96 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS ÅLESUND & SUNNMØRE 97
ÅLESUND & Two unique Fjords mountain farms that cling to
SUNNMØRE the steep mountainsides.
The Geirangerfjord is so Explore the less famous but
unique that it has been stunningly beautiful
included on UNESCO's World Hjørundfjord. A magnet for
Heritage List and has been a those who want to enjoy really
visitor attraction ever since the wild nature, here numerous
middle of the 19th century. See alpine peaks rise directly from
'the Seven Sisters' waterfall as the deep fjord up to
it cascades down towards the 1500MASL..
fjord, surrounded by the many
ÅLESUND © ARNFINN TØNNESEN TRAVEL FACTS
The world famous fjord landscape and the Transport Several daily arrivals
unique Art Nouveau town – an almost By car from Oslo from Oslo, Bergen and
unbeatable combination of nature and culture. Trondheim.
Ålesund 547 km
Ålesund - The Art magnificent Hjørundfjord, or The Hurtigruten Ålesund Airport Vigra
Nouveau town experience the seasons at first has good domestic connec-
hand on a walk in the coastal express Calls twice tions and direct services to
Ålesund has been voted Tafjordfjellene mountains, the a day all year at Torvik and Amsterdam, Kaunas,
Norway's most beautiful town, Sunnmøre Alps and the Ålesund, and once a day Gdansk, Las Palmas,
and it has many experiences to mountains in the Geiranger- Geiranger between June Alicante. Ørsta/Volda
offer! Lift your gaze as you fjord area. In winter, even the and August and Hjørund- Hovden Airport to -
wander around the Art Nou- biggest skiing enthusiasts will fjord (Øye) Sept.-Oct. from Oslo Gardermoen.
veau town and you will discover find a favourite spot here, Destination Ålesund &
myriad spires, towers and maybe at Stranda Ski Resort, To Åndalsnes, then by Sunnmøre
beautiful ornamentation which has been voted bus to Geiranger and www.visitalesund.com
adorning the facades of build- Norway's best ski centre for Ålesund, and other places
ings. Walk up the 418 steps to powder skiing. Recharge your in the region.
the top of mount Aksla and you batteries on a cycling or
will be rewarded with a pano- kayaking trip, and try your luck
ramic view of the coast, fjords fishing in waters that abound
and mountains. in fish. Get your adrenaline
going on a whitewater rafting
Adventure Capital trip or a sea safari, or explore
the Trollstigen National Tourist
Experience teeming bird life on Route, perhaps Norway's most
the bird island of Runde and be breathtaking road.
captivated by picturesque
Alnes lighthouse. Sail up the
HJØRUNDFJORDEN © RUNDE © IDA KAROLINE SÆVIK
HÅVARD MYKLEBUST
GJØVIK HAMAR BRAGDØYA © PEDER AUSTRUD VISIT SØRLANDET
SOUTHERNRAUFOSS
NORWAYO P P L A N D
EIDSVOLL
RÅHOLT
BUSKERUD KONGSVINGER
MOUNT GAUSTA JESSHEIM
RJUKAN HØNEFOSS KLØFTA
HORDALAND OSLO
BÆRUM OSLO
ASKER
AKERSHUS
DRAMMEN
HAUKELIGREND HEDDAL KONGSBERG SVELVIK MYSEN
HOVDEN NOTODDEN HOLMESTRAND RAKKESTAD
BYKLE DALEN MORGENDAL HORTEN ØSTFOLD
VESTFOLD SARPSBORG
TELEMARKSKANALEN
TØNSBERG HALDEN
VRÅDAL ULEFOSS SKIEN
SANDEFJORD STRÖMSTAD
TELEMARK PORSGRUNN
ROGA- VALLE STATHELLE LARVIK SVERIGE
LAND
SETESDAL STAVERN
BYGLAND KRAGERØ
AGDER RISØR MUNKEDAL
JOMFRULAND
EVJE TVEDESTRAND This is the realm oKfUNtGhSHeAMNN ordic sUuDmDEmVALeLAr. The region’s
picturesque idyll can evoke strong emotions. Imagine the
SIRDAL ARENDAL whitest, greenest and blueLsYStEKcILolours in the colour scale and
the sun shining on old wooden wharves. Welcome to a
FLEKKEFJORD VENNESLA GRIMSTAD coastline with idyllic small islandSTsENaUNnGSdUNDa bustling boating
scene. The inner part of the region is also known for its
LYNGDAL RAET historic canals that run through a veritable cultural
FARSUND NATIONAL treasure trove.
LILLESAND PARK On the following pages you'll find some of the best
LINDESNES hightlights in Southern Norway.
KRISTIANSAND SKAGERRAK
SØGNE Hirtshals
MANDAL
100 SOUTHERN NORWAY BITS AND PARTS 101
FAMOUS FAMOUS
HIKING TOUR BIKING TOUR
SETESDAL NATIONAL CABLE RAILWAY © IAN BRODIE VISITRJUKAN
CYCLE ROUTE 3
Throughout the valley there NATURAL GAUSTATOPPEN
are excellent opportunities National Cycle route 3 runs WONDERS
for walking and hiking. From from Kristiansand to AND THE CABLE
Evje in the south to Hovden Haukeligrend. This route mainly THE ARCHIPELAGO
in the north, amazing view- follows by-roads and paths. FROM RYVINGEN RAILWAY
points await you. In addition Some stretches, however, LIGHTHOUSE TO
to the short round trips, follow Highway 9. Parts of the JOMFRULAND Gaustatoppen, which many
there are several hiking cycle route can easily be claim to be the most
routes connecting the vari- enjoyed by "normal" tourists One of the loveliest beautiful mountain in
ous cabins of the Norwegian and are suitable for day trips archipelagos in the world, Norway, towers majestically
Trekking Association (DNT). and evening walks. The route is with thousands of small and above the town of Rjukan at
clearly marked with cycle large islands and skerries, an altitude of 1,883 metres.
signposts and route numbers. and smooth, bare rock lining On a clear day, you can see
the shore wherever you look. all the way south to the
© PARTNERSTUDIO/VISITNORWAY © H. SØRVIG A paradise for sun coast and east to Sweden.
worshippers, sea kayaking You can see one sixth of
VIA FERRATA AT THE COAST ROAD and canoeing enthusiasts. Norway from here. A cable
FROM MANDAL TO railway has been built
STRAUMSFJELLET © ADAM READ VISIT S inside Mount Gausta.
HAFRSFJORD GRIMSTAD Gaustabanen consists of a
Located in Valle municipality. ØRLANDET battery-powered carriage
The route is 1500 meters long With its beautiful and varied on rails which transports
and has a height difference of coastal cultural landscape, passengers approx. 860
550 meters, and is thereby the this 250-km-long stretch of metres horizontally into the
longest of its kind north of the road is the ‘prime cut’ of the mountain.
Alps. Starting at the base of the North Sea Cycle Route, the
valley, after 100 altitude metres world’s longest waymarked
you reach the instep. Climbing cycling route at more than
the entire route takes about 7 6,000 km.
hours.
102 SOUTHERN NORWAY BITS AND PARTS 103
ROUND TRIP BY CAR
OR MOTORBIKE
A MILD, GENTLE AND SUNNY TOUR
This tour can be embarked on route are the Kristiansand SOUTHERN NORWAY © TERJE RAKKE NORDIC LIFE
in Oslo, Larvik or Kristian- Zoo, the oil town of Stavanger,
sand. It follows the curving picturesque Skudeneshavn CHARMING SMALL TOWNS LINE THE
coastline, past little towns and the North Sea port of
redolent with the atmosphere Haugesund. Last but not COAST LIKE A STRING OF PEARLS
of the windjammer age, bath- least; the Åkra Fjord with the
ing beaches and camp sites. Langfoss Fall, the mountain Most of the towns along the coast of Southern Norway have old
The length of your stopovers pass across Haukeli as well as town centres that are very charming, particularly in summer,
will determine the number of colorful Rauland and the rug- when streets and market squares fill up with smiling holiday-
days this tour lasts, which ged Vestfjorddalen in makers. There are great fishing opportunities all along the
should be anything from four Telemark. coast. And if you prefer freshwater fishing, it is never far to the
days to four weeks. Even be- nearest lake.
fore you leave the Oslo Fjord © ANDERS MARTINSEN
area many interesting detours WHAT TO EAT ARENDAL © PEDE
suggest themselves – to Hort- Polcirkeln
en, Tønsberg and Sandefjord, EACH LIFE/FARSUND Visit the local fishmonger to R AUSTRUD/VISIT
and further on picturesque buy fresh prawns and other
Kragerø, Risør, Tvedestrand B delicacies from the sea. Fol-
and Arendal. A whole series of low the example of the locals
delightful little towns are and enjoy fresh prawns
strung out along the E18 – straight out of the bag on the
Grimstad, Lillesand, Mandal, quay.
Flekkefjord and Egersund.
Norway’s southernmost point Sondre Norheim
at Lindesnes and the charm-
ing town of Farsund, however, In the 1860s in Morgedal, Sondre Norheim revolutionised skiing
are reached by a side-road. equipment and laid the foundations of skiing as a
Other attractions along your sport around the world. Sondre’s rigid ‘birch’
bindings and his side cut skis took skis from being
Haugesund OSLO a means of transport to a piece of equipment
Stavanger Drammen designed for recreation and fun. Today, you can
Flekkefjord experience this cultural heritage in Morgedal, the
cradle of modern skiing. Morgedal has many
skilled instructors who are ready to teach you
the sport. www.morgedal.com
104 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS SOUTHERN NORWAY 105
SOUTHERN
NORWAY
BJELLANDSTRAND BEACH IN RAET NATIONAL PARK
© HILDEGUNN SKAGE TEINUM
LINDESNES LIGHTHOUSE © ANDERS MARTINSEN Raet National Park Lyngør in Tvedestrand. Here
you can visit beaches, go on
Raet National Park was boat trips, camp in unique
created in 2016 to protect the natural settings and visit
unique natural area that idyllic small islands.
extends from Grimstad along www.visitsouthernnorway.com
the entire Arendal coast to
The southernmost part of Lindesnes Lighthouse,
Norway is known for its Norway’s southernmost
amazing coastline and the point, was lit for the first
many opportunities it offers time in 1656. The light-
for boating and bathing. You house is now a modern
can go walking or fishing, visit museum, open all year,
museums and attend cultural and you can spend the
events all year round. night in the lighthouse
keeper's apartment.
In Southern Norway, you can
ride on a vintage steam train, and villages by the sea, many
see Norwegian wildlife and of which available for rent.
see the world's second The white painted wooden
largest, land-based cannon. houses in picturesque towns
Southern Norway offers a and villages are located near
wide range of family and the coastline and many are
child-friendly activities and available for hire.
attractions. The area abounds
in white painted wooden
houses in picturesque towns
KAYAKING IN THE SKERRIES OF RISØR © TERJE RAKKE NORDICLIFE
RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS SETESDAL 107
WELCOME
TO SETESDAL
SUSTAINABLE
DESTINATION
LOCAL ENGAGEMENT
IN A LONG PERSPECTIVE
© STINE PRØITZ JØRGENSEN
The Setesdal valley has peaceful ambience. You can
traditions in music and the alternate between relaxing
craft of silversmithing dating days swimming and sun-
back hundreds of years. The bathing and more active days
beautiful minerals you will see spent whitewater rafting in
in exhibitions and in nature roaring rapids. Go for walks in
date much further back. At excellent terrain or visit the
the museums in the valley, many attractions the valley
you can learn how iron was has to offer. The landscape of
produced during the Viking the valley is fantastic and we
Age, about local building must look after it for future
styles, art, traditional generations. So please show
costumes and handicraft consideration when you
traditions. explore it. And enjoy your visit
to Setesdal.
The landscape varies from flat
countryside to wild and ‘Norway up close®’
beautiful mountains, and the
road through the valley passes
through villages and small
towns. New impressions await
you around every bend that
will tempt you to stop and
admire the scenery and the
108 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS TELEMARK 109
TELEMARK TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS
- Living history and magic scenery 1. Jomfruland National Park – the island in Kragerø
archipelago has a unique scenery, a exciting history and is
THE TELEMARK CANAL © KÅRE S. PEDERSEN part of UNESCO Gea Norwegica Geopark.
Go on a road trip in Telemark and you will 2. Kragerø and Edvard Munch – follow in the footsteps of
discover many exiting adventures in the Munch and see copies of his paintings around one of
countryside, activities, culture and history. Norway´s most popular summer towns.
Travel from the beautiful coastline in the
south, through deep valleys, rivers and lakes 3. Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik – Norway’s first porcelain
to the mountain plateau in the north. factory and still operating. It includes a porcelain outlet
and an interactive museum.
Along the way you will meet Cycling in Telemark -
first class museums, silver coast - the Canal - 4. Henrik Ibsen Museum – visit the childhood home of one of
mines, fruit farms, stave mountains the most played dramatist in the world.
churches, The Telemark Canal,
World Heritage sites and Are you a cycling enthusiast? 5. The Telemark Canal and Dalen Hotel – take a unique
mount Gausta. Choose between a huge variety journey from Skien to Dalen 105 km through locks, narrow
of cycle paths. Some of the canals and lakes. Trips take between two and 11 hours.
Hiking in Telemark - most popular tracks are:
astonishing - safe - National Cycle route 1, along 6. Heddal Stave church – Norway's largest and best
accessible the coast, National cycle route preserved stave church built in the 1200s and is still in use.
2, along the Telemark Canal
Telemark offers waymarked and cycling on Hardangervidda. 7. Notodden Blueseum – the only Blues Museum in Europe.
hiking trails at different levels, For more information check out 8. Norwegian Ski Museum at Morgedal – learn more about
from the coast to the visittelemark.com/cycling
mountains. Some of the most ski history in the birth place of Sondre Norheim, the father
popular are: Gaustatoppen See visittelemark.com for of modern skiing.
mountain, Falkeriset in more information about the 9. Rjukan-Notodden Unesco World heritage site – learn
Rauland, Venelifjell in Vråldal, region. about the fascinating industrial history that revolutionized
the coastal path from the world’s food production. The Vemork factory is famous
Langesund to Kragerø and for the WW2 sabotage actions.
Lårdalsstigen in Dalen. For 10.Gaustatoppen – the most beautiful mountain in Norway
more information and maps and the highest in Southern Norway with its 1883 mtrs.
check out hikingtelemark.com The view at the top is fantastic; on a clear day, you can see
1/6th of Norway.
VIEW TOWARDS MOUNT GAUSTA ©
LILLEHAMMER SOMMERDAY AT VERDENS ENDE, IN VESTFOLD
© MAREN LOVISE FOAP
MOELV ELVERUM THE
OSLOFJORD
BRUMUNDDAL REGION
HAMAR Scandinavian summer resides here. Imagine the whitest,
greenest and bluest colours, where the sun warms the old
GJØVIK wooden docks and where you fetch your newspaper by boat.
The coast around Oslo is famous for its beautiful
OPPLAND archipelago with charming villages.
On the following pages you'll find some of the best
HEDMARK hightlights in the Oslofjord region.
EIDSVOLL
OSLO AIRPORT
GARDERMOEN
JESSHEIM
HØNEFOSS AKERSHUS KONGSVINGER
BUSKERUD
OSLO SØRUMSAND
MODUM
SKEDSMO
BÆRUM OSLO
BYGDØY
ASKER NESODDTANGEN
OPPEGÅRD SVERIGE
NUMEDAL DRAMMEN SKI
KONGSBERG DRØBAK ASKIM
ØRJE
OSLOFJORDEN RAKKESTAD
MOSS ØSTFOLD
HORTEN
ÅSGÅRDSTRAND SARPSBORG
VESTFOLD TØNSBERG
SKIEN TORP FÆRDER FREDRIKSTAD HALDEN
PORSGRUNN NATIONAL
TJØME PARK HVALER
TELEMARK YTRE HVALER
SANDEFJORD NATIONAL PARK
LARVIK
STAVERN
112 OSLOFJORD REGION BITS AND PARTS 113
FAMOUS FAMOUS
HIKING TOUR BIKING TOUR
HIKING IN CYCLING THE BIKING IN NUMEDAL © VEGARD BREIE
VESTFOLD OSLOFJORD VISIT THE NATIONAL
NUMEDAL PARKS
Between April and the end of A bicycle tour around the Oslo VALLEY
September, Vestfold is the fjord will take you around the FÆRDER
perfect setting for cycling fjord leading up to Oslo, the The valley of Numedal is NATIONAL PARK
holiday. The landscape is capital of Norway. Discover the known for its collection of
easy to cycle in, and you can hidden charm of the harbour building from the middle Færder National Park is one
choose what you want to see. villages along the fjord, while ages, and especially for its of Norway's most important
Walking on the skerries is a bicycling on small, low traffic four stave churches.You can areas for coastal outdoor
great feeling, among the roads. Itinerant circuit with also experience a lot on the recreation, and large areas
rushes and along the overnight stays in centrally bike in the valley. are secured as publicly owned
beaches of Vestfold’s located hotels. And yes, you Numedalsruta goes straight recreation areas. Boating,
wonderful archipelago. The should bring your swimming through and is a 280 km long canoeing, water sports,
coastal paths in Vestfold are gear. cycle route from Geilo via hiking, fishing and swimming
a fantastic experience. The Kongsberg to Larvik, mainly are popular activities here.
coastal path from Stavern along not so busy roads in a
has 35 kilometres signposted beautifully varied landscape. YTRE HVALER
trails. NATIONAL PARK
HVALER © STEN HELBERG
VIA FERRATA TJØME YTRE Ytre Hvaler National Park
consists of muddy seabeds
Only 30 minutes from and rocky seabottoms with its
Tønsberg and 2 hours from rich underwater ecosystem
Oslo, you will find Vestfolds containing corals and kelp
and Oslofjord's only Via forest. Land areas have a
Ferrata in beautiful varied plant and animal life
surroundings on Tjøme with many Red Listed species,
overlooking the archipelago of coastal woodland shaped by
Færder National Park. A the wind, and rocks worn
fantastic 3-4 hour Via Ferrata smooth by waves and ice.
route with airy rappelling and
zipline at the end.
NB! Tickets must be booked in
advance on the website
a-fritid.no/home-english
TJØME © GURI ANNE
114 OSLOFJORD REGION BITS AND PARTS 115
HISTORICAL NATIONAL
TRAIN RIDES FORTRESSES
Once a last line of
defense
TERTITTEN AKERSHUS FOR FREDRIKSTAD'S HISTORIC OLD TOWN © THOMAS ANDERSEN
TRESS IN OSLO
You can enjoy a nostalgic KARLJOHANSVERN FREDRIKSTAD'S
train journey with the Akershus Fortress is a great HISTORIC OLD
Urskog-Høland line's place to discover Oslo's On the outskirts of Horten TOWN
"Tertitten" (in use 1896- history and enjoy a summer you come to Karljohansvern,
1960), drawn by the original day. Guided tours are a national fortification which The best preserved
steam locomotive. Nice available to the public in is surrounded by protected fortress town in the Nordic
picnic area by Bingsfoss summer. nature and the Oslofjord. A countries consists of
Station. Guided tours great museums and recrea- buildings from the 18th
available by appointment. OSCARSBORG tion area, well worth one or century and a fortification
FORTRESS more visits. It is furthermore with walls and moats from
OSCARSBORG © VISITDRØBAK a quiet place in an urban the 17th century.
Oscarsborg Fortress is a environment. Fredrikstad City Museum
jewel in the Drøbak narrow. with its historic city
In summer, Oscarsborg is KONGSVINGER exhibition is also located
perfect for families and for here.
those interested in nature, FORTRESS
culture and history. FREDRIKSTEN
Oscarsborg Fortress Kongsvinger Fortress is one FORTRESS
Museum presents the history of the most important sites
of the place and organises of cultural heritage in Fredriksten is Norway`s
guided tours. Norway and Hedmark Fylke. largest, most important and
It is regarded as on the most venerable border
region's main attractions. fortress. Many also find it one
The Fortress was built from of the most magnificent in
1673 an onwards and it Europe, majestically located
served as an efficient above Halden. It offers a
protection foreign soldiers fantastic view of the town and
– especially from Sweden. the fjord, and far into what
Open all year. once was enemy territory.
TERTITTEN © ANDERS BEER WILSE
116 OSLOFJORD REGION
CITY LIFE ISLAND HOPPING IN EXPERIENCES FOR EVERYONE
INNER OSLOFJORD
VIGELANDSPARKEN 12th May - 23rd September 2018
© NANCY BUNDT VISITOSLO If you’re enticed by a summer
excursion in the fjord, the is-
FROGNERPARKEN lands just outside of Oslo
AND THE might just be the destinationVISITOSLO/ANDREAS BTry our suspension bridge and glass oor in the mines!
VIGELAND you need. The Oslo ferries have
SCULPTURE PARK frequent departures each dayZIPLINE © Adventures and recreation in a historical environment
in the summer. Out there, you Guided tours in the Cobalt Mines • Great hiking areas
This famous sculpture park can have a picnic on a nice 3 art exhibitions • 3 cafeterias • 6 shops • Children’s Farm
in the Frogner Park has grassy spot, go swimming at a
more than 200 sculptures by sandy beach or just soak up
Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943) the warm sun on some smooth
in bronze, granite and cast rocky slope at water’s edge.
iron. Vigeland was also The Oslo ferries depart from
responsible for the design Aker Brygge (wharf) and ser-
and architectural outline of vice a number of islands.
the park, which is one of
Norway's top tourist ACHE WIIG
attractions, with more than
one million annual visitors. HOLMENKOLLEN
Need an Blaafarveværket ( e Cobalt Works & Mines) Only
adrenaline kick? Koboltveien 11, NO-3340 Åmot in Modum 75 km
Tel: +47 32 77 88 00 • www.blaa.no from Oslo!
Zip down the world-famous
Holmenkollen Ski Jump, all
the way to the bottom of the
hill! Kollensvevet zipline is 361
metres of pure adrenaline,
and you will get an unforget-
table view of Oslo as you sail
down from the city's famous
landmark. The elevation drop
is 107,5 metres.
118 OSLOFJORD REGION
BYGDØY
THE BOAT FOR THE BYGDØY MUSEUMS © VISITOSLO
Bygdøy is a peninsula service runs from early April Foto: Morten Brun
on the west side of to early October. Bus number
the city centre. Here 30 takes you to Bygdøy all year NORWEGIAN CULTURE
you find several of round. BYGDØY OSLO
Oslo’s most popular
museums. A bicycle tour Medieval stave church. Open-air museum and
around Bygdøy indoor exhibits. Life, traditions, homes and history.
The peninsula is mainly a Regional costumes, folk dance, music & handicraft.
residential area, but in This is one of most delightful,
addition to the museums, romantic two-wheel rides in www.norskfolkemuseum.no
Bygdøy is also a popular Oslo: Lush woods, park-like
recreational area during countryside, view of the sea,
summer offering beaches, a beaches, historic buildings
beach volleyball court and a and the royal cows are some
beach restaurant at Huk. of the sights along the way.
There are also several Distance: 7 km
beautiful trails both for cycling Incline: insignificant
and walking. Road surface: primarily fine
gravel.
How to get there
The best way to get to Bygdøy
in the summer is to take the
boat leaving from Pier 3
behind the City Hall. It takes
10-15 minutes, and the
© NANCY BUNDT VISITOSLO
120 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS OSLOFJORD REGION 121
DISCOVER VIKING Explore the famous
HISTORY AND THE GREAT Kon-Tiki raft
EXPLORERS Visit the Kon-Tiki Museum and
see the famous vessels used by
Norwegian explorer Thor © KON TIKI MUSEUM
Heyerdahl in some of the
great sea voyages in modern Visit these
history. The Kon-Tiki balsa- 3 museums
wood raft sailed 4,300 miles of on the Bygdøy
open ocean from Peru to peninsula in Oslo
Polynesia in 1947. Also
© THE OSEBERG SHIP exhibited is Ra II, a papyrus ship
which he sailed from Africa to
Oslo, Norway's ultramodern and hip capital the Caribbean in 1970. The
city, is one of the best places to learn about museum also houses the Thor
the Viking age. You may also learn about why Heyerdahl Library and Archives,
Norway is the home to some of the World’s and features the Oscar-winning
Greatest Explorers. documentary film on the voyage
every day at noon.
The impressive Viking Ship and mysterious skeletal www.kon-tiki.no/en
Museum houses the world’s remains. Read more about the
best preserved Viking ship and Vikings on page 248-249. At The Fram Museum,
unique burial artefacts from Two Museums in the price of you follow in the footsteps of
boat graves around the Oslo one. With a ticket to the Viking polar explorers Fridtjof Nansen,
Fjord: Oseberg, Gokstad, Tune Ship Museum you also get a whose ship sailed across the
and Borre. Come and be blown free pass to the Historical Arctic from 1893 to 1896, and
away by exceptional wood Museum within 48 hours. Roald Amundsen, who raced to
carvings, preserved textiles, www.khm.uio.no Antarctica and the South Pole
in 1911. Fram is the strongest
wooden ship ever built and still
holds the records for sailing
farthest north and farthest
south. At the museum you can
come on board the ship and see
how the crew and their dogs
managed to survive in the
coldest and most dangerous
places on earth - the Arctic and
the Antarctic.
www.frammuseum.no
(Source: Visitnorway and
National Geographic)
FRAM MUSEUM AT BYGDOY
© VISITOSLO GUNNAR STRØM
122 OSLOFJORD REGION
CITIES AND
CITY LIFE
SKIBLADNER © COLIN DOBSON SIGRIG UNDSET © ALVILDE TORPDOMKISTRØMWelcome to
THE WORLD’S SIGRID UNDSET the Norwegian
OLDEST PADDLE
STEAMER AND THE Sigrid Undset (1882 –1949) Railway Museum
OLYMPIC TOWN OF was a Norwegian novelist – worth a stop!
LILLEHAMMER who was awarded the
Nobel Prize for Literature The Norwegian Railway Museum enjoys a beautiful location by lake
You head north from Oslo, in 1928. You may visit her Mjøsa. In addition to modern, indoor exhibitions, the museum has
first to Lake Mjøsa, where home Bjerkebæk in a spacious and beautiful museum park featuring old railway tracks,
you can take a trip on the Lillehammer, which now signals, engine sheds, railway stations and other buildings.
world’s oldest paddle is a museum. A variety of locomotives and carriages are shown in the engine sheds.
steamer still in operation, The park is open to the public all year round, whereas the buildings and
Skibladner. At the northern RKEODDEN © HEIDEN sheds are open during June to August.
end of the lake lies A small narrow gauged steam train and a passenger-carrying electric
Lillehammer, which hosted DOMKIRKEODDEN garden train will run during the summer season.
the 1994 Winter Olympics. HAMAR
There, you can visit Norsk jernbanemuseum
Maihaugen Open-Air One of Norway's largest
Museum and the Olympic medieval museums Strandvegen 161, N-2316 Hamar. Tel: (+47) 40 44 88 80
Museum. providing an insight into our www.norsk-jernbanemuseum.no
history from the Viking era,
through the Middle Ages
and up until today. The
glass structure covering
the cathedral ruins is the
main attraction.
Lillehammer and the beautiful
Gudbrandsdalen valley
Home of culture - welcome to a meeting
with authentic Norway! Experience and learn
more about Norwegian culture, history and food
traditions on your journey.
SUMMER AT igt.no - Photos Ian Brodie
MAIHAUGEN
Maihaugen offers activities and experiences for the whole family.
The open-air museum has more than 200 historic houses from
the 12’th until the 20’th Centuries. Enjoy the idyllic surroundings
and experience life like in the old days. Great exhibitions, shop
and café.
maihaugen.no
TRADISJON OG
LEVEMÅTE
intonorway.com
ØSTFOLD
MOSS • ASKIM • MYSEN • FREDRIKSTAD • HVALER • SARPSBORG • HALDEN
ØSTFOLD GET TO KNOW THE HISTORY OF ØSTFOLD
Thanks to short distances between the attractions and the cities in The region is rich in history. You will find traces of Vikings in
Østfold, It is easy to combine urban life with magnificent nature. The the city of Sarpsborg, as well as beautiful manors from past
whole family will find their own sanctuaries and hidden gems; indoor centuries. The fortresses of Halden and the fortress town of
and outdoor golf- courses, a variety of fantastic fishing spots on the soft Fredrikstad bursts with 1700th centuryt stories, yet the scenic
rocks, out on the sea, in rivers or in lakes. islands of Hvaler and the beautiful Halden Canal in inner Østfold
There are beaches, indoor waterparks and activity centers. is just some minutes away. In the beautiful landscape, you will
Lively shopping malls and lovely small boutiques. The summer season is find our museums telling the history of the region. Several
known for the breathtaking archipelago as well as music, art and culture exhivitions also emphasize relevant topics of today’s modern
festivals. society.
Østfold is easily accessible by car or public transport, just one hour Welcome to Østfold!
south east of Oslo.
WWW.VISITOESTFOLD.COM
tphicertePuOgrrseiilovosanfftjoreordm © MERETHE/FOAP/VISITNORWAY.COM
CYCLING IN ØSTFOLD © MERETHE/FOAP/VISITNORWAY.COM
© TERJE RAKKE NORDIC LIFE
© ANNEGRETHES/FOAP/VISITNORWAY.COM AUTUM IN ØSTFOLD © TERJE RAKKE NORDIC LIFE
130 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS RECOMMENDED DESTVIENSATTFIONLDS 131
WELCOME
TO VESTFOLD
VERDENS ENDE AT FÆRDER NATIONAL PARK © TSCH
The county of Viking heritage. They are all and the flora and fauna is very paradise for the active family.
Vestfold is located by surrounded by beautiful nature interesting. There are plenty of beaches to
the Oslofjord in the along the coastline as well as explore, rocks to climb,
southeastern part of woodland with different Hiking along the coast museums to discover and
Norway. signposted tracks. parks to experience. The parks
The small village of Stavern in Trails are in abundance here in offer experiences such as
The towns of Larvik, Tønsberg, Larvik is a real treat which Vestfold be it inland or along climbing in the treetops,
Sandefjord and Horten are under-standably attracts a the coast. Leave all stress getting in close contact with
located like beards on a string wide variety of artists. Plenty of behind when enjoying a lazy or various animals, ride horses,
along the coast. Larvik is galleries, restaurants and quick hike in the beautiful trampolines and much more.
famous for the explorer Thor café’s colors the village, along archipelago. Experience But, remember that the nature
Heyerdahl, the poetry park and with Frederiksvern Wharf with polished skerries, sandy on offer in the area is a
contemporary architecture. In it´s interesting history and beaches, a varied birdlife and stunning activity park in itself.
Åsgårdstrand in Horten you buildings. feel the salty spray from the
can visit Edvard Munch’s ocean. Vestfold has a total
house. Munch spent many One of Norway´s few marine coastline of 980 km and 1,407
summers here, and the house national parks are also to be islets and skerries. The mild
is now a small museum. found here in Vestfold. At the landscape in Vestfold is
Sandefjord has a cozy town very tip of a peninsula you´ll
center with art noveau find the village Tjøme and the
architecture, small boutiques beautiful coastal landscape at
and many recreational parks. the Verdens Ende which
Tønsberg, Norway´s oldest literally translates to “the end
town has a famous landmark, of the world”. The view is
Slottsfjellet, and a strong breathtaking, the coastal paths
offer many options for hikers
TØNSBERG, ONE OF THE TOWNS IN VESTFOLD
© TØNSBERG NÆRINGSFORENING
132 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS ASKER NESODDTANGEN VESTFOLD 133
OPPEGÅRD
GETTING AROUND SA
IN VESTFOLD
NDEFJORD VERDENS ENDE TJØ SVE
ASKIM ØRJE T&LAVT
ME WITAL
1 2
SLOTTSFJ
OSLOFJORDEN ELLET CASTLE TØNSBERG RAKKESTAD STAVERN
ØSTFOLD
HORTEN 5 3
SARPSBORG
Høyt og Lavt ÅSGÅRDSTRAND 4
'S HOUSE IN ÅSGÅRDS
6 TØNSBERG MUNCH TRAND EST CLIMBING PARK © HØY
37
VESTFOLD HALDEN
6
FREDRIKSTAD SCANDINAVIA'S LARG
OOD © PAAL ANDRE SCH
TORP TJØME FÆRDER 5
NATIONAL
1 PARK
SANDEFJORD HVAVLIKEIRNG SHIP IN TØ
2 HVALER
YTRE NSBERG
NATIONAL PARK
LARVIK 7 NORWEGIAN SEAF MØLEN © GUNNAR BERVEN
4
STAVERN
6 OF THE PICTURES COPYRIGHT IS
© VISITVESTFOLD.COM
134 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS VESTFOLD 135
VESTFOLD ON
TWO WHEELS
SANDEFJORD © VISITVESTFOLD.COM VIKING AT MIDGARD HISTORISK SENTER © DIDRICK STENERESEN
To Vestfold the coast is the memorable meal in beautiful Easily Reached
heart and soul of the changing surroundings, prepared by an
seasons. The music of nature internationally renowned chef. Vestfold is easily reached by
is excellent relaxation. www.visitvestfold.com air, ferry and train. Flights to
Take a break in one of the Oslo (Sandefjord Torp) take
towns that line the Vestfold you to our regional Airport in
coast for a piping hot espresso Sandefjord. Color Line and
at a café on a lively street, or a Fjord Line run ferry lines
between Hirtshals (DK) and
Larvik as well as Strømstad
(SE) and Sandefjord. There is
also a ferry between Horten
and Moss
© HOTEL WASSILIOFF
Accommodation The many campsites along
the coast are mainly open
Vestfold offers a wide range of during summer season. The
accommodation. Hotel, bed campsites are located next to
and breakfast, private beaches and the beautiful
accommodation and Youth archipelago.
Hostel.
© FOLDVIK FAMILIEPARK,
AKTIV FRITID, BUGGEGÅRDEN
HØYT OG LAVT
ORKANGER HEIMDAL SELBU RONDANE © CH VISITNORWAY
MELHUS
DALSØRA TRØNDELAG RØROS EASTERN
BERKÅK OS NORWAY
OPPDAL
FEMUNDSMARKA SVERIGE
GUTULIA
DOVRE HJERKINN
DOMBÅS ENGERDAL
FOLLDAL ALVDAL
LOM
JOTUNHEIMEN IDRE
RONDANE
THE NATIONAL PARK REGION
SJOA KOPPANG
HUNDORP
TRYSIL
(INNBYGDA)
LILLEHAMMER
FAGERNES MOELV ELVERUM
BRUMUNDDAL
HAMAR
GJØVIK
GOLSFJELLET OPPLAND Tangen
GOL HEDMARK
ÅL
GEILO So high up that you can almost touch the transparent blue
HALLINGDAL sky with your fingertips, while thousands of meters below
EIDSVOLL your feet dim grottos and the halls of the powerful
FLÅ mountain king are buried deep beneath the roots of the
majestic mountain.
OSLO AIRPORT KONGSVINGER On the following pages you'll find some of the best
GARDERMOEN hightlights in Eastern Norway.
JEVNAKER
HØNEFOSS JESSHEIM
BUSKERUD
AKERSHUS
OSLO SKEDSMO SØRUMSAND
VIKERSUND BÆRUM OSLO LØRENSKOG
NESODDTANGEN ERIGE
ÅMOT ASKER
RJUKAN OPPEGÅRD
DRAMMEN SKI
138 EASTERN NORWAY BITS AND PARTS 139
ROUGH GALDHØPIGGEN RALLARVEGEN © SVERRE HJØRNEVIK/VISITNORWAY.COM
HIKES
Norway’s highest peak at 2469
JOTUNHEIMEN meters above sea level
Guided tours every day from
Enjoy the view from the top of the Juvasshytta across
Norway’s highest mountain Styggebreen glacier to the top
Galdhøpiggen, walk along the of Galdhøpiggen. You should
narrow, but popular bring good mountain shoes
Besseggen ridge, and try and windproof mountain
some of the traditional food clothes. Dress according to
from the area. the weather, but always have
some warm clothes with you
in case of sudden temperature FAMOUS CYCLING IN GEILO
changes. 6 hours BIKING TOUR
Try out downhill cycling
VIA FERRATAS IN TRY THE or take a calm family
THE REGION trip. Geilo offers so many
NAVVYROAD bicycle possibilities. In
BESSEGGEN © MORTEN HELGESEN Beitostølen / Bygdin Geilo Summer Park, you
VISITNORWAY.COM (RALLAR take the chairlift and belt
Via ferrata Synshorn goes on lift up and bike on adapt-
BESSEGGEN the east wall of Synshorn by VEGEN) ed trails of varying diffi-
Bygdin, 12 kilometers from culty at the ski facility.
One of Norway's most famous Beitostølen. The road was built as a This includes 4 trails
mountain hikes. construction road for the adapted for children and
Each year around 30,000 Hemsedal Bergen Railway Line, and was beginners with its own
tourists enjoy the breathtaking completed in 1902. It was lift.
views from the top of the The route starts down in the named by the Cyclists
ridge. The hike takes six to valley at Skarsnuten and rises Association to Norway’s best CYCLING IN GEILO
eight hours, including breaks, to the top of Røggjin, at a bicycle route. The Navvy Road © PAUL ARTHUR LOCKHART
and is recommended for height of 1260 meters. is 80 km long and goes from
experienced hikers. The trip takes 3-4 hours. Haugastøl to Finse,
Remember proper hiking Hallingskeid, Myrdal and Flåm.
equipment and some warm, Lom There are daily bicycle-train
suitable clothing. Use hiking departures during the summer
boots and leave your trainers The route starts at 380 meters season if you would like to
at your home base. at Nissegarden, just outside bring your own bike with you;
Lom, and ends up at or you can rent a bike at
Eggjapiken at Lomseggi 1524 Haugastøl, Finse, or Geilo.
m above sea level. This is the
route in Norway that has the
greatest height difference and
has the highest peak.
140 EASTERN NORWAY BITS AND PARTS 141
ROUND TRIP BY CAR SCENIC ROADS cmyk 24-79-100
OR MOTORBIKE IN THE REGION cmyk 21-53-89-
THE MOUNTAIN TOUR
Take into account a week for Trysil; Lake Mjøsa with the
this tour. Attractions en route world’s oldest paddle-wheeler
include: Kongsberg with its old “Skibladner” still in operation;
silver mines; Numedal with its Oslo and the Oslo Fjord. Get to
stave churches and romantic know the mountains; go walk-
farmsteads; the Hardanger ing on the Hardanger plateau,
plateau and Hallingdal; pictur- in the Jotunheimen, Rondane
esque scenery in Øystre Slidre; or Femundsmarka. TPoolcuirrkeislnt
the panoramic view from chalets and well-marked paths
Valdresflya, where you reach make it easy to find your way.
the highest point of the journey
(1420 m), of the peaks and gla- A, DOVRE © CH/VISITN
ciers of the Jotunheimen; VIEWPOINT SNØHETT ORWAY
Gjende mountain lake; charm- SOHLBERGPLASSEN, VIEW TOWARDS THE RONDANE
ing little shielings round Sjoa; MOUNTAINS AND ATNSJØEN LAKE © JØRN HAGEN
Vågå with its carefully pre-
served clusters of farm build- Røros RONDANE VALDRESFLYE
ings; Dovrefjell, “Norway’s
roof”, with sweeping views; the Hjerkinn Together with Valdresflye, The drive across Valdresflye
enchanted mountain realm of Rondane is the most offers panoramic views of the
the Rondane range; Glomma, Otta Alvdal accessible of the National peaks and mountain expanses
Norway’s longest river; the Tourist Routes from Eastern of Jotunheimen National
ancient copper-mining town Norway. Situated between the Park. The drive takes you
of Røros; Lake Femunden Gudbrandsdalen and through an old cultural
set between mountains Østerdalen valleys, National landscape of mountain
and pine-clad heath; Tourist Route Rondane is an pasture farms and across a
the vast forests of alternative to the main E6 and high mountain pass where
RV 3 roads between the north many traditional enterprises
Fagernes Elverum and south of Eastern Norway. cater for tourists.
Geilo Hamar Rondane is the second most The highest point on the route
famous and popular mountain is 1,389 metres. Several of the
OSLO area in Norway. Rondane is most popular walks in the
associated with a mountain Norwegian mountains start at
Kongsberg massif with untouched and Valdresflye.
beautiful scenery.
Larvik
Arendal
Kristiansand
142 EASTERN NORWAY BITS AND PARTS 143
HIKING AT ÅL © ENJOY NATIONAL
WINTERTIME IN GEILO HALLINGDAL PARKS
© CH VISITNORWAY.VOM
HIKING AT GOLSFJELLET ÅL FEMUNDSMARKA
© CATHRINE DOKKEN/
KREATIV STREK Situated in the middle of An exciting wilderness area FEMUNDEN © ERIK
Southern Norway midway near the border with Sweden. JØRGENSEN/VISITNORWAY
between Oslo and Bergen, the An alternative to Alaska and
small cultural village of Ål is Yukon. Together, The National Park has many
big on mountains, forests and Femundsmarka and Gutulia magnificent lakes.
lakes – and an ideal base for national parks on the
an active break. Choose from Norwegian side of the border Rondane
more than 50 well marked and Töfsingdalen on the
hikes with detailed Swedish side, and adjoining Rondane was the first
descriptions and maps. areas, form one of the most National Park in Norway,
distinctive high mountain listed in 1962. Today, it covers
GEILO biotopes in Scandinavia. The an area of almost 1,000
great botanist Carl von Linné square kilometres in the
Under the powerful and explored the area in 1734, counties of Oppland and
majestic Hallingskarvet, with encountering falconers, Hedmark.
the sweeping Hardangervidda among others, on his travels.
plains in the west, you will find Forolhogna
the national park village, Geilo. OTHER NATIONAL
Geilo is the perfect destination PARKS Forollhogna offers a
both summer and winter and continuous high mountain
offers a wide range of activities. Dovre region and gentle valley sides,
which are often referred to as
GOL Dovre-Sunndalsfjella National 'The kind mountains'.
Park is located in the high
If you have come to enjoy wild mountain area of Dovre and CH VISITNORWAY.COM
and varied nature, your first Sunndalsfjella, where Sør- RONDANE ©
encounter with Gol will not let Trøndelag, Møre og Romsdal
you down. Here you are and Oppland counties meet.
greeted by forest clad valleys
and splendid high mountain Jutunheimen
areas with a beautiful view to
Jotunheimen, Hallingskarvet This is where you will find the
and Hemsedal. two highest peaks in Northern
Europe: Galdhøpiggen at 2469
m.a.s.l and Glittertind, with its
ice cap, at 2464 m.a.s.l.
RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS 145
FEMUND ENGERDAL
FEMUND © TORE STENGRUNDET
Welcome to unique experiences in Uvdal Come to Femund Engerdal Travel facts
Rooted in Norwegian traditions between Oslo and Geilo, Uvdal is and get a real wilderness va- Femund Engerdal located
the perfect base for experiencing nature, local food and exciting cation. Fishing, hiking, biking midway between Oslo and
history. The local wildlife park “Langedrag” attracts visitors with or skiing and so much more. Trondheim.
exciting experiences for children and adults alike. The wild and Femund Engerdal offers true
varied nature in Uvdal invites to outdoor activities all year round. wilderness and magnificent Distances by car
Enjoy spectacular hikes in unspoiled environment, take in the scenery. Oslo 280 Km.
breathtaking scenery in Hardangervidda Nationalpark or enjoy Here you can enjoy the peace Trondheim 270 Km.
the vast crosscountry tracks in the wintertime. and tranquility, relax and
recharge. Destinasjon
www.uvdal.no But there are also opportuni- Femund Engerdal
ties for speed and fun for 2440 Engerdal
those who like it, we can offer [email protected]
a variety of events and www.femundengerdal.no
activities, with something to Follow us on Facebook
suit all tastes! www.facebook.com/
femundengerdal
We can offer you: Instagram @femundengerdal
• 900 fishing waters with only
FÆMUND II © JAN NORDVÅLEN
1 fishing license.
• 50 peaks over 1000 meters
• 2 National Parks -
Femundsmarka and Gutulia
REINDEER © JAN NORDVÅLEN
146 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS NATIONAL PARK REGION 147
THE NATIONAL meters are found here - Park Region. Rafting in Heidal
PARK REGION including Galdhøpiggen and and Skjåk explores a fantastic
Glittertind. Here you can also variety of rivers! From
BESSEGGEN © CATHRINE DOKKEN hike the Besseggen ridge. whitewater rapids to calm
Besseggen is fantastic, with water and to surfing the
its breathtaking nature and Ofossen wave.
beautiful countryside.
Besseggen is ranked as one of The taste of mountain
the world's 20th most
beautiful hikes by National Local food producers in the
Geographic. region are among the
country’s finest. They offer
Biking delicious food from the
storehouse, cheese counter
The National Park Region is a and beer cellar.
paradise for those who like
action. On your bike you´ll get Accomodation
twice as far and experience
twice as much. In The National Park Region
Check out our website for a accommodation offers are just
list of bicycle rental, great as unique as the food. Travel a
cycling and guided bike tours. little off the beaten track and
you’ll be richly rewarded!
Breheimen, Dovre, Dovrefjell find experiences suitable for Rafting
-Sunndalsfjella, Jotunheimen, all, old and young.
Rondane and Reinheimen There are so many ways to
Four wonderful make a splash in the National
In the heart of southern seasons
Norway, far north in
Gudbrandsdalen, you will find The region offers the longest
Norway's highest mountains, spring ski season, magical
genuine village life and six summer adventures, a
national parks. firework of autumn colours
and a good, old-fashioned
You can choose from the best winter.
natural experiences Norway
has to offer. Join organized Hints and tips for activities:
musk ox safari at Dovrefjell,
hike the Besseggen ridge, try Hiking
whitewater rafting or go
horseback riding – in The In The National Park Region
National Park Region you’ll you’ll find the most iconic
peaks in Northern Europe.
Most of Norway's mountain
peaks higher than 2,000
NASJONALPARKRIKET HEIDAL YSTERI
© CATHRINE DOKKEN © CATHRINE DOKKEN
148 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS NATIONAL PARK REGION 149
NASJONALPARKRIKET © KRISTOFFER M. THUESTAD RONDANE © KRISTOFFER MÆLE THUESTAD
Four large predators the last years the arctic foxes have to visit Dovrefjell to get Breheimen, Dovre, Dovrefjell-
also have made a comeback! close to the beast. Your best Sunndalsfjella, Jotunheimen,
In the National Park Region chance of experiencing this Reinheimen og Rondane
you may in a long weekend get The musk ox animal in its natural
an audience with the king of surroundings is to go on a www.nasjonalparkriket.no/en/
the forest, the moose, the 50,000 years ago huge herds guided safari. You are much
alpine queen, the reindeer and of musk ox roamed across the more likely to see a musk ox
also the famous musk ox. In whole of Europe. Today you when going on a safari with an
experienced local guide.
VIEWPOINT SNØHETTA © KRISTOFFER M.THUESTAD
MOSKUS © F. ROGER BRENDHAGEN
150 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS GEILO 151
Welcome to Geilo SUSTAINABLE Fagernes
National Park Village DESTINATION Gardermoen
Flesland
A D Vlways Kongsberg Sandefjord
Torp
reams illage
E Nxplore ature
T U Rracks Geilo is surrounded by national
niqe elax parks; and with its location, it is the
perfect place to spend days in fresh
E Sxperiences ilent air, and be active at the same time.
Hotels, campsites, restaurants,
and stores. Trails, ski tracks, and
viewpoints. Locally produced food
and exciting and interesting round-
trip tours, a ractions, and stopping
places. Geilo is easy to get to by car,
train, and bus.
Geilo is located right in the middle
between Norway’s 2 largest cities:
Oslo and Bergen. Geilo has
everything you could imagine of
facilities.
Geilo is steeped in history, and has
welcomed guests for hundreds
of years. Make sure to set aside
enough time when you come to
Geilo.
Welcome to the mountains.
www.geilo.no
152 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS ÅL IN HALLINGDAL 153
ÅL IN HALLINGDAL
ÅL I HALLINGDAL © VEGARD BREIE
Welcome to the friendly village Ål in ÅL I HALLINGDAL © ÅL UTVIKLNG AS
Hallingdal. Located close to Highway 7 and
the railway between the cities Oslo and Winter in Ål Travel facts
Bergen. Ål Tourist Information
Ål is a versatile ski destination Opening hrs: 08.30-16.00.
In Ål you find wild and varied Summer in Ål – with 430 km of GPS-groomed
nature – inviting you to perfect for hiking and signposted cross country Extended opening hours
outdoor leisure all the year tracks and 2 ski centres.
around. You also find the There are a lot of great and well Liatoppen Ski centre is a during summer holiday
cultural attractions like Torpo marked hiking trails all over Ål, internationally approved Location: Ål Cultural
stave church from 1192 and close to the centre or on the biathlon- and cross country
the famous Rolf Nesch- mountains. Every summer there stadium. Centre in Ål centre
museum. Ål also hosts are a guest book at 10 of them. www.al.no
several exciting events and You find tour describtions and Ål Ski centre has 16 slopes
festivals throughout the year. detailed map at and a great area for families. [email protected]
www.aal52.no/en/ Skarslia Ski- and toboggan
centre has both alpine slopes Tel: +47 32 08 10 60
and two of Norway’s longest
toboggan runs. P.O. Box 35, NO-3571 Ål
You can also try dog sledding
For accommodation you can If you prefer to enjoy the nature and sleigh rides.
choose between family run on two wheels Ål can offer you
mountain lodges and hotels many beautiful cycling areas,
with enthusiastic and present- especially on the many mountain
able hosts. roads in the Bergsjø area.
Or stay at one of the many Experience something genuine
cabins, apartments or camp- by visiting one of the mountain
ing sites in Ål. Visit Hallingdal farms, where you can see the
Holiday Park, a first class five animals and get a taste of fresh
star experience camping and dairy products. Try fishing, the
holiday park, open all the year. trout is waiting for you!
ÅL I HALLINGDAL
© VEGARD BREIE
154 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS GOLSFJELLET 155
GOLSFJELLET Enjoy your holidays levels, fishing and horse back
on Golsfjellet - the riding.
© BIRGIT HAUGEN family friendly In the winter time Golsfjellet
mountain! offers a great number of cross
© GUDMUND BREKKO country tracks, 2 ski centers,
Looking for an active sledding and more.
holiday in beautiful
and easy accessible Stay and relax at one of the
high mountain traditional and family run
scenery? hotels with local and
Then Golsfjellet is traditional food food.
your place!
You can also enjoy spa and
swimming facilities at some
hotels.
The location on the high Golsfjellets location is the
mountain plateau between perfect base for exploring
Hallingdal, Hemsedal and other areas of Norway. The
Valdres in the middle of south famous Sognefjord, the
Norway, offers plenty of national parks Jotunheimen
activities for both couples and and Hardangervidda and the
seniors in scenic and family towns of Hallingdal and
friendly mountains. Valdres are all wonderful day
trips to experience during your
Enjoy summer days with stay at Golsfjellet
hiking and biking for both
beginners and intermediate
Travel facts
Golsfjellet is centrally located.
Distances by car to the Fjords
125 km/ Bergen 294 km/ Oslo
190 km. Easy by train to Oslo-
Gol/Bergen-Gol. Ask for
transport service to the hotels.
Booking: www.golsfjellet.com
© CATHRINE DOKKE
HATTFJELLDAL
BRØNNØYSUND TRØNDELAG KJEUNGSKJÆR LIGHT © CH / TRONDELAG.COM
NORDLAND This is the real Scandinavia with rushing rivers and leaping
salmon. The rugged archipelago off the coast and the broad
BINDAL BØRGEFJELL expanses of forest make Trøndelag a Norway in miniature.
NATIONAL PARK The unspoiled environment and the freshness can be
NAMSSKOGAN experienced in the many national parks in the area.
On the following pages you'll find some of the best
RØRVIK hightlights in Trøndelag.
NAMDALEN
GRONG LIERNE NATIONAL PARK
NAMSOS
TRØNDELAG
SNÅSA BLÅFJELLA SKJÆKERFJELLA
NATIONAL PARK
HARSVIK STEINKJER
FOSEN INDERØY
LEVANGER VERDALSØRA
STIKLESTAD
INNHERRED
FRYØA STJØRDAL
HITRA TRONDHEIM MALVIK
HEIMDAL
ORKANGER MELHUS SELBU SVERIGE
ØRE TRØNDELAG
OG BERKÅK
SDAL OPPDAL RØROS
OS
LSØRA
OPPLAND HEDMARK
DOMBÅS ALVDAL
IDRE
158 TRØNDELAG BITS AND PARTS 159
FAMOUS TIPS FOR A
HIKING TOUR BIKING TOUR
THE PATH TO ISLAND LURUSNEISA © BERNARTWOOD
TRONDHEIM HOPPING
THE COASTLINE CATCH A REAL
The sainted King Olav Island hopping by bike and
Haraldsson was buried in ferry or express boat takes you The Trøndelag coastline is WHOPPER
Trondheim in 1030. Nidaros close to nature and the dotted with idyllic fishing
Cathedral was erected over experiences. Bicycles can be villages, lighthouses and The coast of Trøndelag is
his grave, and for four rented in many places, and small marinas from the ideal for deep-sea fishing.
centuries this city was a using the bike and ferries, you islands of Hitra and Frøya in Its many islands provide
pilgrimage site for pilgrims can see large parts of the the south, along the Fosen shelter from the rough
seeking consolation, help Trøndelag coastline, from Hitra peninsula and north along waters further out and
and healing. It is now and Frøya in the south, via the the Namdal coast. You can excellent fishing conditions
possible to make a Fosen Peninsula to the hire boats and fishing in calm waters.
pilgrimage along signposted Namdal Coast in the north. equipment at most places Deep-sea fishing is an
trails from Oslo to Nidaros. along the coast. experience you will not
The old Pilgrims' Route was NATURAL forget in a hurry.
reopened the summer of WONDERS
1997. Since then many RÅKVÅG © MARIUS RUA MAUSUNDVÆR © MARIUS RUA
pilgrims have wandered to THE MOUNTAINS
this ancient pilgrimage site.
The Trøndelag mountains are
For further information, visit well prepared for hikers, with
Pilgrims' ways to Nidaros on marked paths and cabins.
pilegrimsleden.no/en/ or The The national parks are
confraternity of St. James in popular with hikers, but you
Norway on www.pilegrim.no will find mountainous
terrain, walking trails and
NIDAROSDROMEN © beautiful countryside all over
CH VISITNORWAY.COM Trøndelag. The mountains
have a rich flora and fauna,
with good opportunities for
hunting and fishing.
Dovrefjell, Trollheimen and
Sylane are among Norway’s
most beautiful mountains.
160 TRØNDELAG BITS AND PARTS 161
TOP ACTIVITIES IN TRØNDELAG ROUND TRIPS BY CAR
OR MOTORBIKE
• Island hopping with • Citywalk in Trondheim
overnight in a lighthouse with Nidaros Cathedral TRØNDELAG AND HELGELAND
• Cycling on the island • Fishing on the island An adventure tour off the Sandnessjøen to the birdrock
Leka Hitra, Frøya and in beaten track. If you complete island of Lovunden and be-
Namdalen the actual drive in four days, witching Træna, and finally
• Local food safari in you’ll be missing a lot. Make it Vefsndalen with the Laksfoss
Røros and along The • Cod-(“Skrei”) festival in fourteen days, and you’ll have Falls, detour to Hattfjelldal
Golden Road Rørvik time to explore this fascinat- and the Svenningdal Grottoes,
ing area. There are detours Namdalen and the Trondheim
• Wildlife- and animal • Husky-Dogsledding galore available, to make your Fjord, all of them superb at-
safari (Musk-ox, moose, • Explore Viking history at holiday truly memorable. Be- tractions in their own right.
bear, sea-eagle, seal) tween Trondheim and Nam-
Stiklestad National sos you should turn off and YSUN© RONNY LIEN
• Walking the Pilgrim`s Culture Centre make for Stokksund and its
Route caves, and explore the Norwe-
gian Sea at Utvorda. From
TRAVEL FACTS Nordlandskorsen a road leads
direct to Vikna’s myriad is-
Location: London, Riga, Tallinn, Gda- lands, with their teeming fish RGHATTEN AT BRØNNØ
Trøndelag is situated in the nsk, Krakow and Reykjavik, and bird life. If you cut out
centre of Norway. It borders among other places. Røros, Leka, you’ll miss not only Nor- TO
on Fjord Norway and North- Namsos and Rørvik also way’s strangest camp site, but
ern Norway. The E6 and E39 have small airports. also the Solsem Cave, with it’s Polcir
are the main roads to the Stone Age paintings. Torghat-
region. The Hurtigruten coastal ten, the “mountain with the Sandnessjøen Umbukta
• Oslo - Røros 380 km express calls at Trondheim hole”, a unique natural phe- Brønnøysund Tärnaby
• Oslo - Trondheim 550 km twice a day – one ship on the nomenon, is only a stone’s
• Oslo - Rørvik 770 km way north and the other on throw from Brønnøysund. The Hattfjelldal
the way south. The express most superb detour of the lot,
Transport: ferry service Kystekspressen however, is the boat trip from Nordlandskorsen
Good train and bus connec- connects Trondheim with
tions to the north, south and Fosen, Hitra/Frøya and Kris- Gäddede
east. tiansund. Formofoss
Trondheim Airport Trøndelag Reiseliv AS Storlien
Værnes has daily connec- Nordre Gate 11
tions to other Norwegian NO-7011 Trondheim
airports. There are direct Tel.: +47 73 84 24 40
flights from/to Amsterdam, [email protected]
Copenhagen, Stockholm, www.trondelag.com
162 TRØNDELAG BITS AND PARTS 163
CITIES AND MEET THE VIKINGS NIDAROS CATHEDRAL © TERJE RAKKE
CITY LIFE VISITNORWAY.COM
Trondheim, founded by the Like Santiago de Campostela,
TRONDHEIMS CITY Viking king Olav Tryggvason in one of the world’s most impor-
© STEEN SØ'DERHOLM 997 AD, is one of the oldest tant pilgrimage destinations in
cities in Scandinavia. The the Middle Ages. The building
TRONDHEIM AN golden age of the Vikings was itself occupies a special place
INTIMATE BIG CITY in the 9th and 10th centuries. among the ranks of Europe’s
Norwegian Vikings left their cathedrals.
Getting here is easy and it’s a mark on large areas of Europe,
perfect base for exploring the both as traders and asRISKE STIKLESTAD © MUNESCO SITE NATIONAL
region. Regardless of conquerors, and they formed RØROS AND PARKS
whether you prefer shopping, well-organised kingdoms inHISTO
shows, exhibitions or outdoor Normandy, England, Sicily and THE SUR BLÅFJELLA
activities, you will find many in Southern Italy. Norwegian
exciting things to do in Vikings sailed all the way to ROUNDINGS SKJÆKERFJELLA
Trondheim. Trondheim’s North America and they were
intimate city centre is perfect the first Europeans to establish The location of one of Europe’s The Blåfjella-Skjækerfjella
for cyclists. Excellent cycling settlements there. biggest copper deposits, which National park is one of the
paths lead to and around the created great wealth – in largest national parks in
city centre, while the world’s ARIUS RUA Copenhagen in particular Norway. Here you can
first bike lift, located in the (where most of the copper experience humid and majestic
idyllic old town Bakklandet, is The Vikings’ success was ended up, as roofing for "fairytale" woods and high
popular among residents and primarily due to their monumental buildings, alpine mountains. The area is
tourists alike. A short bike advanced ships. They were including the Stock Exchange known for it's many vulnerable
ride from the city centre is fast and they could sail far. with its famous dragon spire). species The possibilities for
the outdoor recreation area Their ships were not Røros itself is probably the only hunting and fishing are
Bymarka, which is wonderful dependent on harbours. They mining town in the world endless! To enter the national
for fishing and hiking. could land on the shore or almost exclusively built of wood. park, drive east, towards Lierne
navigate far upriver and attack on RV 74, turn right at Trongen,
before the local inhabitants or continue to Gosen at Lifjell.
had time to organise a
defence. Other National Parks
Forollhogna, Femundsmarka,
Lierne, Skarvan og Roltdalen,
Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella og
Børgefjell. The parks all have a
rich wildlife, and if you are lucky
you may see lynx, wolverine,
bear, wolf or musk ox and
reindeer.
RØROS © RUNA EGGEN
164 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS TRØNDELAG 165
TRØNDELAG
- in the heart of norway's history
VIEW OVER TRONDEHEIM © BERNARTWOOD MUSK OX SAFARI ON OPPDAL RØROS © MARIUS RUA
© SIGBJØRN FRENGEN
Rooted in Norwegian both coastal and inland areas. Cycling is another popular many historical sites and
traditions in the There has been an explosion way to experience the cultural events when visiting
middle of Norway, of small-scale food producers, Trøndelag nature. Innherred, us. The Nidaros Cathedral
Trøndelag is a perfect there are also more than 30 Røros and the island Leka attracts pilgrims from all over
base for experiencing local breweries each of whom have excellent biking trails the world and the Pilgrim
nature, local food lovingly produce specialist and Trondheim is a great city Paths to Trondheim now have
and Norway’s crafted beer. The cozy city for cyclists. Anglers come to the same European Cultural
exciting history. Trondheim invites to St. Olav’s the islands of Hitra and Frøya Route status as those leading
Festival and the Trøndersk from all over Europe to catch to Rome and Santiago de
Culinary adventures Food and Brewery Festival in the "big one". Compostela.
the Summer. www.trondelag.com
Trøndelag is Norway’s local The UNESCO town Røros, the Take a pilgrimage
food region number 1 with coastal area and the Golden along St. Olav Ways
award-winning products from Road at Innherred are also a
culinary paradise. And if you Due to many of the most
NIDAROSDOMEN are curious you even go on important historical
© TOM GUSTAVSEN local food safaris to the happenings took place in
various producers. Trøndelag, you can experience
The nine protected nature
areas include lots of
"untouched" nature. Guided
wildlife bring you close to the
exclusive musk ox, moose,
beaver, bears and the white-
tailed eagle. At Namsskogan
Wildlife Park you can meet
Scandinavia`s Top 5 animals.
SUNSET IN MERÅKER © BERNARTWOOD
166 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS TRØNDELAG 167
HISTORICAL NAMDALEN
INNHERRED
- fishing and nature experiences
INNHERRED © ESPEN STORHAUG NAMSSKOGAN FAMILIEPARK NAMSSKOGAN WILDLIFE PARK
© KRISTIN SMESTAD
The Golden Road and sculptors, go fishing or just There are few places in you can spend the night in a
the historical enjoy the picturesque Norway where the distance charming "fisherman's" cabin.
Stiklestad surroundings. between the Norwegian
Both city and fjord areas and coastline and the National The great outdoors
Just an hour north of the great wilderness areas in parks is as short as in
Trondheim. Blåfjella- Skjækerfjella Namdalen. The 3 National Parks Lierne,
National Park provide excellent Blåfjella-Sjækerfjella and
Stiklestad in Verdal plays a key opportunities for hiking and Fishing in Namdalen Børgefjell offers fantastic
role in Norwegian history. The cycling. There are many nature experiences. Wonderful
Viking King Olav was killed in exciting routes to choose from, River, lake, or sea? Try them adventures by bike, canoe,
the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, both for the experienced and all. Fish the wild nordic salmon kayak or on foot awaits you in
as part of the Christianisation less seasoned explorer. An in the majestic River Namsen, Namdalen. Hiking trips along
of Norway. The history can be electric bike makes the bike known as the best salmon tagged forest paths.
experienced at Stiklestad ride effortless and a memory river in Norway, manders Take a trip to the island Leka
throughout the summer. for life. In the wilderness through the mighty forests and for a nature experience you
village Ongdal you may join a mountains of Namdalen. Tip: won’t forget. Leka is Norway’s
The scenery in Innherred is guided tour into the mountain As the only place i the world: national geological monument.
lush and welcoming with caves, or are you perhaps Stay the nights in a train on a Namsskogan Wildlife Park
rolling countryside and gentle more tempted by a canoe trip? brigde overlooking the River where you can sleep inside the
hills surrounded by rugged Experience the samie culture Namsen. park close to the Norwegian
wilderness. Walk along the St. at Saemien Sijte and don’t Tip: Visit the idyllic fishing brown bear and wolf in a turf
Olavsleden path to Trondheim. forget to ask for local produced village Sør-Gjæslingan, where hut.
"The Golden Road" winds food while you visit us. www.visitnamdalen.com
along RV761 in Inderøy, where www.visitinnherred.com
you can visit the local farmers
and buy fresh food and
handicrafts, walk along the
shoreline, visit the museum of
one of Norway's most famous
NAMSEN SALMON AND TRAIN EXPERIENCE © ELISABETH HAMSUND
168 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS TRØNDELAG 169
OPPDAL
- surrounded by 3 national parks
MUSK OX SAFARI © SNØHETTA AT DOVREFJELL © KETIL JACOBSEN
Among mountains Active holliday with guided Summer outdoor jibs and rails and more than
and musk ox safaries is offered summer adventures 100 kilometres of groomed
and winter. Muskox safari , cross-country tracks , as well
Oppdal -located inbetween moose safari, photo safaries In summer Oppdal turns into as good opportunities for off-
Dovrefjell National Park and like capercaillie, grouse and a lush and green mountain piste and randonnee skiing.
the Trollheimen Mountains other birds are targets for hub ideal for outdoor activities
- more than 55 percent of the photo safaries led by such as hiking, biking and Taste sensation
area is declared national park professional guides in Oppdal climbing. Oppdal is one of the
or protected landscape. Safari. four major areas in Norway Local food offers the taste of
Oppdal is a small village of www.oppdalsafari.no for river rafting, and guided the mountain. Visit Smak &
7000 inhabitants with a tours are available. For those Behag Food Market or the
modern center In the D SAFARI © seeking both adventure and a artisan bakery - Bakeriet
surrounding valleys you find BIR challenge - join a canyoning SPRØ with freshly baked
pittoresque farms made into tour. There are numerous treats and the famous
guesthouses offering possibilities for exciting cinnamon rolls.
comfortable lodging with bed mountain biking.
and breakfast like The mountains surrounding You can reach Oppdal easily by
Bjerkeløkkja. Oppdal range from friendly car/bus or train from Oslo (5h)
www.bjerkelokkja.no peaks to high mountains. It or Trondheim (1 h 40).
enables hikers of virtually
every level to experience the www.visitoppdal.no
magnificent and varied nature.
For all animal lovers we
recommend a guided musk ox
or moose safari.
Go skiing
Oppdal Ski Resort offers
slopes of all variations, green,
red and black. Jump-lines,
BJERKELØKKJA © SKIING AT OPPDAL © MARTIN I.
170 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS TRØNDELAG 171
COASTAL NORWAY THE RØROS
REGION
- wild and charming
BESSAKER © GABRIEL BERG RØROS CHURCH © MORTEN BRUN
Romantic fishing villages, Enjoy fishing trips in one of UNESCO World The Forollhogna and
fresh seafood and varies the best fishing areas in the Heritage Site Femundsmarka National
excursions invite you for an world and stay in charming Parks form the backdrop
active holiday adventure fisherman’s cabins located Røros, a mining town founded for one of Norway’s most
along the wild coast in close to the sea. On safari in in 1644 and today a UNESCO exciting areas of natural
Trøndelag. Froan, Norway’s biggest listed world heritage site is a and cultural history. The
marine nature reserve you are must see! The town centre Røros region consists of a
Coastal Norway offers a guaranteed to see, white- with its authentic wooden vast number of attractions
wealth of animal and birdlife, tailed eagles, cormorants and structures and a cultural with impressive nature,
magical light conditions and seals, among many other heritage that is very much unique atmosphere, and all
distinctive countryside perfect birds and animals. alive, enable you to step back year-round activities.
for adventure, learning and Our larder is right outside the into history, yet enjoying all the
outdoor life. The short door, and we are proud of our facets of modern life.
distance between mountains local food. Here you can
and seaside provides for a experience the taste of cavage Activities and local make sure to taste our award
wide variety of adventures and cheese, wild mutton, venison, food winning local cuisine, that
experiences. scallops, salmon and crab, exclusively uses local produce
and a large variety of fish Mountains, rivers, great lakes and is made with tradition.
dishes. and vast forests offer great And even better; you can reach
www.visitcoastalnorway.com outdoor experiences first hand. us by plane, train or car.
We are one of few places that
still have genuine white www.roros.no
winters. While you are here,
SULA LIGHTHOUSE © SEAEAGLE © SVEIN WIK UTISTUVOLLEN VINGELEN LOCAL FOODSAFARI 171
TOVE CECILIE FASTING © CH VISITNORWAY © MARIUS RUA
FINNMARK ROSS © ØYSTEIN LUNDE INGVALDSEN
ALTA
SØRKJOSEN NORTHERN
KARASJOK NORWAY
MASI SEVEROMORSK
TROMSØ LYNGSEIDET This far north everything is different. In the summer, the
Midnight Sun makes the nights as dazzlingly bright as the
TROMS KAUTOKEINO golden days. And in the winter, the flickering Northern
Lights dance across the night sky. This country is like no
ANDENES FINNSNES SUOMI other.
On the following pages you'll find some of the best
ANDSELV hightlights in Northern Norway.
SETERMOEN
HARSTAD
SORTLAND
STOKMARKNES NARVIK
NORDLAND
SVERIGE
SVOLVÆR SVALBARD Sjuøyane
Nordkapp
1 : 5.000.000 Kvitøya
0 50 km Storøya
Nordaustlandet
SØRVÅGEN NY ÅLESUND Abeløya
BODØ
SVALBARD Kongsøya
Svenskøya
FAUSKE GRUMANTBYEN LONGYEARBYEN
KAPP LINNÉ BARENTSBURG
SVEAGRUVA Edgeøya
SVERIGE Hopen
NORDLAND
MO I RANA
SANDNESSJØEN GRUNDKORT
MOSJØEN
MEHAMN BERLEVÅG
BÅTSFJORD
HATTFJELLDAL VARDØ
HONNINGSVÅG
BRØNNØYSUND
BINDAL TANA BRU VADSØ
KIRKENES
HAMMERFEST
TRØNDELAG KVALSUND UTSJOKI
BREIVIKBOTN
NIKEL
PASVIK
ROSSIJA
NAMSOS GRONG LAKSELV
SNÅSA FINNMARK
ALTA
KARASJOK
STEINKJER SØRKJOSEN MASI
LYNGSEIDET
VERDALSØRA
LEVANGER
TROMSØ
STJØRDAL TROMS KAUTOKEINO
DHEIMMALVIK
HEIMDAL
MELHUS SELBU
FINNSNES
T R Ø NANDDSELEV L A G SUOMI
RKÅK SETERMOEN
HARSTAD RØROS IGE
174 NORTHERN NORWAY BITS AND PARTS 175
FAMOUS FAMOUS NATURAL forced through a 150-m (500-
HIKING TOURS BIKING TOUR WONDERS ft) strait. Check the tide table,
you don't find a spot on the rocks and
Mountain hikes in Northern Tips for a want to miss watch for yourself.
Norway vary from easy week's tour of
rambles to endurance tests, Helgeland In Northern Norway TORGHATTEN
with amazing views even on there is something
short hikes. These are some Not just cycling, but also boat new around every Torghatten by Brønnøysund is
of our favourites, but you are trips and hiking in Helgeland's bend. Here are some a mountain pierced by a hole.
guaranteed great views and exciting mountains; if you can of the most famous A relatively short and easy
memorable hikes wherever spare a week in Helgeland, you landmarks in the hike takes you up to the hole,
you go. can cycle in fantastic coastal country. and you can look out over the
landscapes among old stone archipelago south to
The Queen’s Route in churches, farms, fishing SALTSTRAUMEN Trøndelag or north to the
Vesterålen. High above the villages and delightful coastal fairytale coast of Helgeland.
sea, this 15-km (9-mile) trail towns. Saltstraumen outside Bodø is
goes from historic Nyksund the strongest tidal current in TRÆNA AND MYKEN
to the bustling fishing village the world, with four shows
of Stø and back along daily of foaming water and Island kingdoms far out to sea
deserted beaches. Total whirlpools, when 400 million first settled more than 6,000
ascent 900 m (3000 ft), mildly cubic metres of water are years ago. Cultural heritage,
scary in places. lighthouse accommodation,
salmon farming and a festival
Rallarveien in Narvik is the LEIRFJORD © with international cult status.
easiest as it’s all downhill, HALVOR HILMERSEN One of the finest panoramic
following the trail left by the views in Norway from the top
builders of the Ofotbanen in of Trænstaven mountain.
1900. Take the train up, walk
back 7 km (4.5 miles) in Lyngen - "The Alps in
beautiful natural scenery the ocean"
and be collected by RIB boat.
Regular departures in A paradise for traditional
summer. and more modern ways of
enjoying the wilds of nature
– from fishing, hunting and
classic mountaineering
to extreme skiing, diving and
hang-gliding.
VIEW FROM THE QUEENS'S ROUTE LYNGEN ALPS ©
© Ø RULF BERTHINUSSEN CH VISITNORWAY.COM
176 NORTHERN NORWAY T H E O R I G I N A L A N D L E AREDCOIMNMEGNDSEDIDNESCTIENAT1IO9NS8 9177
ROUND TRIP BY CAR WHALESAFARI
OR MOTORBIKE
Experience the world’s largest toothed whale and
TROMSØ AND THE NORTH CAPE other whale species in the waters off Andenes
• No. 1 in whalewatching in Norway – since 1989
Tromsø has a rich and exciting On the return journey follow • With unique 100% Whale guarantee – see our website
history and is where your the east side of the • Now with both summer and winter season - contact us
Arctic adventure begins. Cross Lyngenfjord and the west side • Secure boats – customized for whale watching with
through the Lyngen Alps, ferry of the Balsfjord beneath
across the Lyngen Fjord and towering peaks back to ‘quiet propellers’ so we do not disturb the whales
pass the Reisa Valley, where a Tromsø. • Large informative Whale Centre
detour can be made by river Visit our website for more info:
boat into the National Park. AGEN VISITNORWAY
Later enjoy the marvelous TURE © JOHAN WILDH www.whalesafari.no
view from Mount Kvænangen
og the Øksfjord Glacier and NO. 1 IN WHALEWATCHING
continue to Alta with its great
rock carvings and famous Booking/info.: Hvalsafari AS, P.B. 58, N-8483 Andenes
salmon river. Along the mighty Tel.: + 47 76 11 56 00 E-mail: [email protected]
Porsanger Fjord follow the
road to North Cape and the
Arctic Ocean panorama.
Across the Finnmarksvidda SAMI CUL DESIGN: GOD STREK. PHOTO: BJØNDAL/T.LUNDQVIST.
plateau to the Sami (lapp)
village of Karasjok where the Nordkapp
Sami collections present Sami Hammerfest
culture, and Kautokeino with
Juhls Silver Gallery which also
contains a small museum,
and along glittering rivers
back to Alta.
Lakselv
Olderdalen Karasjok
Skibotn Karigasniemi
Kautokeino
Karesuando Tornio
178 NORTHERN NORWAY BITS AND PARTS 179
CITIES AND VARDØ KEEP A
CITY LIFE SECRET ?
Vardø is Norway’s
easternmost town and lies THE VISTENFJORD
further east than Istanbul, and
to get there you must pass "The unknown fjord" on the
through Norway’s first coast of Helgeland between the
undersea tunnel, the 9,500 island of Vega and the Seven
feet long Vardø tunnel. Sisters mountains. One of
Northern Europe’s most varied
WINTER IN TROMSØ BODØ natural biotopes, with VISTENFJORD © BONAA.NO
© YNGVE OLSEN 9000-year-old traces of hunting
Dazzling midnight sun, the and fishing activities. At the
TROMSØ, THE world’s strongest maelstrom, head of the fjord, at Bøna, a
BIGGEST TOWN IN incredible fishing, exciting local sheep farmer come
NORTHERN cave adventures, pristine fisherman and his family run a
NORWAY national parks, island hopping wilderness center offering a
by bike, unique isles and variety of outdoor pursuits.
Tromsø is a lively town with a skerries!
vibrant town centre and lively ROGER JOHANSEN ©What more can you expect?UNESCO SITES several thousand years, from
nightlife. It has some of THE ROCK 7000 – 2.000 years ago.
Norway’s best seafood AVIATION MUSEUM The World Heritage Rock Art
restaurants, and the town is ART OF ALTA Centre - Alta Museum offers
also home to the world’s WELL, WE HAVE ... guidebooks and audio guides
northernmost university, Far north of the for the area.
brewery, glassworks and The National Norwegian Arctic Circle, in Alta, we find
cathedral.Tromsø’s famous Aviation Museum which tells one of northernmost sites on ALTA MUSEUM
“Arctic Cathedral,” Tromsdalen the story of Norwegian the UNESCO World Heritage © SVETLANA FUNTUSOVA
church, has a dramatic design aviation history. List. It is the richest
that is intended to express concentration of prehistoric
polar nights and northern rock art made by hunter-
lights. gatherers in Northern Europe.
More than 6.000 carvings and
The museum conveys an paintings have so far been
intimate experience of aviation discovered at the head of the
and its fascinating history, Alta Fjord, indicating that this
with the help of impressive area held an important role as
exhibitions spread across an a ritual meeting place for
area of approximately
10,000 m2.
ARCTIC CATHEDRAL
© ARTHUR ARNESEN
180 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS NORTHERN NORWAY 181
GO NORTH EXPLORING THE DANCE OF
MIDNIGHT SUN AT DØNNA © JAN INGE LARSEN HELGELAND REISELIV NORTHERN THE AURORA
NORWAY The Arctic winters come in
two versions, the dark one
The beautiful and varied around December-January,
landscapes, the towns, and the bright one from
villages and small February to April. The winter
settlements and the nights are a lot brighter and
numerous attractions are all colourful than you’d think
easily explored. There are with lovely sunset colours at
dozens of flights a day from mid day. When the sun
Oslo to the major airports in returns, one enjoys long
the North, and from there days and loads of snow,
buses, modern catamaran perfect forhusky sledding,
boats, propeller planes and skiing and snow-mobiling.
the legendary shipping line The night, however is
Hurtigruten fan out to the reserved for the soundless,
outer coast, the fjords and the lightfooted dance of the
inland valleys. Look for boats Northern Lights. Northern
and buses to the remotest Norway is among the very
settlements, it is usually best places to observe this
rewarding! phenomenon on the planet.
Winter darkness is the horizon, the breathtaking YOU MIGHT FORGET
enlightened by the scenery is endlessly varied.
illusive rays of the The colourful fishing villages, TO GO TO BED
Northern Lights as well fish racks, wooden trading
dramatically coloured posts and along the coast Crossing the Arctic Circle, you
skies. In summer, the testify to the rich heritage of enter the realm of the Midnight
sun shines 24 hours a fishing culture. The Sami Sun. Brightly golden-yellow
day in Northern Norway, culture boasts an enigmatic over the ocean at the North
colouring landscapes in language, artistic handicraft, Cape or red-golden between
gold and envigorating the particular harmonies of the mountain tops further
locals and guests alike. joik, the traditional chant and south, the Midnight Sun is a
a lifestyle close to nature. different experience every
Most of Northern Norway is Cities, such as Bodø, Tromsø night. Invigourated, you feel
within the Arctic Circle. and Alta, are buzzing with like going fishing, climbing the
Mountains rising right out of trendy restaurants, lively next mountain or playing golf.
the sea, thousands of islands, festivals, an art and culture Arctic summers invite to all
towering mountains and scene and interesting kinds of outdoor activites, from
mountain plateaus meeting attractions. kayaking in sheltered waters,
island-hopping by bike or
going whale watching on the
open sea.
TANA © ØRJAN BERTELSEN
182 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS NORTHERN NORWAY 183
SALTEN AND BODØ Kjerringøy is a well-preserved
historic gem. Numerous
Nestled between the needle- historic and architectural
like Børvasstindan peaks and sites, ranging from iron age
the coastal archipelago, Bodø mounds and medieval
is a vibrant, modern coastal churches to award winning
city with a strong culture Stormen consert hall, as well
scene, good restaurants as the uncompromisingly
andthe National Aviation modern Hamsun centre dot a
Museum. Nearby, the landscape of lush greenery,
Saltstraumen, the world’s towering mountains and the
strongest maelstrom, flows at glacier Svartisen.
more than 20 knots a second.
The 19th c. trading post of
THE ARCTIC HELGELAND
RØDØY © TERJE RAKKE VISITNORWAY.COM The southernmost region of
Helgeland has some 20 000
A TASTE OF THE A SAMI LAVVU © ØRJANBERTELSEN islands, small and flat or
REINDEER SERVED IN sculptural rocks on which
ARCTIC myths and fairytales are
made, notably the Seven
The sea off Northern Norway Sisters and Torghatten, the
is among the richest in the mountain with the hole. The
world. A new restaurant scene islets off Vega island are on
preparing fish with innovative the UNESCO list because of
and international influences the harmonious coexistence
competes with traditional of people and eider ducks. A
rustic fish fare. Reindeer rich heritage of old churches,
served in a Sami lavvu (tent) is manors and traditional
a recommended culinary villages adorns the landscape
experience. like gems. Kayak or bikes are
both easy ways of exploring
this unique landscape. The
1900 metres high Okstindan
peaks inland form a unique
hiking terrain among peaks
and glaciers.
TORGHATTEN © RONNY LIEN
184 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS NORTHERN NORWAY 185
LOFOTEN NARVIK HARSTAD
Narvik, where the highly Harstad, an atmospheric city
scenic Ofoten Railway meets with a surprising number of
the fjord, is surrounded by quality restaurants and an
water and impressive ambitious cultural calendar,
mountains. Take the railway boasts the lovely 13th c.
up and walk down the Navvy church of Trondenes and the
Trail (Rallarveien) through the giant WWII Adolf Gun. The
wilderness. One of the WWII’s background is explained in the
first great battles was fought Trondenes historic centre.
in Narvik in 1940, excellently The hinterland, notably the
explained in the new Red Bjarkøy islands, are best
Cross War Memorial explored by bike or local boat.
museum. The ski slope in The Oceanside of the island of
Narvik, going 1000 metres Senja is steep and dramatic
down to the fjord, is the most with some lovely fishing
challenging in the north. The villages in the coves. The
golf course is equally sheltered inside is green and
beautiful. The prehistoric rock lush. The remote mountains
carvings in Narvik town bordering Sweden and Finland
centre are 6,000 years old. are crisscrossed by almost
invisible trails, accessible for
ANDØY © MARTEN BRIL WWW.VISITVESTERALEN.COM
LOFOTEN AND cliffs at Røst island and the SENJA © JARLE WÆHLER STATENS VEGVESEN TUNGENESET
stockfish museum at Å are
VESTERÅLEN among the many treasures in
Lofoten. The green,
Like an Alpine range at sea, mountainous archipelago of
the Lofoten islands rise Vesterålen to the north is
dramatically out of the Gulf where male sperm whales
Stream, forming a landscape feed on squid. They can be
of jagged peaks and rocky observed on whale safaris
coastlines. In winter, the close to the coast. Follow the
world’s biggest cod fishery Queen’s Trail to the
takes place here, to which abandoned fishing village of
colourful fishing villages with Nyksund for a glimpse into
extensive fish racks testify. coastal history. The Space
The Viking longhouse at Borg, Ship Aurora gives insight into
the art galleries in the the Northern Lights.
picturesque fishing village of
Henningsvær, the giant bird
186 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS NORTHERN NORWAY 187
FINNMARK North, rises 307 metres above
AND THE the Arctic Ocean, and is on the
NORTH CAPE bucket list of every true world
traveller. The inland is the
heartland of the Sami culture,
and reindeer sledding, eating
TROMSØ ©
BÅRD LØKEN WWW.NORDNORGE.COM
DEEP SEA FISHING © YNGVE ASK TROMSØ
the experience hiker only. The Tromsø, the gateway to the MIDNIGHT SUN AT THE NORTH CAPE ©
impressive Lyngen Alps rise Arctic, is a lively city with a BJARNE RIESTO RIESTO.NO WWW.NORDNORGE.COM NORDKAPP
1800 metres from the fjord, history of exploring the Arctic,
and are the preferred alpine a lively café and bar scene and Finnmark is a land of rolling reindeer in a lavvu,
ski touring area of the north. an atmospheric city centre of plains, untouched wilderness snowmobiling, trying your
The area east of the Lyngen traditional wooden and and wide-open horizons, hand at duodji (handicraft) and
Fjord is among the driest in modern architecture. meeting the coast of the Artic visiting fascinating museum
Scandinavia, excellent for Make sure you hear the organ Sea in a rough, steep collections are all ways of
hiking in summer and in the Arctic Cathedral, see coastline. Here three exploring this unique culture.
Northern lights viewing in the seals in Polaria languages are spoken, In the Northern Lights City of
winter. Explanation centre and Norwegian, Sami and Kven Alta, the UNESCO world
admire the views from the (close to Finnish). heritage listed rock carvings
Cable Car. The North Cape, the northern and the Northern Lights
most point of Europe at 71 º cathedral fascinate visitors.
ARTHUR ARNESEN
RN LIGHTS FESTIVAL©
NORTHE
188 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS Just 1100 km from the NORTHERN NORWAY 189
North Pole, Svalbard is the
SAMI LIFE northernmost accessible SVALBARD
tourist destination in the
world. DOGSLEDDING © K ONRAD KONIECZNY
A settlement of some 2000
people is surrounded by a ARCELA CARDENAS
vast high Arctic wilderness LONGYEARBYEN © M
of pyramidal mountains.
Come here in the depth of
the Polar Night to
experience 24 hours
darkness, Northern Lights
and short trips by
snowmobile. In the sunny
bright winter from March to
April you may go
snowmobiling and
dogsledding. In the 24 hour
daylight summer from from
May to September hiking,
boat rides and kayaking are
the most popular activities.
LUNCH IN A LAVVU © CH VISITNORWAY.COM
Hammerfest is the world’s The national tourist route along
northernmost city, with a the Varanger fjord displays
wonderful coastal location. ancient archaeology and
exciting bird watching sites.
The east of Finnmark is one of Kirkenes on the Russian border
the world’s major bird watching has an exciting cross-border
areas. The historic fortress city feel.
of Vardø, Norway’s easternmost The Snow Hotel, dog sledding
point, is as far east as in the forests king crab fishing
Alexandria in Egypt. are among the winter activities.
LONGYEARBYEN © MARCELA CARDENAS WWW.NORDNORGE.COM
190 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS NORTHERN NORWAY 191
POLAR BEAR IN SVALBARD © ROY MANGERSNES NORDNORGE.COM TRAVEL FACTS
• Area: 112,946 square kilometres, 34% of Norway’s land
mass – almost as big as the Netherlands, Belgium and
Switzerland put together.
• Counties: Finnmark (48,637 square kilometres, Troms
(25,848 square kilometres), the Svalbard islands (62.700
square kilometres) and Nordland (38,327 square kilometres)
• Northernmost point: North Cape, latitude 71° 10’ 21” (the
same as the northern coast of Alaska)
• Most of Northern Norway is above the Arctic Circle
• Bodø enjoys the Midnight Sun from 3 June to 7 July
• The Midnight Sun shines at the North Cape from 11 May
to 31 July
• Northern Norway is situated in the middle of the planet’s
Northern lights belt, which means you have the best chance
of seeing it here.
Population:
• Population: Around 470,000 (74,000 in Finnmark county,
159,000 in Troms county and 240,000 in Nordland county)
• Cities and towns: Tromsø (66,000), Bodø (46,000), Mo i Rana
(25,000), Harstad (23,000), Alta (18,500)
• Languages: Norwegian. Sami is an official language in six
municipalities, while the Kven language is an official
language in one municipality.
Travel information:
Airports from south to north
(flight time from Oslo in brackets):
• Bodø (1 hour 25 min.)
• Harstad / Narvik (1 hour 35 min.)
• Bardufoss (1 hour 35 min.)
• Tromsø (1 hour 40 min.)
• Alta (1 hour 55 min.)
• Kirkenes (2 hours 5 min.)
Train: Trondheim - Mo i Rana - Bodø.
Train connections from Narvik to Sweden
The Hurtigruten coastal express from
Bergen to Kirkenes calls at 25 ports
in Northern Norway. www.nordnorge.com
192 RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS NORTHERN NORWAY 193
KIRKENES FACTS ABOUT ALTA anyone interested in the
outdoor life and activities such
Alta is the largest town in as hiking, biking and fishing.
Norway’s northernmost The world's first Northern
county, and an area with a Light observatory was built
relatively mild climate in the here at the end of the 19th
otherwise cold north. Here century and has earned Alta
you can experience Sami the name The Town of the
culture up close and Northern Lights.
UNESCO-protected rock
carvings. ORTHERN LIGHTS© C
E CATHEDRAL OF THE N
RIVERBOAT SAFARI IN PASVIK © PASVIKTURIST AS The location of Alta, in the H VISITNORWAY.COM
inner reaches of the Alta
Fjord, means that municipality TH
is able to offer forests,
Winter and summer mountain plateaux and
activities with local coastal and mountain
experts. landscapes. This provides
numerous opportunities for
Booking office
Kirkenes • River boat tours
(June-Sep)
Open all year round Mon-Fri
8.30 – 16.00 • Hiking trips (June-Sep)
Centre town, • And much more
Dr Wesselsgate 9
Phone: +47 78995080 Check our offers:
[email protected] www.pasvikturist.no/english
Daily departures EXPERIENCE THE ROCK ART OF ALTA!
• Kirkenes sightseeing
• Pasvik sightseeing www.altamuseum.no
• King Crab Safari
• Husky Tours (Dec-April)
• Snowmobile (Dec-April)
• Snowhotel (Dec-April)
• Northern lights
(Okt-March)
KING CRAB ADVENTURE
© PASVIKTURIST AS
194 WHAT TO DO WHAT TO DO 195
WHAT BE INSPIRED TO
TO DO HAVE AN ACTIVE HOLIDAY
PREIKESTOLEN PULPIT ROCK © HIKING AT FLØYA, SVOLVÆRSGEITA IN THE BACKGROUND,
TERJE RAKKE NORDIC LIFE/REGIONSTAVANGER.COM LOFOTEN ISLANDS, NORDLAND © CH VISITNORWAY.COM
Norway is blessed with an abundance of natural wonders like Walking from cabin to cabin in king crabs. Or how about a
fjords, mountains and waterfalls, including a number of the mountains or going on a challenge like rafting down
formidable rock formations like Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock), glacier walk is perhaps the rapids, climbing or snow-
Trolltunga (the Troll’s Tongue) and Torghatten. Thanks to the best way to explore Norway. kiting?
long, light evenings in the summer, with the midnight sun visible If you like cycling, there are There are many customised
for months in the northern parts of the country, you will get lots of great routes to choose trips to choose from in
more hiking for your money. The remarkably pristine from, whether you prefer flat Norway – on foot, by bike, boat
environment with clean, refreshing air allows you to relax terrain or more challenging or car. They enable you to get
completely and return home fully recharged. routes. There are lots of the most out of your holiday.
package trips including food
and accommodation to choose In winter, Norway has a wide
from. range of alpine ski centres,
both for beginners and more
There are also plenty of experienced skiers. Naturally,
options for people who enjoy there are also opportunities
fishing. Try your hand at for cross-country skiing trips
deepsea fishing, salmon on prepared, marked tracks.
fishing or freshwater fishing Winter is also the season for
and you will have a good killer whale safaris, ice-
chance of landing a big fish. climbing, dog sledding and
On a safari, you can see wild reindeer sledding.
animals and birds at close
range, including musk oxen,
moose, eagles, whales and
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