The official blazon is "Azure, two log-driving hooks Or addorsed issuant from the base" (Norwegian: I blått to oppvoksende adosserte gull fløterhaker).

This means the arms have a blue field (background) and the charge is two hooks for log driving (Norwegian: brøtningshaker) which are aligned vertically like a mirror image.

The charge has a tincture of Or (heraldry) which means it is commonly colored yellow, but if it is made out of metal, then gold is used.

Tools were required for the log driving, and the local blacksmiths made pike poles.

It is part of the Hadeland og Land prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Hamar.

The river Etna flows from Etnedal and through western parts of the municipality down into the Randsfjorden.

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Nordre Land is made up of 23 representatives that are elected to four year terms.

The tables below show the current and historical composition of the council by political party.