very few examples of preserved homes of upper class Norwegian citizens from the beginning of the 19th century.
The foundations of the house go even farther back to the early 18th century. On the tour of the manor house you will visit the cellar and kitchen, the main entrance hall, bedrooms and living rooms on the second floor and the assembly room. In each room, you will hear about the Anker family and its prominent place in Norwegian history, and of course the specifics about the constitutional assembly – including the attending Crown Prince Christian Frederik of Denmark, who was vying to become the new king of Norway.
He was chosen king, and his reign lasted only from May 17, 1814 to October 10 of the same year, when Norway entered a union with Sweden.
Eidsvoll 1814 ticket prices
The tickets to Eidsvoll 1814 includes a 45-minute guided tour of the Eidsvoll manor house (Eidsvollsbygningen). It also includes entry to the Wergeland House, where there are contemporary exhibitions revolving around democratic participation. Prices as of 2018 are:
Adult: NOK 130
Children: (5 – 16 years): NOK 60
Pensioners/students: NOK 95
Family (up to three children): NOK 320
Eidsvoll 1814 contact information
Magovegen 13
2074 Eidsvoll Verk
Telephone: +47 63 92 22 10
