Little Vangen has a rich history. During the Second World War there were several courier routes here. Among them were those used by Gunnar Sønsteby, one of Norway's most celebrated wartime heroes.
Known as 'Kjakan' (The Chin) and 'Agent No. 24', Rjunkan-born Sønsteby's actions led to him becoming the only person to have been awarded the highest Norwegian military accolade: the War Cross with three swords.