We thought there was only glass here – but there's so much more!

Just over an hour's drive from home, friends Stine and Benedikte found the perfect destination for a full day of unique crafts, fashion, local food, and big surprises.
Plan your visit Opening hours

Experience Hadeland Glassverk

The two friends have long talked about a trip to Hadeland Glassverk – Norway's oldest industrial craft company. Now the day has come. Both have spent about an hour behind the wheel, and the joy of reunion is great. The moment the cars are parked, they jump out and into each other's arms.

The time in the car has made them both chatty and hungry. So they quickly find their way to the bakery. Both Stine and Benedikte take a deep breath on their way in, and the smell of warm wheat pastries goes straight into their nostrils. Stine is immediately struck by how delicate everything looks.

"This looks really homemade! And so much shrimp on the shrimp sandwiches," she exclaims.

Stine is torn between shrimp sandwiches and "skolebrød" (school buns), but can't resist the temptation of sweet pastries.

"Did you notice the fireplace in there?" she asks. Benedikte confirms. It was actually one of the first things she noticed, in addition to the rest of the interior inside the bakery.

My own bucket list

This is Benedikte's first visit to the glassworks. It's a place she has planned to visit for a long time. In addition to the list of things she and Stine plan to do together, the systematic former personal trainer also has her own list of things she wants to experience. A kind of bucket list. It includes a trip to the Helgeland coast and a visit to Arne Brimi's restaurant in Jotunheimen – and Hadeland Glassverk. "Last year, I was at the top of Galdhøpiggen on May 17th. That had been on the list for a long time," she says.

Unique Craftsmanship

Stine has actually been here before, but that was ten years ago. Since then, both she and Benedikte have heard a lot about the place, which acquaintances describe as an experience destination. Much of it revolves around glassblowing, but there's also much more to it. That's why two curious ladies are now entering the Glasshytta. They are about to see how, among other things, the glassworks' lamps are made.

For Stine, memories quickly rush back to when her children got to blow their own glass, as she watches the glassblowers at work. Both she and Benedikte notice the precision and how dexterous and steady-handed the glassblowers are. At the same time, they talk among themselves about the sounds and atmosphere that make Glasshytta feel like a place full of life.

"You get a completely different impression of the work that goes into the products by seeing how they are made. This is unique craftsmanship," exclaims Benedikte.

Lamp classic

Stine and Benedikte have already been surprised several times. Two hours have passed since they arrived. Now the surprise scale reaches a temporary peak. They have moved through meters of exhibited ceiling and wall lamps after the glassblowers have taken a well-deserved break.

– I want that one!

Now Stine spots a lamp she would love to have in her home in Gjerdrum. Benedikte, on the other hand, has fallen for a classic. A lamp that was designed for a hotel that opened for the Winter Olympics in Oslo. Today, Hotel Viking is better known as The Hub, and when it opened the year before the Olympic flame was lit, in 1951, the hotel was the largest in the Nordic countries. Today, the lamp is simply called the “Viking lamp.”

Swiss Roll Expert

While coffee, school buns, and old memories competed for their attention, Stine and Benedikte discussed what they were most looking forward to upon their arrival. Benedikte had already singled out Høvdinghallen. She was eager to see the wide selection of local food. Høvdinghallen is a well-equipped venue with a kitchen area, a porcelain outlet, and delicious products from Norwegian small-scale producers. Perfect for Stine, who is looking for a new serving platter. She's an expert at making roulade. Stine's roulade has so much filling that the platter – it has to be big.

More dining options

Among edible temptations, both Stine and Benedikte's eyes widen in the cheese department. It's time for shopping. Benedikte picks up the washed-rind cheese "Rød Ku" (Red Cow) from Thorbjørnrud Ysteri, while Stine has found Norwegian frying cheese, a type of Halloumi. She herself finds it can be too rubbery, but her husband loves it. It's coming home to Gjerdrum. So is a "trekornbrød" (three-grain bread). The bread was baked in the neighboring premises that same morning. It's not steaming – but it's not far from it.

All the food makes the ladies hungry. It's time for lunch. At Hadeland Glassverk, you have several eateries to choose from – with temptations for every taste. Stine and Benedikte first agree to try out Kokkestua. One of the first things Stine sees are the shrimp sandwiches she noticed at the Bakery just a few hours ago. At the same time, she suddenly craves meatballs when she sees them on the menu. Stine feels the agony of choice while her mouth waters.

"They have pizza downstairs in the basement," Benedikte exclaims, almost so loudly that several people in the tourist group at the food buffet turn around. Now Stine is sold: that's all she needs to know. It will be pizza at Mester Pizzeria.

– Nine out of ten!

Once the decision is made, a new one awaits: Which pizza should they choose? They agree to each pick their own, and then they can taste from each other's. Benedikte chooses the familiar "Parma," while Stine is a little more adventurous and opts for a variant with tomato sauce, mozzarella, salami, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. The dough has already risen for 24 hours. The oven is preheated to 380 degrees. Stine and Benedikte describe the pizza as so good that Randsfjorden feels like Lake Garda. Stine spontaneously wants to roll a die – a ten-sided die. "This is a nine out of ten! I like the crust to be a little crispier. Then it would have been a perfect ten!"

Well-known photo spot

Energy levels are now at their peak. With quick steps, Stine and Benedikte make their way to "Mesterverk i Grafikk" (Masterpieces in Graphics). "Mesterverk i Grafikk" is a sales exhibition where you can experience works from 22 renowned Norwegian artists and actually buy them to take home. On the way up the stairs, however, their steps slow down. Stine and Benedikte have to stop as they spot the glass factory's most famous photo spot. The two friends don't hesitate.

A selfie is sent home to friends and family. The trip must be documented. A few minutes later, Stine has her camera out again. Among the exhibited works, she spots a piece by artist, cartoonist, and environmental activist Gina Gylver. The work shows a woman holding up a sign with the text "Drit i" (Don't care/Screw it). Stine quickly sends the picture to her teenage daughter.

“This is probably her favorite expression. Many times a day I hear "Drit i da, Mum!",” says Stine with a twinkle in her eye.

Main reason for many

Now, an attraction that for many visitors is the main reason for a visit to Hadeland Glassverk awaits: the factory outlet for demo items and seconds from the Glasshytta, where you will find goods at very good prices. – This could also be nice as a vase, says Benedikte the moment she sees one of the lamps on display. She cannot see with the naked eye what caused the lamp to end up here. The reasons vary. So does the selection. If you're lucky, you can find some of the most sought-after products here.
Factory outlet

Surprised

– That one is so you!

Stine and Benedikte have just entered Interiørhuset. It doesn't take long before Stine spots the phone bag and immediately thinks it's perfect for her friend.

Benedikte agrees. After over ten years of friendship, they both know each other's taste. Benedikte likes the color but wonders if the bag is too big for her phone. After all, she's going to wear the bag around her neck, she realizes. There's only one way to find out. She quickly pulls out her phone and finds out that yes – this one fits.

They both turn 180 degrees. Stine notices a pink dress on one of the racks. She loves colors. Now Benedikte can say the same thing she heard about the phone bag.

– That is very you!

In the store, they also notice all the jewelry. They are surprised by the selection and that so much is gathered in one place. Stine and Benedikte are not only surprised by the selection in this store but in the entire area.

– We thought it was just glass here – but there's so much more! they exclaim almost in unison.

Time flies!

Several hours have passed since Stine and Benedikte arrived. They are glad the parking is free. The hours have flown by. They have barely looked at their watches once. Before the day is over, they manage a quick visit to Kramboden. The shop exudes nostalgia and temptations for both young and old, such as chocolate, cured sausages, spices, and coffee – and gifts that can be put together into wonderful gift packages. – Beyond all expectations After a day full of good experiences, Stine and Benedikte are absolutely clear: They want to come back here. – I could actually imagine bringing my mom here, says Benedikte. She estimates it's been at least 20 years since her mother's last visit. Benedikte thinks it's time for a repeat. Both she and Stine emphasize that Hadeland Glassverk has something for everyone – both young and old. Stine and Benedikte each pick up an ice cream. It will be enjoyed on the way home – along with all the impressions. Even though they usually only meet a few times a year, their next meeting is already planned. They will go to the sauna and eat together in Oslo in just a few days. They summarize the day at Hadeland Glassverk like this: – It has been beyond all expectations!