Sagatun Folk High School

Sagatun is an educational building designed by architect Emil Victor Langlet and located in Hamar, originally built to serve as a folk high school. The structure housed classrooms, workshops, and living quarters where adult students gathered for intensive learning programs.

Herman Anker and Olaus Arvesen founded this institution in 1864 as one of Norway's first of its kind, seeking to create new pathways in adult education. It ceased operations in 1892, but its model of learning inspired the establishment of similar schools across the country.

The institution embodied Grundtvig's educational philosophy, which viewed learners as whole people rather than vessels for facts alone. The rooms and spaces were designed to encourage discussion and self-discovery among students from different walks of life.

The site is located within Hamar and can be visited by those interested in Norwegian educational history and heritage buildings. Visitors should check ahead for access details, as it is a protected heritage property with specific visiting arrangements.

It was among the first schools to combine craft instruction with academic learning, a groundbreaking approach for Norwegian education at the time. This concept of blending practical skills with personal growth became the blueprint for folk high schools throughout Scandinavia.

Location: Hamar Municipality

Inception: 1864

GPS coordinates: 60.80000,11.06800

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:07