Erik Werenskiold

Erik Theodor Werenskiold (1855-1938) was a famous Norwegian painter and illustrator known for his illustrations for the collection of Norwegian folktales by Asbjørnsen and Moe, and for his paintings, such as "A Peasant Funeral," "Telemark Girls," and a portrait of Erika Nissen. He was also the first artist to depict Norwegian barn gnomes and forest trolls.

Werenskiold's childhood home was in the commandant's residence at Kongsvinger Fortress, where his father served as a commandant from 1859 to 1878. The fortress and its surrounding area provided a playground for young Erik, and his encounters with the people and the natural environment of Kongsvinger would come to shape his artistic career.

Visitors can now tour the childhood home of Erik Werenskiold at Kongsvinger Fortress and see his original drawings and paintings. The Kongsvinger Museum also has an exhibition about Werenskiold and the development of Kongsvinger during his time, from the period when the town was called Vinger until the dissolution of the union with Sweden in 1905.

For more information about the castle hotel in Kongsvinger, you can visit Festningen Hotel & Resort - KONGSVINGER FORESTING (festningshotellene.no) . You can also visit hHJEMLAND - Kongsvinger museum for more information about the museum.