Top Summer Experiences in Norway

Photo: Bjørneparken

In the lush green hills and valleys of Hallingdal in Norway lies Flå. Known as the gate to Hallingdal, the area is famed for its picturesque scenery recreated in countless paintings, photos and fairytales. This summer, experience the adventures ready at your doorstep in Flå – the Fairytale in Hallingdal.

By Alyssa Nilsen

Hallingdal is often recognised for its folk music, its particular style of folk dance and its history, but there’s much more to this area of Norway. Having experienced an influx of both inhabitants and tourism in the past decade, Flå is a thriving hub of activity.

Whether you’re looking for sports, recreation or entertainment, Flå is a go-to spot. The area has an extensive web of cycling paths for bike enthusiasts and others wanting to explore the area on wheels. The varied terrain offers experiences ranging from leisure rides to more challenging trips. Eventually, the area is aiming to feature Europe’s largest network of bicycle paths.

In addition to the terrain-based paths, Turufjell has a bicycle park with lanes of various difficulties suitable for all ages and skills, and in Flå town centre, a 900-square-metre pump track is a prime feature. The track is easily accessible and available for both experienced and inexperienced cyclists.

If fishing is your preferred activity, explore the many lakes and rivers and the plethora of waters in the mountains. What you might catch, as well as accessibility, depends on where you go. Some places also offer accommodation for those who wish to stay the night. Keep in mind that you will need a fishing permit, available for purchase online. Children under the age of 16, however, can fish for free.

The Flå area has beautiful local beaches, perfect for lounging and cooling off on hot

Photo: Bjørneparken

summer days. Other activities in Flå include kayaking, disc golf, bouldering and an outdoor gym. You can even bring the family on a 16-kilometre nature and culture trail, starting at Lake Øyvatn.

“We also have Vassfaret, a legendary forested mountain valley that shows up in poems and literature,” says Kristian Akervold, CEO of Flå Vekst. “It’s the perfect place for hikes and to explore the area.”

Meet the animals of Bjørneparken One of the stand-out features of Flå is Bjørneparken (‘The Bear Park’), Norway’s second-largest zoo. The family-friendly park is home to both national and exotic species, and visitors get the chance see the majestic moose, the beautiful but shy lynx, wolves, reindeer, foxes and other animals found in Norwegian nature. There is also a petting zoo with alpacas, sheep and goats, where children get to know and interact with the animals up close.

As a more exotic feature, the park has alpacas and Amur leopards, a nearextinct subspecies of leopards that is native to Russia and China. Preservation of the Amur leopard, considered one of the rarest cats on Earth, is essential to its survival. Bjørneparken, which is part of a project attempting to save the species, has two: the brothers Igor and Zino. Due to the threat of extinction as a result of inbreeding, poaching and hunting for use in medicine, Amur leopards are the only large cat approved for reintroduction to zoos.

At the Krokodilleland (‘Crocodile Land’) part of the park, you’ll find even more exotic animals, such as snakes, Aldabra giant tortoises, American alligators and Cuban crocodiles.

In addition to the animals, Bjørneparken offers other events and experiences. A theatre for children, a mini roller coaster, a chance to feed foxes and moose, playgrounds and a water park all open during the summer months.

Another popular feature of the park is Dinosauria. Bjørneparken’s very own Jurassic park features full-size animatronic dinosaurs, giving you a chance to see, hear, experience and learn about the extinct creatures. “It’s the best dinosaur exhibition in the world,” enthuses Akervold. “It’s our second year featuring the exhibition, and it’s very relevant this year since the new Jurassic World movie comes out in the summer.”

When you’ve had your share of the outdoors and wildlife, why not go shopping? Bjørneparken Kjøpesenter in Flå town centre offers Norway’s only shopping centre that stays open on Sundays. Where the rest of the country has to make sure they’ve got all they need by closing time on Saturdays, inhabitants and visitors in Flå have all of Sunday to browse the goods on offer. For culinary experiences, you can visit Restaurant Rumi, which serves up authentic Bulgarian food.

Accommodation is readily available, too. In addition to a hotel, Flå and Hallingdal have thousands of cabins, with more being built. These are second homes, often set on the hillside of mountains with the adventures of the outdoors right on the doorstep, used enthusiastically by Norwegians whenever they need to get away from the city to enjoy Norwegian nature. When not in use, they’re often available to rent.

Høgevarde biking. Photo: Høgevarde For more information and to book your experiences, visit Flå online at: Web: www.fla.no Facebook: flaeventyret Instagram: @flaeventyret

Visit Bjørneparken online at: Web: bjorneparken.no Facebook: bjorneparken Instagram: @bjorneparken

Pump track. Photo: Ragnar Hilde

Dinosauria Bjørneparken. Photo: Ragnar Hilde

As the largest climbing park in inland Norway, Helgøya Klatrepark is a truly unique experience. Located on the beautiful island of Helgøya in lake Mjøsa, the park offers fantastic climbing adventures among the trees. With tracks suited to all ages and experience levels, there’s something for everyone in Norway’s most scenic adventure park.

By Maria Vole | Photos: Rakel Berg Kise

A small family business, Helgøya Klatrepark started as a passion project by Bjørn and Elisabeth Stai. The husbandand-wife team employs 15 seasonal workers, as the summers can get busy with plenty of visitors making their way to the island.

The park opened in 2015 and welcomes visitors from around Easter to October every year. It has become a popular destination over the last few years – on average, they receive 10,000 visitors every year. “This is our eighth season, and every year we’ve added to the park,” Elisabeth says. “This year is no different – we’ve got some fun new features in store for visitors!”

Climbing among the trees With a total of 14 climbing tracks of differing levels of difficulty, 20 zip lines and 160 climbing elements, Helgøya Klatrepark truly has something for everyone. Here, visitors will find safe climbing experiences for younger children, as well as more challenging, exciting adventures for older kids. In fact, the park boasts one of Norway’s longest ziplines – a 430-metre adventure through the treetops.

“We have climbing tracks in every category, and all our tracks are colour-coded to suit different ages,” Elisabeth says. “Our tracks are very compressed, so people are quite connected even if they’re climbing different tracks,” she explains.

For the 2022 season, they’ve built the new blue plus climbing track as well as a new zipline course with four ziplines suitable for kids between the ages of six and 12. Another exciting new feature is a short track leading to a 13-metre drop called Helgøyastupet (‘The Helgøya Drop’), where kids over 12, as well as adults, can brave the bungee jump and land in the middle of the park below.

The safety of the visitors is a primary concern for the Helgøya Klatrepark team. They have extensive testing and inspection procedures in place both internally and by a third-party company to ensure that all equipment is working correctly at all times. “Security and safety are integral to the park’s existence, and climbing with us is very safe,” assures Elisabeth. “We have six to seven staff members present every day, who make sure that each climber has received a thorough briefing and is properly fastened.”

All children under 12 must have an adult climbing with them, but younger kids can climb certain tracks with an adult looking on from the ground.

Stunning natural scenery Helgøya is Norway’s largest inland island and is located in the middle of Mjøsa outside Hamar. A true hidden gem, Helgøya is known for its lush greenery and stunning views – so it’s an ideal spot for an adventure park. “One of the best things about the park is its location – it’s set within beautiful surroundings with a fantastic view of Mjøsa,” Elisabeth says. “The forest is beautiful, especially during springtime – right now, Helgøya is blue all over due to the wild flowers everywhere.” It’s easy to get to the island with a scenic drive across the bridge from Nes, or you can travel by RIB boat or taxi boat from Hamar. Helgøya is a popular destination also for those who aren’t looking for a climbing adventure. “There are lovely walking and cycling trails you can go on towards the heart of the island, which many visitors like to take advantage of, and there are plenty of local experiences beyond climbing,“ Elisabeth adds.

It’s free to get into the park and enjoy the forest and surrounding nature, so you only pay for the climbing experiences, with free parking offered. Visitors can bring their own lunch and even use free barbecues on-site, or buy food at the park if they prefer. “Our large outside seating area is quite special, as it’s a natural gathering point for our visitors,” Elisabeth says. “We have plenty of tables, chairs and benches, and lots of parents enjoy taking in the view as their children climb.”

Helgøya is also a popular destination for groups of friends, bachelor parties and company trips, with fun experiences and team-building activities available. There are great options for renting overnight accommodation such as tents, and even a beautiful treetop cabin that has become a big selling point for international travellers.

Ahead of the busy summer season, the Helgøya Klatrepark team is looking forward to offering fantastic experiences to their visitors. “I think the activities we offer here are popular because everyone can take part at their own level. People of all ages can find the track that suits their abilities and enjoy a sense of accomplishment at being able to manage it,” Elisabeth says. “Seeing the happy faces of our visitors brings us a lot of joy!”

Web: helgoyaklatrepark.no Facebook: helgoyaklatrepark Instagram: @helgoya_klatrepark

Sølvgarden is a new hotel built in traditional style in beautiful Setesdal.

Sølvgarden at Rysstad in Setesdal offers locals and tourists a taste of one of the most traditional and enthusing areas of Norway.

By Eva-Kristin U. Pedersen | Photos: Sølvgarden

Ever heard of Setesdal? For Norwegians based in the south and the south west, this mountainous valley is a favourite both for skiing in the winter and for hiking in the summer, but tourists from elsewhere often tend to overlook the area. Unfairly so, because Setesdal and its surroundings are a Norway in miniature, where seemingly endless mountains dressed in violet heather and dotted with darkblue mountain lakes are only interrupted by scattered farms in traditional wooden style. In other words, it has a lot to offer.

A hidden treasure of local tradition Setesdal is probably one of the areas in Norway where local traditions are best upheld. It comes with relative isolation; for example, some of the settlements in Setesdal are so isolated that language here changed more slowly than in the rest of Norway. Far into the ‘90s, elderly people would still speak in a dialect very difficult for people from elsewhere to understand. But it’s not only the dialects that have been preserved. Traditional music and dancing have always been an important feature of life in the area, and not by accident; still today, many of Norway’s top-performing folk musicians and dancers live in Setesdal.

Capitalising on all of this is Sølvgarden, a relatively new hotel built in old style and on even older traditions. The hotel was conceived and constructed by two silversmiths who decided to build a hotel around their workshop on an existing campsite they were already running. And what else could they call it but the Silver Farm, or Sølvgarden in Norwegian?

The origin of Sølvgarden hotel is a silversmith’s workshop, which is still in use.

Silversmithery is another strong tradition that still flourishes in Setesdal, and guests at Sølvgarden can visit the workshop in which fourth-generation silversmiths demonstrate their craft and produce topnotch jewellery in ancient Norwegian design. “We make a lot of silver for the ‘bunad’, the traditional Norwegian dress, but also independent pieces,” explains Inger Rysstad, one of the two silversmiths that built Sølvgarden.

The crossroad between east, west – and south Sølvgarden is located in Rysstad, one of the main settlements in Setesdal and close both to very famous destinations such as Kjerag and the Pulpit’s Rock, and to the southern coastline. At the same time, there really is no need to go elsewhere; the area has a lot to offer travellers in its own right.

“There are 50 tourist trails in the area in varied terrain suitable for all types of trips. Moreover, we have several lakes that are good for swimming, and the temperature in the summer isn’t bad at all,” smiles Rysstad, disarming anyone who fears Norwegian temperatures might not be so inviting for pleasant summer swims.

Rysstad explains that the area is excellent for climbing as well. “There are more than 400 places for climbing, and we have three via ferratas here. One of them is even visible from the hotel, and it is the longest such iron-supported pathway in northern Europe.”

Rysstad adds that one of the three pathways has been adapted specially for families, allowing old and small climbers to get a taste of Norwegian mountains.

Hunting the trout Fishing is another popular activity in the area. The lakes are abound with mountain trout, and while it’s fun to try and catch, the trout also makes for very tasty food that, not by accident, is one of the main dishes at the restaurant at Sølvgarden.

“We prepare local food using local produce,” Rysstad stresses, explaining that in addition to trout, typical dishes include salted and dried lamb served with potatoes and creamy cabbage and, for Christmas in particular, nepespa, a traditional soup made of rutabaga.

Like everything else in Setesdal, the food is an expression of very old and extremely local culture. Typical dishes will change from settlement to settlement.

“Every family has their own way of making what we call the ‘spa’, the soup. We make it with rutabaga, others will use fish or meat, or different types of vegetables,” Rysstad explains.

Musical heritage recognised by UNESCO Another incredibly important ingredient in Setesdal’s cultural offering is folk music. The folk music of Setesdal is even on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, because it is in danger of extinction. Guests at Sølvgarden, however, will be able to experience this very particular tradition; the hotel organises ‘folk music pubs’ throughout the year that may even include improvised performances of ‘stev’, a traditional Norwegian form of singing. In the summers, there are concerts by some of the country’s top performers. “Culture is very important here,” Rysstad explains.

Whether it’s culture or nature you’re after, Setesdal offers both, and Sølvgarden certainly seems like a perfect base for exploring this spellbinding area – a Norway in miniature.

Web: solvgarden.no Facebook: solvgarden

Fishing is plentiful in the mountains around Sølvgarden.

Traditional music and dancing are UNESCO protected in Setesdal.

Outside cabin. Photo: Christian Lunde

The hustle and bustle of cities grow larger with every day that passes, and people find themselves seeing less and less of nature. Laagen wants to help people reconnect with nature through their luxury stays in the forest.

By Celina Tran

The Norwegian forest is vast. Majestic trees tower above ground, observing as squirrels scatter about and birds sing their seasonal songs. Unlike the looming, loud cities, the endless life of nature is harmoniously peaceful and quiet. At Laagen, they welcome you to experience the serenity of the Norwegian outdoors in a comfortable, relaxing way.

“Laagen is a retreat for the senses. It allows you to experience nature in a simple, yet luxurious way,” says Olav Tarjei Valebjørg, marketing manager for Laagen and Høyt og Lavt Gruppen. In 2017, a collaboration between three vastly different Norwegian companies – Agens, Høyt og Lavt, and Nature Compact Living – sought to provide ‘a safe haven for creative thinking, good eating and sound sleeping’. In 2020, Laagen finally opened its doors to the public.

Norwegian designs and experiences Many children dream of the perfect treehouse, where they can spend their days wandering off and getting lost in all sorts of imaginary worlds. Laagen provides a similar space for adults and anyone wishing to escape the flurry of activity of large towns and cities, using nature’s calm as a source of mindfulness and relaxation.

No matter how you wish to enjoy the outdoors, Laagen has something for you. Their facilities consist of five glass containers, a treetop cabin and a workshop hub, Laagen Hub. Utilising large windows, all of their spaces allow you to see the vision and spectacle that is na-

Treetop cabin outside. Photo: Inger Marie Grini

ture, even when you’re inside. Additionally, they exhibit beautiful, sleek, Scandinavian luxury with their Nordic interior and cosy fireplaces. “Fewer and fewer people get to truly experience nature nowadays,” says Valebjørg. “We want our guests to experience the outdoors, while still being comfortable.”

Want to re-live that child-like euphoria of treehouse fun and climbing? Eight metres above ground, the treetop cabin is every modern child’s – and indeed adult’s – perfect treehouse. The cabin is equipped with hanging suspension bridges attached between trees and two additional suspension tents, should you wish to opt for a more immersive, outdoorsy adventure.

If, however, you prefer a more visual experience, the sliding doors of the glass containers overlook the river in all its tranquillity, as well as the surrounding trees and nature. Enjoy the kiss of sunlight against your skin as you lounge in the hammock net or fall asleep stargazing under the bedroom ceiling window.

“The panoramic view of the glass containers allows you to experience and see the surrounding nature and local river, and it allows you be close to nature while you lounge comfortably inside,” says Valebjørg. The Laagen hub, too, boasts beautiful, panoramic windows. With 180-degree floor-to-ceiling glass, the hub was created as a calming space of creativity. Equipped with state-of-the-art video conferencing facilities, high-speed internet and everything you might need to work efficiently, Laagen encourages productivity while being immersed in nature.

“It’s a great place for people to bring their employees,” says Valebjørg. “It allows them to work and be productive away from the cities, but also to bond with co-workers, experience local activities, and have fun.”

Whether you want a Norwegian cabin experience, a romantic evening under

New cabin, 2022. Photo: Laagen

Photo: Ingrid Marie Grini

Photo: Inger Marie Grini

Photo: Ingrid Marie Grini

Cabin by sea. Photo: Laagen AS

Photo: Christian Lunde

the stars, or a fun work trip, Laagen’s spaces provide the perfect getaway and a fresh start to the day.

Local activities While staying at Laagen, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of activities only short distances away. With beautiful nature trails, you can opt for a hike in the Laagen valley. And if walking isn’t quite up your alley, Laagen provides electric bicycles for you to rent.

“Scandinavia’s biggest climbing park, Høyt og Lavt Vestfold, is also right around the corner,” says Valebjørg. “It provides a

Photo: Morten Rakke thrilling and fun experience for people of all ages, regardless of skill.”

Not far from the luxury spaces is Numedalslågen, the river that Laagen is named after. It is Norway’s third-longest river, boasting the title as one of the best Norwegian rivers for salmon fishing. In addition, the river has historic significance, having been previously used for log driving.

Environment, sustainability and the future The collaborative groups behind Laagen share many of the same values, most of which place an important focus on sustainability. Collectively, they wish to move forward in a positive and more sustainable direction. Valebjørg explains that reducing their carbon footprint and making responsible choices is always a part of Laagen’s decision-making.

“Our next big project is building solid wood cabins, a more climate-friendly option to plastic or similar materials. We want our cabins to affect the surrounding nature as little as possible,” he says. “For those fancying an even more sustainable visit, the cabins will be available this summer.”

Furthermore, Laagen wish to create unforgettable experiences and seek to expand their list of activities along with their cabins. “Our goal is essentially to create Norway’s coolest mini resort, with luxurious and spectacular facilities, activities and experiences,” Valebjørg concludes.

Facilities: High-end accommodation Unique meeting space Wi-Fi (Laagen hub) Food delivery Accessible hiking area Electric bicycle rental Self check-in

Distance from Oslo: 1.5 hours by car Distance from Torp Airport: 40 minutes by car

Web: www.visitlaagen.com Facebook: VisitLaagen Instagram: @visitlaagen

Lyngenfjord By Hanna Margrethe Enger | Photos: Petr Pavlíček –experience Arctic nature under the midnight sun

Far north, well within the Arctic Circle, it is past midnight, but the sun has yet to set. And it will be several weeks until it does. For about two months, the sun will stay above the horizon. It moves around the snow-capped mountains, sparkling sun light reflecting off the blue water.

If you’re looking for a unique place to spend your summer holiday, BIE Apartment & Feriesenter AS is it. This fabulous holiday centre is located in charming Grimstad in the sunny south of Norway.

Norway is known for fjords and mountains, and there is no better time to enjoy them than during the summer months with the midnight sun. Many outdoor activities are reliant on daylight, as they are just not safe after the sun sets.

In Lyngenfjord, you need 24 hours of daylight, as there are just so many exciting

You can choose between apartments, guest cabins and holiday houses in various sizes. If you prefer your own accommodation, you can bring your caravan, motorhome or tent. BIE has 50,000 square metres available for camping, with luscious lawns and paved spaces surrounded by trees and plants for a cosy, shielded atmosphere. You also have access to a modern sanitary building with bathrooms, showers and a brand-new kitchen – available for everyone. Additionally, you can pay for use of the washer/dryer and cooker/oven.

At BIE, it would be difficult to be bored. There are trampolines, playgrounds and a children’s pool for the young ones, as well as a heated swimming pool open from midJune to mid-August. You can go hiking in the surrounding areas and learn about the best places to fish by signing up for guided things to do. The Lyngen Alps are possibly at their most impressive when viewed from the water. Rent a kayak for the day and explore the waters and shorelines – an upclose and personal meeting with nature. Or, if you prefer being on bigger boats, try a midnight sun cruise. You might get to see dolphins, puffins or even a whale.

fishing tours from land or boat, in cooperation with Sjøørret Sørlandet and Sørlandet Fiskeguiding AS. What’s more, you’re only a ten-minute walk from Grimstad town centre, with everything it has to offer.

If you like a physical challenge, mountain biking might be for you. The Alpine mountains have trails for experienced bikers and beginners alike. The beautiful scenery forces you to take breaks to fully enjoy it; the view you get from the top makes it all worth it, along with, of course, the thrilling ride down.

Lyngenfjord truly is a nature lovers’ paradise, with activities to suit all ages, interests and physical levels.

Web: www.visit-lyngenfjord.com

Experience the midnight sun. Mountain biking. Photo: Visit Lygenfjord The Lyngen Alps.

By Grethe Nordgård | Photos: BIE

BIE has their own restaurant, where they serve a variety of dishes, wine and beer, and soft drinks. The restaurant is open every afternoon and evening from mid-June to mid-August.

If you like cosy moments by the open fire, you can use BIE’s latest addition, the bonfire cabin, totally free of charge. It has room for 12 and a modern layout with electrical outlets and lights with dimmers. BIE is truly a home away from home.

Web: biea.no Facebook: BieApartment Instagram: @bie.apartment