About

Granlund Gjestehus has a rich history, having had several owners and functions since its construction in 1871. Today, the guesthouse is owned by Marianne Haglund. Marianne is genuinely passionate about historic buildings and spent several months restoring this majestic property to its former glory after taking over in spring 2023.

Currently, Granlund houses event venues and unique historical accommodations. The “Fin-stuen” (Fine Hall) can accommodate up to 70 people.

The beautifully landscaped English garden, complete with a gazebo, terrace, and pleasant seating areas offering lovely views of Prestsjøen, surrounds the place. Cobblestone pathways lead down to the lakeside pier from the garden. The small lake is situated right in the center of Rena.

The guesthouse has 16 beds, distributed across 2 single rooms and 7 double rooms. Additional beds and cribs are available upon request. There are kitchens on both the first and second floors for guests to use, along with 3 bathrooms and an extra toilet in the hallway on the first floor.

Within walking distance, you’ll find a grocery store, train station, bus stop, and the town center.

Glommastien, a beautiful trail used for recreation, walks, and jogging, starts from the Granlund property and circles Prestsjøen, Rena Camping, Rena town center, and eventually leads down to the Glomma River. Additionally, you can explore the Pilgrimsleden (Pilgrim Trail) and climb the stairs at Rena ski jumping hill to enjoy the stunning view over Rena and Østerdalen.

Did you know that the Norwegian General Staff was established at Granlund Hotel on April 10, 1940?

When the German attack in the Oslo Fjord was reported late on the night of April 9, the General Staff (led by the Army Chief of Staff) moved from their offices in Akershus Fortress to Slemdal Hotel and soon thereafter to Eidsvoll Landsgymnas. Meanwhile, the “King’s Train” carrying government members and most parliamentarians was on its way to Hamar. The Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Kristian Kristiansen Laake, decided to relocate the General Staff’s command post to Rena, establishing it at Granlund Hotel on April 10. On the evening of April 9, the King and the government had stopped at Elverum Folkehøgskole. Justice Minister Terje Wold also went to Granlund, where he had several conversations and meetings. Wold got the impression that the General Staff believed further resistance was futile and that KG Laake lacked decisiveness. The crucial event on April 10 in Rena was the so-called “Rena meeting” in the afternoon between Terje Wold, Army Chief of Staff Kristian Laake, and the General Staff. Later that evening, Laake arrived in Nybergsund, where the ministers were preparing to flee to Sweden. He unequivocally expressed his negative impression of the General Staff. As a result, the Nygaardsvold government replaced Laake with Colonel Otto Ruge as the Army Chief of Staff. On April 11, at Trysil Turiststasjon, Laake was officially dismissed and retired, while Colonel Otto Ruge assumed command immediately. Ruge renamed the General Staff to “Hærens overkommando” (Army High Command) on April 12, which became the wartime designation for the staff, and ordered its relocation to Øyer. The outcome of the Rena meeting marked a dramatic shift in attitude from doubt and defeatism to determination and defense readiness among both the officer corps and the government. In retrospect, the Rena meeting played a crucial role in the defense efforts of 1940.

Granlund in Rena holds significant historical value. Originally a general store, it witnessed optimism when the railway arrived. Later, it was converted into a hotel in 1921 and served as such until the municipality took over in 1942, using it for municipal offices until the move to a new town hall in 1980. Today, it hosts private events and gatherings for various occasions. The property also holds national interest due to its use as quarters for the Norwegian General Staff shortly after the outbreak of World War II in 1940.