Østhagan Iron and Limestone Mines, Østhagan Nature Reserve, Grua mining district, Lunner, Akershus, Norwayi

Regional Level Types
Østhagan Iron and Limestone Mines	Group of Protected Areas
Østhagan Nature Reserve	Nature Reserve
Grua mining district	Mining District
Lunner	Municipality
Akershus	County
Norway	Country

This is one of the main attractions in the Grua district. On a fenced-in area of 0.3 km2 you will find two limestone-ovens, several limestone-quarries and some very old iron-mines. In addition, the geology of Østhagan is very good visible at many places thanks to the exploitation of limestone. The iron-mines at Østhagan were already operated in the early 16-th century, which makes them among the oldest in Norway. Just before entering the Østhagan area, you will see the opening of one of the mines at the left side of the road. A couple of years ago the mine was emptied for water, and many interesting old things were found. On the fenced-in area there are three more iron mines. The limestone quarries are much younger. The exploitation of limestone was started in 1910, and continued intermittently till 1937. The limestone was burned in the two limestone ovens. The restoration of the ovens will be continued in the near future, but already now it is possible to get a good impression of how these ovens worked. The burnt limestone was used for cement. The mines are protected as historical/geological site, collecting is illegal.

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