Huset Aukrust defended at Storting

Innlandet news from 21 and 22 October 2026 focuses on the campaign for Huset Aukrust at the Storting, the Norwegian-Swedish defence exercise “Gränskraft 2026” and several economic and local project issues. Other news reported in the county is collected at the end of the article, without being highlighted.

Innlandet news: Huset Aukrust defended at the Storting

On Wednesday 21 October, a delegation travelled to Oslo to defend Huset Aukrust, the venue that manages the work of author and caricaturist Kjell Aukrust. Director Hilde Bergebakken, Alvdal mayor Mona Murud (Sp), and a person dressed as Solan Gundersen, a character from “Flåklypa”, met with political representatives at the Storting (NRK Innlandet). The initiative comes after the government presented its draft budget in October, with no funding included for Huset Aukrust.

Without state support, the venue’s situation could become difficult, according to NRK Innlandet. Hilde Bergebakken says the venue’s art magazine and study room will be completed this autumn, making the planned lack of staff even more problematic. “Helt avgjørende for oss”, she says of state support, in comments reported by NRK Innlandet. The public broadcaster noted the presence of the Solan Gundersen character at the Storting and also announced a television segment about the campaign.

The case concerns both culture and local politics: Alvdal, in Innlandet county, is directly affected by the future of the venue dedicated to Kjell Aukrust. NRK Innlandet notes that the government presented its budget in October and that Huset Aukrust was not included among the recipients. The delegation therefore took its demands to Oslo as the Storting considers the budget guidelines.

Gränskraft 2026: A major Norwegian-Swedish exercise

NRK Innlandet describes the joint defence exercise “Gränskraft 2026” as the largest Norwegian-Swedish exercise since Sweden joined Nato in 2024. It is the first major joint civil and military preparedness exercise with Sweden since its accession. Swedish soldiers are taking part alongside Norwegian troops, in a context shaped by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which led Sweden to join the Atlantic Alliance.

Stefan Smedman, commander of the western region of the Swedish military, tells NRK Innlandet that Russia could become stronger, which would be detrimental to the allies. He stresses the need to keep the alliance united and demonstrate the member countries’ determination and capabilities. “Vi som er allierte må jobbe sammen og vise vår styrke, vår besluttsomhet og våre evner”, he says in comments reported by NRK Innlandet. The exercise therefore combines civil and military elements, with direct cooperation between Norwegian and Swedish forces.

For Innlandet county, this type of exercise forms part of regional defence and security preparations. NRK Innlandet explains that “Gränskraft 2026” is the first major joint exercise of this kind since Sweden entered Nato. The regional coverage focuses on operational cooperation and the message of unity conveyed to the Alliance’s partners.

Economy, mobility and local projects in the county

In Gudbrandsdalen, GD Gudbrandsdølen reported on several economic and urban issues on Thursday 22 October. The newspaper says a private operator is collecting millions in parking revenue, an old primary school is being converted following a broad local agreement, and a multimillion-krone project in the town centre could be abandoned (GD Gudbrandsdølen). All 3 issues concern spatial planning, local revenue and investment choices in Innlandet county.

Hamar Arbeiderblad is also following mobility and road safety. The newspaper reports that a bus driver was seen using a mobile phone on the E6, presenting this as an unnecessary risk (Hamar Arbeiderblad, 22 October 2026). The same outlet says more than 2 000 drivers were stopped and several people were reported (Hamar Arbeiderblad, 21 October 2026). These checks are part of road safety enforcement, rather than an isolated news event.

On the property market, Hamar Arbeiderblad notes that a “funkisbolig”, a functionalist-style home, was sold below the asking price, with a comment on market conditions (Hamar Arbeiderblad, 22 October 2026). The newspaper also published an article on autumn trends (Hamar Arbeiderblad, 21 October 2026). For Innlandet county, these items complete a picture of a region where transport, housing and development issues remain under local scrutiny.

📌 Local briefs

In Elverum, skeletal remains were found near the folkehøgskole; police believe they are probably old and may have been used for teaching (NRK Innlandet). In Åmot, 2 people were taken to Hamar hospital after a car crash; police have opened an investigation (NRK Innlandet). GD Gudbrandsdølen also reports that thieves were caught in the act, an incident described as unusual good luck (GD Gudbrandsdølen).

Sources: NRK Innlandet, Hamar Arbeiderblad, GD Gudbrandsdølen, The Local Norway — Period: 21 October 2026 and 22 October 2026