Train strike expands on eastern lines

The Innlandet news of 5 and 6 October 2026 is marked by the intensification of the rail conflict in eastern Norway and the passing of a speed skater born in the county, Amund Sjøbrend. On the economic front, Raufoss toppfotball is fighting against a possible bankruptcy, and several projects are moving forward in Hamar and Lillehammer.

Innlandet news: train strike expands on eastern lines

Since Monday morning, 5 October, 72 locomotive drivers have been on strike in Norway, following the announcement of an escalation of 26 additional strikers by the Norsk Lokomotivførerforbund (NLF) the previous Monday (NRK Innlandet). The movement directly affects Innlandet: Kongsvinger station is concerned, and the consequences are significant for rail traffic in Østlandet, where some lines are fully or partially without service in the coming days (NRK Innlandet). The Local Norway is publishing an update on the lines affected by this escalation.

No new contact took place between the parties over the weekend, according to the NLF union and the employers' organisation Spekter, who spoke on Sunday afternoon to NRK. No new meeting is planned at this stage (NRK Innlandet). "As announced, we are stepping up the action on Monday," wrote Rolf Ringdal, leader of the Norsk Lokomotivførerforbund (NRK Innlandet). For travellers in Innlandet, the uncertainty stretches over several days, until a solution is found between the parties.

Sport: Amund Sjøbrend, one of the "four S", has passed away

Amund Sjøbrend passed away on Sunday, 4 October, at the age of 73. He was born on 1 December 1952 in Sør-Odal, in Innlandet. The Norwegian Skating Association (Skøyteforbundet) announced the news in a statement issued in consultation with the family (NRK Innlandet).

A figure of Norwegian speed skating in the 1970s and early 1980s, he formed, alongside Sten Stensen, Kay Stenshjemmet and Jan Egil Storholt, the "four S", a quartet described as one of the most remarkable in the history of Norwegian sport. "The four S dominated skating for much of the 1970s and were popular at a level that is hard to explain today," comments NRK journalist Jan Petter Saltvedt (NRK Innlandet). The same article highlights the special place the skater holds in Norwegian hearts.

Economy and local life: Raufoss, Hamar and Lillehammer

In Raufoss, Raufoss toppfotball "is racing against the clock to avoid bankruptcy," according to NRK Innlandet, which devoted a TV feature to the file. The club's financial situation is therefore being closely monitored in the north of the county.

In Hamar, a company confirms its move to the city: "We have long wanted to come to Hamar," reports Hamar Arbeiderblad, which notes changes under way. The same newspaper met Viktoria, 27, who says she is open to taking over the family business, while noting that she is not ready today. In Lillehammer, a new dental clinic is opening (GD Gudbrandsdølen).

According to GD Gudbrandsdølen, a project developer has moreover been instructed to scale back large-scale plans. His reaction, as reported by the newspaper: "This isn't working, so I'm giving up, switching off the lights and leaving." Details of the project are not specified in the available headlines.

Culture and society in Innlandet

On the cultural front, the youth series "Kent og Ruben" comes to the stage with "Verdens verste teater", an original text by Marius Horn Molaug, already the author of several volumes of the series (NRK Innlandet). The show blends wordplay, pace and humour, and is aimed in particular at primary-school-aged boys.

Another notable event: Lisanne has received the Barnerettsprisen, the children's rights award given by the Stine Sofies Stiftelse. The chair of the foundation's board, Mette Espedal, praises her courage and the fact that she has given others the hope of a good life despite very difficult events (NRK Innlandet). A teenager in 2012, Lisanne had testified before the district court and then the appeals court after reporting abuse committed by a mayor; the man was sentenced to prison. She admits having been afraid before the release of the podcast last November.

📌 Local briefs

A man in his thirties allegedly assaulted his own father (Hamar Arbeiderblad, 6 October, 00:00). Damage was reported in Hamar city centre (Hamar Arbeiderblad, 5 October, 22:00). Parents let 12-year-old children drive a car in a field (Hamar Arbeiderblad, 5 October, 21:00). A person left the road (GD Gudbrandsdølen, 5 October, 21:00).

Sources: NRK Innlandet, Hamar Arbeiderblad, GD Gudbrandsdølen, The Local Norway — Period: 05 October 2026 and 06 October 2026