[6050] |Dividing Norway into a number of distinct mountain-areas is certainly not easy, but needed in a guide like this. [6060] |Some areas have different names, and where the "borders" of one area are, depends very much on who you ask. [6070] |On the map I have defined many of the areas a bit bigger than most people would do, in order to include "undefined" mountain areas. [6080] |Below are the most common definitions of each mountain area, along with the definitions I have used. [6090] |
[6110] |
[6120] |Svalbard is the archipelago of islands about midway between Northcape and the North Pole. [6130] |In additions, the islands of Bjørnøya (Bear Island), and Jan Mayen are administered as Svalbard, and regarded as Svalbard here. [6140] |
[6150] |Finnmark [6160] |
[6170] |The definition of Finnmark here is equal to the legal definition of Finnmark county [6180] |
[6190] |Troms [6210] |as with Finnmark, except for Vesterålen, which is included in the Lofoten part. [6220] |
[6230] |Lofoten [6240] |
[6250] |The usual definition of Lofoten is the southerns of the row of islands stretching out into the Norwegian Sea from mainland Norway. [6260] |The northern part, Vesterålen, is included in the Lofoten section of this guide. [6270] |
[6280] |Helgeland [6290] |
[6310] |This will include the coastal mountains of Helgeland, and the mountains of Okstindan. [6320] |The mountains of Børgefjell, although partly in Helgeland, will later be included in a separate section. [6330] |
[6340] |Sylene [6350] |
[6360] |Sylene itself is a range of just a few peaks on the border between Norway and Sweden. [6370] |But the areas around them is included in the definition, which then becomes the area south of the Storlien road, east of Selbu, Haltdalen and Tydalen, and relevant areas in Sweden. [6380] |
[6390] |Rondane [6410] |The normal definition of Rondane is the area south of Folldal, east of Fokstua and Gudbrandsdal, north of Venabygdsfjellet and west of Atndalen. [6420] |My definition includes the area east of Atndalen and west of Alvdal, normally called Alvdal Vestfjell. [6430] |
[6440] |Trollheimen [6450] |
[6460] |Trollheimen is normally regarded as the area north of Sunndalen, west of the E6, south of Rindal and east of the fjords. [6470] |My definition complies with this. [6480] |
[6490] |Dovrefjell [6510] |As Dovrefjell I regard the area south of Sunndalen, west of E6, north of Gudbrandsdalen, and west of the Aursjøen road. [6520] |This is also the normal definition. [6530] |
[6540] |Reinheimen [6550] |
[6560] |Reinheimen is a relatively new invented word, gathering the areas previously called Tafjordfjella, Romsdalsfjella and Jetta. [6570] |The definition is the area southwest of Gudbrandsdalen and Rauma, north of Ottadalen and east of the fjords. [6580] |
[6590] |Sunnmørsalpene [6610] |Sunnmørsalpene are the mountains on the peninsulas on each side of Hjørundfjorden, and also the area between these peninsulas and Nordfjord on the south side. [6620] |
[6630] |Breheimen [6640] |
[6650] |Normally the area regarded as Breheimen is only the area between the Jostedalsbreen and Jotunheimen. [6660] |I have chosen to include Jostedalsbreen itself, and Gaularfjell on its southwestern side. [6670] |This means that Breheimen in my sense is the area between the Sognefjell road, the Strynefjell road, the Førde - Stryn road and the Sognefjord. [6680] |
[6690] |Jotunheimen [6710] |Jotunheimen is normally regarded as the area between the Sognefjell road, the Valdresflya road, the Fillefjell road and the Sognefjord. [6720] |In my definition I have also included the area east of the Valdresflya and west of Gausdal, called Gausdal Vestfjell. [6730] |
[6740] |Skarvheimen [6750] |
[6760] |Skarvheimen is also a newly invented word for the area between Fillefjell and Hallingskarvet. [6770] |In my sense it includes all the area between Fillefjell, Hallingskarvet, the fjord in the west and the valleys in the east. [6780] |This means that the mountains around Aurland is also included in this area. [6790] |
[6810] |
[6820] |Normally Stølsheimen is regarded as the mountains west of Vikafjell and north of Voss only. [6830] |I have also included the mountains between Voss and the Hardangerfjord, and between Vikafjell and the Aurland fjord. [6840] |This means that Vossefjellene, Bergsdalen, Raundalen and Undredalshalvøya are also included. [6850] |
[6860] |Hardangervidda [6870] |
[6880] |Hardangervidda is the area between Hallingskarvet in the north, the fjords in the west, the valleys in the east, and the Haukelifjell road in the south. [6890] |
[6910] |
[6920] |My area Heiene, includes the areas normally called Frafjordheiene, Ryfylkeheiene, Setesdalsheiene and Austheiene. [6930] |It is defined by Haukelifjell in the north, the fjords in the west, and the valleys in the east and south. ;;; omraader/breheimen/index.en.html [6940] |Breheimen [6950] |
[6960] |Never ever was the man so little. [6970] |Snow. [6980] |Ice. [6990] |Endlessly. [7010] |
[7020] |Introduction [7030] |
[7040] |Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier on the European mainland. [7050] |The glacier totally dominates the nature in the area. [7060] |The landscape is shaped by the glacier. [7070] |The climate is greatly affected by the glacier. [7080] |For the people living near the glacier, it has always been their enemy number one. [7090] |Many farms have been crushed by giant iceblocks. [7110] |But it is so stunningly beautiful! [7120] |The deep blue wildness of the frozen icefalls and the vastness of the white snowfields continue to draw be back to Jostedalsbreen year after year. [7130] |
[7140] |Ascending the snowfields of the icecap. [7150] |
[7160] |Terrain [7170] |
[7180] |The glacier Jostedalsbreen is an icecap. [7190] |The cap has a vast plateau of snow at about 1400 - 1800 meters. [7210] |From the central icecap there are a lot of icefalls into the nearby valleys. [7220] |Many places the ice falls very steeply into the valley making a maze of cracks and crevasses in the blue ice. [7230] |Some places the icefall ends directly in a lake of meltwater and icebergs. [7240] |
[7250] |The Jostedalsbreen area can be divided into two distinct areas, namely the glacier itself, and the area at the east of it called "Breheimen", dominated by high mountains and a few smaller glaciers. [7260] |In both these areas you will find a terrain dominated by deep valleys at 0 - 500 meters filled with grey-green meltwater from the descending icefalls. [7270] |The peaks are high, reaching from about 1700 to above 2000 metres. [7280] |In "Breheimen", being closer to Jotunheimen, the peaks are generally higher, but so are the floors of the valleys. [7290] |
[7310] |
[7320] |The climate around a large glacier is somewhat special and is worth an extra note. [7330] |In general the Jostedalsbreen area has the same weather as West-Norway which you can read about in the "general info" section. [7340] |But the glacier often changes the weather. [7350] |First, the high glacier puts a brake on the weather coming in from the west, so the weather is often better on the east side of the glacier. [7360] |But second and more important, the low temperature of the glacier makes it's own high-pressure area over the glacier, making the weather on the glacier more stable than elsewhere. [7370] |This is especially evident in the summer when the temperature difference is greatest. [7380] |Because of the high pressure over the glacier, there is a flow of cold wind from the glacier into the valleys below. [7390] |This chill makes the glacier-valleys inhospitable for vegetation. [7410] |Legal status [7420] |
[7430] |Jostedalsbreen became a national park in 1991. [7440] |The national park was very much disputed and includes only the main glacier. [7450] |Only a few of the valleys, and nothing of Breheimen is included. [7460] |The national park came after the building of a giant hydropower project in Jostedalen, including the building a giant dam in Austdalen, today just outside the national park. [7470] |Critics say that the national park proposal was delayed by the hydropower project. [7480] |This is a typical example of a conflict between local economical interests and national environmental interests. [7490] |Anyway, Breheimen hasn't got any protection yet and has a great potential for hydropower. [7510] |
[7520] |Routes in Breheimen ;;; omraader/breheimen/rute.en.html [7530] |Breheimen - Routes [7540] |
[7550] |Getting there [7560] |
[7570] |The options with public transport if you want to explore the Jostedalsbreen/Breheimen area are fairly limited. [7580] |You can get to Fjærland with bus from Sogndal, to which you can get with bus from Oslo or Bergen. [7590] |On the north side you can take bus to Loen, Hjelle, Grotli and Pollfoss. [7610] |Another option if you want to go to Fjærland is to take the boat from Bergen to Balestrand, and from here to Fjærland. [7620] |It's also possible to take the boat directly from Bergen to Sogndal from where you can get on the bus to Fjærland. [7630] |This boat leaves at least twice a day. [7640] |
[7650] |With your own car the options are many. [7660] |Most people choose to explore Jostedalen and do hikes in to one of the many glaciers in the area. [7670] |From Olden you can drive in to famous Briksdalen, and from Skjolden you can drive in the beautiful valleys of Nørstedalen and Mørkrisdalen. [7680] |The road across Sognefjellet from Skjolden to Lom is a beautiful mountain road ascending over 1400 m directly from the innermost point of the world's longest fjord, but remember this road is closed September - May. [7690] |The road across Strynefjell from Stryn to Lom is usually open year round. [7710] |Routes by Jostedalsbreen. [7720] |
[7730] |Routes [7740] |
[7750] |The Jostedalsbreen area has something for everyone. [7760] |The beauty of the icefalls can be seen from the window of your car as well as from a nearby peak. [7770] |But remember that nature always is best when you go into it yourself. [7780] |So take a hike and do a glacier tour. [7790] |It will be an experience for life-time. [7810] |Seeing Icefalls [7820] |
[7830] |There are plenty of pretty icefalls around Jostedalsbreen with easy access. [7840] |At the westernmost point, in the beautiful village Fjærland, the wild icefalls of Bøyabreen and Supphellebreen are visible from nearby parking spots. [7850] |Further north, Briksdalsbreen is a 1 - 2 hour hike on unpaved road from the nearest parking. [7860] |Summertime it's possible to get a ride with a horse cab. [7870] |From Loen, you can drive in Lodalen and up to Kjenndalsbreen. [7880] |The glacier itself being one of the wildest icefalls around Jostedalsbreen is about half an hour from the parking. [7890] |On the southeastern side of Jostedalsbreen you will also find many beautiful icefalls. [7910] |It is about 1 hour from the parking, but you'll save som time by using the boat on the lake instead. [7920] |The other icefalls in Jostedalen are not that much visited, but nevertheless beautiful. [7930] |Bergsetbreen, Fåbergstølsbreen and Lodalsbreen are all about 1-2 hours walking from the road. [7940] |Among these Bergsetbreen is the wildest and worth a visit. [7950] |It's also possible to get an impression of the conflict between nature and modern technology by driving the road in Jostedalen all the way up to the Austdalen dam. [7960] |From the edge of this dam you can spot icebergs breaking off the glacier Austdalsbreen into the dammed lake. [7970] |
[7980] |When seeing icefalls remember that they are dangerous. [7990] |Do not go close to the glacier without guides. [8010] |People get killed on glaciers each year! [8020] |
[8030] |Hiking [8040] |
[8050] |The area around Jostedalsbreen offers plenty of opportunities to hikers. [8060] |Many shorter hikes can be done around the glacier itself, but most of the longer routes are found in Breheimen, the area east of Jostedalsbreen. [8070] |Of the shorter day hikes around Jostedalsbreen the hikes to Flatbrehytta or Skålatårnet are especially memorable. [8080] |These hikes will bring you from sea level and up to 1000 meters (Flatbrehytta) or 1800 meters (Skålatårnet). [8090] |At both places you will have a marvellous view over the mountains around, the glacier, the icefalls and the fjord. [8110] |
[8120] |Breheimen offers opportunities to those who want to take longer trips in the glacier-area. [8130] |Most of the footpaths go in the valleys, but there are a lot of beautiful peaks and glaciers around worth daytrips. [8140] |The terrain is wild with deep valleys and high peaks. [8150] |Breheimen is one of the less visited mountain areas in Norway, so there is plenty of space both on the paths and in the lodges! [8160] |
[8170] |Glacier Tours [8180] |
[8190] |Needless to say: [8210] |The many different icefalls make the possibilities endless for everyone from the one-time tourist to experienced climbers. [8220] |To walk on glaciers you need to be experienced and have the right equipment, or you need to go with a guide. [8230] |
[8240] |For newcomers the best is probably to take a short guided tour on one of the icefalls. [8250] |Short tours are made every day on Briksdalsbreen and Nigardsbreen. [8260] |In addition there are guides available for daytrips in Jostedalen and in Fjærland. [8270] |Ask at the local tourist office. [8280] |For longer trips you can hire a guide or you can join a glacier course. [8290] |Weeklong glacier courses are arranged by DNT on Bødalsseter, Flatbrehytta and in Jostedalen. [8310] |
[8320] |Lodalskåpa (2083) - The Queen of Jostedalsbreen. [8330] |
[8340] |For the more experienced there are endless of possibilities on Jostedalsbreen. [8350] |Many beautiful trips can be done crossing the glacier. [8360] |Some of these are: Flatbrehytta - Snoadvarden - Lunde, Tungestølen - Austerdalsbreen - Briksdalen, Fåbergstølen - Bødalsseter. [8370] |This last one can be combines with a climb of the summit Lodalskåpa (2083), often called "The Queen of Jostedalsbreen". [8380] |Climbing of the steeper icefalls represent challenges to the experienced. [8390] |Nigardsbreen, Bergsetbreen and Briksdalsbreen are examples of icefalls that can represent challenges to climbers. [8410] |Skiing [8420] |
[8430] |Skiing on Jostedalsbreen wintertime is not so popular due to bad weather and vast amounts of snow. [8440] |But Breheimen can be a nice area to ski in wintertime. [8450] |But spring- and summer skiing is big. [8460] |At Strynefjellet, by the old road between Grotli and Videseter you can find "Stryn Summer Ski" - a ski area open all summer. [8470] |This is where you can ski in shorts in July! [8480] |You may also meet the stars; most of the national alpine teams of Europe spend a few weeks here each summer. [8490] |
[8510] |The ski trip end-to-end on Jostedalsbreen has become popular the last years. [8520] |The most popular endpoints are Vetledalseter, Skridulaupen and Grotli on one end, and Flatbrehytta on the other. [8530] |Depending on where you start and end, the trip is 80 - 150 km and takes from 2 to 5 days. [8540] |You will have to bring food, camping equipment and experience. [8550] |
[8560] |Suggestion [8570] |
[8580] |Easy [8590] |
[8610] |There are two routes. [8620] |Use the inner route on your way up, and the outer route on your way down. [8630] |On the outer route you will walk on the steep morain by the icefall of Supphellebreen. [8640] |
[8650] |Advanced [8660] |
[8670] |One of my most memorable trips was the ski trip end-to-end of Jostedalsbreen. [8680] |We made a variant and started from Loen up the 1800 meters to Skålatårnet. [8690] |from there we went to Lodalskåpa, and then all the way to Flatbrehytta. [8710] |
[8720] |Links about Breheimen [8730] |
[8740] |Tours in Breheimen [8750] |
[8760] |Lodges in Breheimen ;;; omraader/dovrefjell/index.en.html [8770] |Dovrefjell [8780] |
[8790] |"Agreed and faithful till Dovre falls" [8810] |Introduction [8820] |
[8830] |With these words the delegates at Eidsvoll in 1814 finished the work with the Norwegian constitution. [8840] |It is not strange that they chose Dovrefjell to symbolize the new independent and democratic Norway. [8850] |The vastness of the plains and majestic mountains of Dovrefjell gives one the impression of something that will last for ever - longer than man will have the possibility of see it. [8860] |Thus will Dovre always stand for Norwegians as the bare symbol of Norway: rugged, mountainous - and independent. [8870] |
[8880] |Terrain [8890] |
[8910] |Although this is true for the part of the area where the E 6 Oslo - Trondheim road crosses the mountains, it is certainly not true further west. [8920] |About 20 km west of the road does the walls of giant Snøhetta ("The Snow-Hood") rise. [8930] |It was long thought that Snøhetta was Norways highest mountain, but one knows today that it is only the highest outside Jotunheimen. [8940] |Further west from Snøhetta, the terrain gets wilder. [8950] |Deep valleys cut in from the west, making the high peaks look ever higher. [8960] |The change from plains to steep mountains summarizes the change from Eastern Norway to Western Norway in just a few miles. [8970] |
[8980] |Snøhetta, seen from the E 6. [8990] |
[9010] |
[9020] |Wildlife on Dovrefjell is very alike other parts of Norwegian Mountains. [9030] |There are reindeer, elk in the forests, and rabbit and fox as well as a assorted number of rodents and birds. [9040] |
[9050] |What is very special about the wildlife on Dovrefjell are the herds of Moscus that are imported from Greenland. [9060] |Moscus does not exist anywhere else in Europe. [9070] |If you are lucky, you can spot the rugged hairy animals grazing on the plains of Dovrefjell. [9080] |Although they do look friendly, you should stay at a safe distance, as they may attack if they feel threatened. [9090] |
[9110] |
[9120] |Dovrefjell was early proposed as a national park, but the plans were changed by the start of mining at Hjerkinn. [9130] |The mining soon showed to be in vain, but the area was taken over by the Norwegian Army, who needed a place for test-firing. [9140] |The firing range was opened in the 50's. [9150] |At the same time the old hut Reinheim was taken over by the Army and renamed Snøheim. [9160] |DNT built a new Reinheim a few miles away. [9170] |Later the national park plans became a reality, but only a small area around Snøhetta, and north of the firing-range was included in the national park. [9180] |
[9190] |This is still the situation today, but the firing-range will possibly be moved elsewhere. [9210] |In addition there was a proposal in 1993 to incorporate mountain areas further west into the national park. [9220] |The discussion on how this is do be done is still going on. [9230] |
[9240] |Routes on Dovrefjell ;;; omraader/dovrefjell/rute.en.html [9250] |Dovrefjell - Routes [9260] |
[9270] |Getting there [9280] |
[9290] |With public transport the easiest access-points to Dovrefjell is probably by train on the Oslo-Trondheim railway. [9310] |Only a few trains a day stop there, so check out. [9320] |It is also possible to go by bus from Dombås to Lesjaskog, or from Oppdal to Lønset or Råen. [9330] |These bus-services run at least a couple of times each day. [9340] |Oppdal and Dombås is served by the Oslo-Trondheim railway. [9350] |
[9360] |By car you have many options. [9370] |Many people choose to park at Kongsvold or Grønbakken and return to the car by public transport. [9380] |Another options is to drive from Sunndalsøra up to Aursjøhytta, where the access to the western parts of Dovrefjell is good. [9390] |
[9410] |
[9420] |Routes [9430] |
[9440] |Hiking [9450] |
[9460] |As a hiker you sure have many opportunities on Dovrefjell. [9470] |Most see a trip to the summit of Snøhetta as an obligatory part of a visit here. [9480] |The eastern summit is the highest, and is also closer to Reinheim than its western brother. [9490] |On the other hand. [9510] |And the summit itself is certainly a sharp peak, as opposed to the main top which is often characterized as a "lump of rock". [9520] |
[9530] |But there is more to see. [9540] |The best trips to be done in Dovrefjell are perhaps trips from east to west. [9550] |In a few days, one will see the stunning difference between the plains of Dovre and the valleys of western - Norway. [9560] |
[9570] |Skiing [9580] |
[9590] |The skier will also find a lot to do in Dovrefjell. [9610] |There are marked routes in the winter in March between the main lodges of Dovrefjell. [9620] |
[9630] |Climbing [9640] |
[9650] |Dovrefjell is also worth a visit for mountain climbers. [9660] |The peak Larstind, just west of Snøhetta is the only peak in the area that cannot be reached without climbing, but there are other possible trips. [9670] |The traverse from east to west on Snøhetta is an example. [9680] |Due to loose rock, this trip is best done in the winter. [9690] |
[9710] |
[9720] |The hike from Kongsvold to Reinheim and further to Åmotdalshytta should be feasible for anyone. [9730] |The hike up to Snøhetta can be a bit more strenuous, but it's worth it! [9740] |
[9750] |Links about Dovrefjell [9760] |
[9770] |Tours on Dovrefjell [9780] |
[9790] |Lodges on Dovrefjell ;;; omraader/finnmark/index.en.html [9810] |
[9820] |The land at Europes northernmost tip. [9830] |Vast, cold and and storm-ridden. [9840] |But yet friendly and special. [9850] |A real piece of the arctic! [9860] |
[9870] |Introduction [9880] |
[9890] |Finnmark is the northernmost area of Norway, and thus also the northernmost of Europe. [9910] |The rugged and mountainous coast is inhabited by Norwegians, traditionally fishers. [9920] |The ethnic difference, though not as present today as before, adds extra spice to a beautiful landscape. [9930] |Cold and remote, with summer midnight sun and winter dark. [9940] |Experiencing Finnmark is experiencing a part of the arctic where people have strived to survive for thousands of years. [9950] |Here, you will find yourself at the end of the world. [9960] |At North Cape you will be at the uttermost point itself, symbolizing Finnmark as the Ultima Thule. [9970] |
[9980] |North Cape - Europes northernmost point. [9990] |
[10010] |
[10020] |The terrain in Finnmark is essentially a vast mountain-plateau at about 300 - 600 meters. [10030] |In the inland this plateau are broken by wide valleys leading rivers down to the deep fjords. [10040] |At the coast, the plateau sharply falls into the sea. [10050] |Despite the relative low altitude there are little trees on much of the plateau. [10060] |We are far north, and the climate is cold. [10070] |
[10080] |Maybe the best places to live, and the only places suitable for farming are the valleys in the inland. [10090] |The great rivers also make salmon-fishing a potential outcome, although today it is more for the sport. [10110] |Herding reindeer is the traditional lifeform of the Sami people, although today most of them have other means of income. [10120] |
[10130] |An important fact about Finnmark that many seem to overlook is that it is big. [10140] |Finnmark is the biggest county in Norway and has the smallest population. [10150] |Norwegians from everywhere else in Norway seem to think of Finnmark as far away, remote and insignificant. [10160] |Maybe it is better that way, for how could this wilderness survive if it were invaded by tourists? [10170] |Finnmark is still a wilderness and a land of the unknowns, with great uninhabited areas, and will certainly remain so. [10180] |
[10190] |Climate [10210] |Finnmark is far north and is thus cold. [10220] |But the Gulf Stream warms the coast, and makes Finnmark relatively mild compared with areas in Siberia and Alaska at the same latitude. [10230] |Usually you will find temperatures between 10 - 20 in the summer. [10240] |The winter shows temperatures between 0 and -10 at the coast, whilst the fjord-ends (i.e. Alta) usually goes between -10 and -20. [10250] |The deep inland (like Kautokeino) can have temperatures between -20 and -30 for weeks, and temperatures below -30 are common. [10260] |The record in Karasjok is below -50. [10270] |
[10280] |When it comes to rain and snowfall the difference is great between inland and coast. [10290] |Finnmarks inland is very dry and gets almost nothing, while the coast can get a lot, especially in winter. [10310] |An issue belonging the "climate" is the issue of mosquitos. [10320] |Finnmark is renowned for the large amounts of large mosquitos during June - August. [10330] |Bring protection! [10340] |
[10350] |Finnmark, being north of the Polar Circle has Summer Midnight Sun, Winter Total Dark and Northern Lights. [10360] |You can read more about this in the Conditions section. [10370] |
[10380] |Skiing when sunset is at 13.00! [10390] |
[10410] |
[10420] |Ethic groups in Northern Scandinavia is an interesting issue. [10430] |Originally the area was only populated by the Saami people. [10440] |It is not known where they came from, but the Saami language, is vaguely related to Finnish, although the Saami people inhabited this land long before the Finns arrived. [10450] |
[10460] |From the 1500's the national states of Norway, Sweden and Russia saw greater interest in the area. [10470] |On the Atlantic coast, Norwegian fishermen settled, establishing small Norwegian communities. [10480] |In Sweden, similar settlement happened after the discovery of silver. [10490] |In 1751 the borders between Norway and Sweden were marked, parting the land of the Saami people. [10510] |These borders have remained until today, and there is little hope of a future reincarnation of the land of Sapmi. [10520] |
[10530] |But there are not only Norwegians and Sami in Finnmark. [10540] |By the end of the 1800's there came an enormous immigration of ethnic Finns. [10550] |Famine in Finland caused these people to leave for the fish-rich coasts of Finnmark. [10560] |The Finns (or Kvæner, as they were called) kept their language and traditions. [10570] |There are still people in Finnmark with Finnish as mother tongue. [10580] |
[10590] |This "meeting of three tribes" is unique in Scandinavia. [10610] |Especially the different lifestyles of Norwegians and Saami has triggered conflicts that often has led to oppression of the Saami by the Norwegian rulers. [10620] |Today, the special needs of the Saami in economy and education are much more acknowledged by the Norwegian government. [10630] |The Saami in Norway now have their own "Parliament", sametinget, situated in Karasjok. [10640] |
[10650] |Legal status [10660] |
[10670] |Because of the special interests of the Saami, only a very small part of Finnmark has special protection. [10680] |Unlike the rest of Norway, travel with snowmobiles along marked slopes is allowed. [10690] |In addition, snowmobile travel is allowed outside marked slopes when transporting goods or when reindeer-herding. [10710] |Regretfully, it is widely practised. [10720] |
[10730] |In summer, it is allowed for reindeer-herders to use 4 WD vehicles outside paths. [10740] |This activity however is small, and only noticeable is when the large herds are moved in the spring and the fall. [10750] |
[10760] |There are three small national parks in Finnmark. [10770] |None of these have any lodges and have characteristics of total wilderness. [10780] |The first is the national-park of Stabbursdalen, a long valley descending from the central plateau to the fjord of Porsangerfjorden. [10790] |The second is Øvre Anarjåkka, a wilderness by the Finnish border. [10810] |The third national park is Øvre Pasvik. [10820] |Motoring is prohibited in the national parks. [10830] |
[10840] |Routes in Finnmark ;;; omraader/finnmark/rute.en.html [10850] |Finnmark - Routes [10860] |
[10870] |Getting there [10880] |
[10890] |Most people touring in Finnmark come with airline. [10910] |These airports have regular links via Tromsø to Oslo. [10920] |There are also a number of smaller airports, including Hammerfest, Honningsvåg, Lakselv, Vadsø etc. [10930] |Most of these have connections to Tromsø, Alta and/or Kirkenes. [10940] |People who want to combine their tour with a nice journey will probably arrive with the coastal steamer (hurtigruten), which has many ports of call in Finnmark, including it's end-point Kirkenes. [10950] |More serious travellers might be interested in the boat-service from Kirkenes to Murmansk in Russia. [10960] |Arriving by public bus is not so common, but nevertheless possible. [10970] |There is a weekly bus-service from Oslo through Sweden and Finland to Alta. [10980] |In the summer there is a daily bus (Nordkappekspressen - the North Cape Express) from Narvik and Tromsø to Finnmark, ending at North Cape. [10990] |Travelling around in Finnmark is best done by bus or car. [11010] |
[11020] |Many tourists choose to bring their own car to Finnmark, either driving the E 6 along Norway or coming through Finland and/or Sweden. [11030] |Those who try the E 6 almost always recommends this way at least one of the ways because of the superior beauty of the Norwegian fjords to the vast forests in Finland and Sweden. [11040] |
[11050] |Map of Finnmark [11060] |
[11070] |Routes [11080] |
[11090] |Hiking [11110] |Hiking is indeed possible in Finnmark. [11120] |The possibilities for daytrips are endless. [11130] |Almost every point in Finnmark, every town and every village have the free nature only a few minutes walking away. [11140] |A unique possibility that should be used. [11150] |
[11160] |For longer hikes the chances are best if your bring your own food and camping equipment. [11170] |Long hikes can be done on all parts on Finnmarksvidda, and the hikes can be combined with fishing and/or hunting. [11180] |Such hiking trips can be done through wilderness areas that seldom are visited by people. [11190] |Consult the maps for more information. [11210] |If you are limited to staying at lodges the possibilities are more limited. [11220] |A route that can be done between lodges is the route from Joatka not far from Alta to Karasjok. [11230] |This trip will take about three days, and you will stay at the State Mountain Lodges. [11240] |
[11250] |Skiing [11260] |
[11270] |For ski touring; the rules are about the same as for hiking; your possibilities are endless with your own camping equipment, but fairly limited without. [11280] |
[11290] |Snowconditions in Finnmark in the winter are generally good. [11310] |On the inner plateau there will generally be less snow, but usually more than enough for skiing. [11320] |Remember that the climate is colder in these areas. [11330] |
[11340] |For skiers it's often a good idea to stay off the marked trails to avoid the snowmobile-plague. [11350] |Unlike the rest of Norway, snowmobiling is common in Finnmark, and skiing is not so common. [11360] |But even if the locals think skiers are crazy, you will undoubtedly find beautiful skiing experiences in Finnmark. [11370] |
[11380] |Telemark down the birchwoods of Mt Raipas, Alta. [11390] |
[11410] |
[11420] |An option for the lazy is to do as the locals themselves and rent a snowmobile. [11430] |Snowmobile rental is available at all major villages. [11440] |You can then go where you want as long as you follow marked routes. [11450] |But remember; there are a lot of security concerns with snowmobiling. [11460] |You don't want your mobile to stop in the middle of the wilderness. [11470] |So if you are inexperienced you might want to join an organized snowmobile-tour. [11480] |These tours are organized during the winter from major sites such as Alta, Karasjok, Honningsvåg and Kirkenes. [11490] |
[11510] |
[11520] |Sled-Dog tours is an equally beautiful and much more exciting way to experience Finnmark. [11530] |You will not reach as far, but the experience of sled-dogs at work is more than enough to outweigh that. [11540] |Tours with sled dogs are organized from Alta and Karasjok. [11550] |
[11560] |Suggestion [11570] |
[11580] |Intermediate [11590] |
[11610] |You will have a marvellous view! [11620] |The buildings at the 1000-meter high top were used as a Northern Lights observatory nearly 100 years ago! [11630] |
[11640] |Links about Finnmark [11650] |
[11660] |Tours in Finnmark [11670] |
[11680] |Lodges in Finnmark ;;; omraader/hardangervidda/index.en.html [11690] |Hardangervidda [11710] |Introduction [11720] |
[11730] |If you ever flew over Norway you probably noticed: [11740] |This country is mountains with a few valleys in between! [11750] |This observation is mostly true. [11760] |Norway has a lot of mountains, but not anywhere is there such a big undivided area as Hardangervidda. [11770] |Hardangervidda is a vast mountain plateau unique in Europe. [11780] |Here you can walk for days, even weeks without meeting people or seeing any sign of their existence and still be following the straight line from one point to another. [11790] |No roads. [11810] |Only you and the heavenly open terrain which let you see that you are the only one there. [11820] |
[11830] |Terrain [11840] |
[11850] |Hardangervidda is big, actually it's the biggest mountain-plateau in Europe, and it has endless possibilities. [11860] |What is perhaps most surprising is the big differences. [11870] |The eastern part is what most people think of a vast mountain-plateau, namely a great flat area where you almost always can see a few miles in all directions. [11880] |This area, which is mainly east of Sandhaug and south of Ustaoset provides a terrain where hiking is easy and weather usually nice. [11890] |A great place to start a mountaineering-career! [11910] |This mountain, although only a few kilometers wide, is more than 30 kilometers long, reaching from Geilo to Finse. [11920] |Because it's so high (up to 1930 metres) it's visible far away. [11930] |Also easy-visible is the glacier of Hardangerjøkulen. [11940] |As Hallingskarvet, Hardangerjøkulen is easily seen from the Hardangervidda road on clear days. [11950] |
[11960] |The western part of Hardangervidda is more diverse. [11970] |The terrain has mountains and valleys giving the landscape a more diverse character than the eastern part of Vidda. [11980] |Here and there a steep mountain rises from the rest of the terrain, like the famous Hårteigen about which is said - it lies there like a big goat-cheese from the Gods. [11990] |The elevation on this part of Vidda is mostly 1000 - 1400 m above sea level, but this is abrupt broken by the Hardangerfjord, where the terrain suddenly falls down to 0. [12010] |
[12020] |Wildlife [12030] |
[12040] |Hardangervidda has the biggest number of wild reindeer in Europe. [12050] |The deer are not a part of the original wild deer flock in Scandinavia, but are descendants from tame reindeer from the 1800's Otherwise you will find rabbit, red fox, arctic fox, lynx and various smaller animals (mouses, weasels, lemmings) as well as different kinds of birds (including everything from small sparrows via seagulls and ravens to eagles). [12060] |Many places you will find herds of sheep. [12070] |
[12080] |Legal status [12090] |
[12110] |It was therefore not an easy task when Minister of Environment Gro Harlem Brundtland wanted to declare the area a national park in the late 1970s This was the first national park in Norway where a major portion (50% was private property. [12120] |Nevertheless, the park was a reality in 1981. [12130] |It covers an area of 3430 sq. km, which is most of the area between the Hardangervidda and Haukelifjell roads. [12140] |In addition to this there are two areas protected from construction; the Møsvatn area and the Hardangerjøkulen area. [12150] |
[12160] |The biggest environmental issue on Hardangervidda in the 1900s has been the debate over construction of hydropower plants. [12170] |Before the national park came, one of Norway's biggest hydropower plants was built at Sima. [12180] |The most visible sign is the vast Sysendam which is easily spotted from the Hardangervidda road. [12190] |
;;; omraader/hardangervidda/rute.en.html [12210] |Hardangervidda - Routes [12220] |
[12230] |Getting there [12240] |
[12250] |The easiest way to get to Hardangervidda by public transport is by far using the Oslo-Bergen railway. [12260] |Depending on what kind of tour you want, you can get off at Ustaoset, Haugastøl, Finse or Hallingskeid. [12270] |The three first stations has at least three trains a day, while only one train stop at Hallingskeid. [12280] |If you go by train, an option is to combine the trip with a train tour from Myrdal to Flåm, a masterpiece of a railway, descending a wild valley down to the fjord. [12290] |This tour can be combined with a boat tour on the Sognefjord. [12310] |In the summer there are bus-services at least twice a day from Geilo to Eidfjord which brings you to other start points such as Fagerheim, Dyranut and Liset. [12320] |Note that this bus stops at the famous waterfall Vøringsfossen between Liset and Eidfjord. [12330] |From the south you can approach Hardangervidda from Haukeliseter, which has regular bus-service (twice a day) from Oslo, Bergen and Haugesund. [12340] |Another option is to approach from the north at Geiteryggen which also has a regular bus-service from Bergen and Oslo. [12350] |The access points along the fjord of Hardangerfjorden are also accessible with public transport from Odda og Eidfjord. [12360] |Note that most people choose to end here, instead of start because of the big altitude-difference. [12370] |
[12380] |With a car the possibilities are endless. [12390] |You can park just about everywhere. [12410] |The road between Liset and Haugastøl is usually closed December - April. [12420] |The road from Haukelisæter to Røldal usually has "kolonnekjøring" during bad weather-conditions in winter. [12430] |This may lead to long delays. [12440] |Check the forecast before you go. [12450] |The same applies to the road Aurland - Hol, though the conditions is normally not so tough here. [12460] |
[12470] |Routes [12480] |
[12490] |Hiking [12510] |Many nice hiking-trips can be done in the Hardangervidda area. [12520] |Most will choose to hike between lodges, but this a not a necessity. [12530] |The eastern part of Hardangervidda will give easy hikes in flat terrain with great view. [12540] |Many choose to start in the north or west from the road or railway and go south and east. [12550] |This to ensure falling terrain and sun in the face! [12560] |Those who want a bit more interesting terrain can safely choose the western part of Hardangervidda. [12570] |Here you will find a more diverse terrain. [12580] |A good option might be to start at Dyranut or Halne and go west to Hadlaskard or Litlos. [12590] |
[12610] |Here you will find everything for the most untouched by people; no paths, no lodges. [12620] |Bring your camping gear, maps and knowledge! [12630] |
[12640] |Most will find the trips up the valleys from the fjord a bit tough, but the hike the other way is recommended. [12650] |The hike from Stavali to Kinsarvik is beautiful! [12660] |So are the hikes from Tyssevassbu to Espe or Tyssedal. [12670] |On these hikes you will go down a valley from the open mountain to the fjord and see all the differences on the way, in terrain, vegetation and wildlife. [12680] |Not to mention all the waterfalls! [12690] |
[12710] |Especially on the west-side, you will have great views over blue ice-falls falling down the valleys from the icecap towards the fjords. [12720] |
[12730] |Skiing [12740] |
[12750] |Hardangervidda is a great place to ski, but the conditions can be tough early in the winter. [12760] |Many routes are usually marked in March, especially around Finse, which is a very popular place wintertime. [12770] |Check out the routes with DNT. [12780] |It's also perfectly possible to go on your own, but you should know what you're doing. [12790] |Some areas, particularly on the western part of Vidda have a lot of avalanches. [12810] |If you come in easter, it could be smart to avoid this route. [12820] |
[12830] |It's usually possible to ski on Hardangervidda from December to May. [12840] |Skiing trips in the west in late May or early June can be very nice! [12850] |
[12860] |Glacier Tours [12870] |
[12880] |Glacier hiking is mostly done on Blåisen on the north of Hardangerjøkulen and on Rembesdalskåkji on the west. [12890] |There are organized day-trips on Blåisen from Finse. [12910] |
[12920] |Cycling [12930] |
[12940] |The Alpha prime-number 1 mountain-bike route in Norway is on the old road by the railway from Haugastøl pass Finse and Hallingskeid to Myrdal and down to Flåm by the Sognefjord. [12950] |This is a very nice trip but is best done in July-September because of the amounts of snow west of Finse. [12960] |The trip will take about 3 days. [12970] |A problem is that this trip has become so popular the last years that it might be troublesome to get a place to stay, at least at Finse. [12980] |Maybe you should bring your tent? [12990] |
[13010] |This will bring you from high mountain to fjord, and down the famous Måbødalen. [13020] |You will have a great trip down the old road, while all the cars pass by in tunnels ... [13030] |
[13040] |Suggestion [13050] |
[13060] |Intermediate [13070] |
[13080] |A great route if you want to see the diversity of Hardangervidda and Norway in general: [13090] |Start at Dyranut and go to Bjoreidalen, Sandhaug, Hadlaskard, Stavali and Kinsarvik, from where you can take a bus back to Dyranut or elsewhere. [13110] |This is a summer hike. [13120] |
[13130] |Advanced [13140] |
[13150] |This is a great ski-trip I did in May 1993. [13160] |As we lived in Bergen then, we took the train to Finse a Friday night. [13170] |The morning after we went up to the top of Hardangerjøkulen. [13180] |From there we made our own way down by Luranuten and down to Rembesdalseter. [13190] |The next day we followed the edge of the fall down to the Sima-fjord on the north side. [13210] |The contrast from the skiing down the hillside to the summer in the valley made this a very memorable weekend. [13220] |
[13230] |Links about Hardangervidda [13240] |
[13250] |Tours on Hardangervidda [13260] |
[13270] |Lodges on Hardangervidda ;;; omraader/heiene/index.en.html [13280] |Heiene [13290] |
[13310] |
[13320] |"Heiene" is a common name on the areas Ryfylkeheiene, Frafjordheiene, Setesdalsheiene and Austheiene. [13330] |These areas together constitute a great mountain area in southwestern Norway, with great diversity and lots of things to see. [13340] |
[13350] |Terrain [13360] |
[13370] |The southern coast of Norway has a forested terrain with small narrow valleys and short fjords. [13380] |Almost at the southernmost point, near Kristiansand, the valley of Setesdalen ends. [13390] |Setesdalen is very very long valley, descending from as north as Hardangervidda, down to the coast. [13410] |
[13420] |Austheiene, on the eastern side of Setesdalen are relaxed, with only the northern part higher than the forest line. [13430] |On the western side of Setesdalen you will find Setesdalsheiene and Ryfylkeheiene, a terrain far more mountainous than Austheiene. [13440] |The central area has large lakes and many small mountains and hills. [13450] |Most of the area lies at an altitude between 1000 and 1400 meters, not a very high altitude, but well over the forest line. [13460] |Further west, the fjords come in, and as elsewhere in western Norway, the terrain falls abruptly into the narrow fjords. [13470] |
[13480] |South of Lysefjorden, the mountains are called Frafjordheiene. [13490] |The terrain here is dominated by steep valleys with morains and waterfalls. [13510] |Further north, in the areas between the fjords of Ryfylke, you will find similar terrain, but more wild, and without lodges. [13520] |
[13530] |Along Lysefjorden itself you will find the mountains very steep. [13540] |The tourist site of Prekestolen (the Pulpit Rock) ends in a vertical drop of 600 meters straight into the sea. [13550] |Further in the fjord, you will find less visited Kjerag, with a vertical drop of 1000 meters. [13560] |
[13570] |This rock at Kjerag is hovering 1000 meters above the Lysefjord! [13580] |(Picture: Erlend Bjørge) [13590] |
[13610] |
[13620] |Heiene is far south and west, and is very vulnerable for the wet winds from the North Sea and Kattegat. [13630] |This means that Heiene, especially the part west of Setesdalen get fair amounts of rain. [13640] |Many have gotten to try their skills in orienteering here during conditions of dense fog and snow. [13650] |The terrain consisting of many small mountains and hills does certainly not help! [13660] |
[13670] |Legal status [13680] |
[13690] |As other mountain areas in west - Norway, Heiene was very attractive for its hydropower potential. [13710] |Today, many of the lakes in Heiene has been regulated. [13720] |The largest, Blåsjø, is the largest water-magazine in Norway. [13730] |The power station in Lysebotn is the highest power producer in Norway. [13740] |
[13750] |Despite the hydropower production, Heiene remains an attractive area for touring. [13760] |It's a huge area, and most of it is untouched. [13770] |There are few dams, and the large lakes does not seem unnatural when you approach them. [13780] |
[13790] |Routes in Heiene ;;; omraader/heiene/rute.en.html [13810] |
[13820] |Getting there [13830] |
[13840] |Approaching Heiene with public transport is a matter of taking the bus up Setesdalen from Kristiansand. [13850] |This bus leaves Kristiansand about twice a day, depending on the season. [13860] |You can get off at Valle, Bykle or Hovden. [13870] |The easiest way to get to Kristiansand is to take the train from Oslo or Stavanger. [13880] |Another option with public transport is to go with catamaran from Stavanger to Lysebotn. [13890] |This boat will bring you in the spectacular fjord of Lysefjorden, with some of the highest mountain-walls in Norway, including Prekestolen (600 m) and Kjerag (1000 m). [13910] |If you want to access Heiene from the north, you can get to Haukeliseter by bus from Oslo, Bergen and Haugesund twice a day. [13920] |
[13930] |If you have your own transport you can also start from Setesdalen, but now you also have the more interesting option to start from the west. [13940] |Kvildal, Funningsland and Nes, all in Ryfylke gives good access to a very exiting terrain. [13950] |Another possibility is to start from Frafjord. [13960] |This will bring you up to the beautiful waterfall of Månafossen not far from the parking place. [13970] |
[13980] |This route map shows only the central Setesdalsheiene. [13990] |
[14010] |
[14020] |Hiking and Skiing [14030] |
[14040] |The area of Heiene is so great that it's impossible to mention all the possible routes. [14050] |The greatest area is the central area of Setesdalsheiene, between Setesdalen and the fjords of Ryfylke. [14060] |The terrain here is mostly hilly with an altitude at approximately 1000 meters. [14070] |You will find that this area gives easy hikes, and yet more varied terrain than yuo will find on eastern Hardangervidda for instance. [14080] |There are many lodges, so you don't have to carry everything on your back. [14090] |A great area for beginners. [14110] |The terrain also makes it difficult to find the way in winter. [14120] |Only a few slopes are marked in winter here. [14130] |
[14140] |In the south, Frafjordheiene presents a more difficult terrain. [14150] |The valleys are steeper, and so are the mountains. [14160] |You should be well fit for hiking in Frafjordheiene, and skiing is only for the experienced. [14170] |But both will give you a range of possibilities. [14180] |The valley of Månadalen with the waterfall of Månafossen is beautiful. [14190] |Not to mention the ascent of the wild Kjerag with the 1000 meter drop to the fjord, which is absolutely stunning. [14210] |From Fløyrli, a pipeline is ascending the mountains. [14220] |Next to the pipeline is a staircase. [14230] |The stairs go from sea level and up to 750 meters and is Norway's longest, with over 4000 stairs! [14240] |Certainly an alternative to the path! [14250] |
[14260] |Austheiene, east of Setesdalen presents easy forested terrain. [14270] |A nice relaxed area, both for skiing and hiking. [14280] |Ski areas can be found in Heiene, in Sirdal and in Hovden in Setesdalen. [14290] |
[14310] |
[14320] |The enormous walls at Lysefjorden has not previously been well known as climbing-areas, but are getting at it now. [14330] |The area has many walls of 500 - 1000 meters height, as well as many local crags. [14340] |And it's great climbing directly up from the fjord! [14350] |Climbers should (literally) look out for base-jumpers, as basejumping has become extremely popular at Kjerag. [14360] |
[14370] |Information about the climbs is available in Stavanger. [14380] |
[14390] |Links about Heiene [14410] |Tours in Heiene [14420] |
[14430] |Lodges in Heiene ;;; omraader/helgeland/index.en.html [14440] |Helgeland [14450] |
[14460] |Introduction [14470] |
[14480] |For the northbound, Helgeland marks the start of Northern - Norway, and what a start! [14490] |The contrast from the relaxed forests and farmlands of Trøndelag is great, especially for those coming along the coast. [14510] |These same shapes lie behind many folkloric stories about how the mountains came there. [14520] |Although such stories should not be taken too seriously, they give an understanding of ancient Norwegian's respect for nature. [14530] |
[14540] |De syv søstre (The Seven Sisters) near Sandnessjøen. [14550] |
[14560] |Terrain [14570] |
[14580] |The coast of Helgeland is scattered with many mountains of different forms, from South to North. [14590] |Of the most famous are De Syv Søstre, seven peaks rising from a mountain plateau just by the sea not far from Sandnessjøen. [14610] |In the middle of Torghatten is a giant hole, 35 meters high and 15 meters wide - straight through the mountain! [14620] |According to the folklore, the hole was made by a giant arrow shot by Hestmannen (the Horse Man) - another great mountain on Helgeland's coast. [14630] |
[14640] |In Helgeland's inland you will find long forested valleys as well as more mountains. [14650] |The wildest and highest of these can be found in the inner area, between the valleys of Hattfjelldal and Rana. [14660] |The peaks of Okstindane, rising from the glacier Okstindbreen are with over 1900 meters the highest mountains in Northern Norway, reaching about 100 meters above the highest peaks in Troms. [14670] |
[14680] |Legal status [14690] |
[14710] |
[14720] |The uninhabited valley of Lomsdalen, between the Vefsn valley and the coast is proposed as a national park, after the river in the valley was protected from hydropower-exploitation in 1993. [14730] |A national park here will be unique in Norway as it protects a hole valley from mountain to fjord, without any technical installations. [14740] |
[14750] |Routes in Helgeland ;;; omraader/helgeland/rute.en.html [14760] |Helgeland - Routes [14770] |
[14780] |Getting there [14790] |
[14810] |Widerøe has regular flights from Bodø and Trondheim to Brønnøsund, Sandnessjøen, Mosjøen and Mo i Rana. [14820] |These places are also accessible with coastal steamer (Brønnøysund and Sandnessjøen), train (Mosjøen and Mo i Rana) and bus. [14830] |(Brønnøysund has bus connections with Grong and Mosjøen, Sandnessjøen with Mo i Rana and Mosjøen.) [14840] |Access to the different starting points for mountain trips is difficult with public transport. [14850] |
[14860] |Those who have their own transport have unlimited possibilities in the area. [14870] |If you want to explore Helgeland instead of just passing by, it's advisable to drive the outer road instead of the inner, heavily trafficked E 6. The outer road has many sights to offer, from the famous Torghatten at Brønnøysund to the deep Fjords and high mountains around Sandnessjøen. [14880] |
[14890] |Dønnamannen. [14910] |Routes [14920] |
[14930] |Hiking [14940] |
[14950] |You have different options when hiking in Helgeland. [14960] |Many will be satisfied by daytrips to some of the many mountains in the coastal region. [14970] |These mountains are almost always accessible on a daytrip from the nearest road, or at least from the nearest landing point. [14980] |A special mountain that you probably want to see is Torghatten - the mountain with the hole. [14990] |The walk up to the hole is an easy 20 - 30 min walk on a good path. [15010] |
[15020] |For longer hiking trips, it depends on your needs. [15030] |The Okstindane area has a number of lodges. [15040] |Here you can do longer hikes, but you'll need to bring your glacier-gear if you want to cross the glacier. [15050] |Otherwise you are limited to the area south or north of the glacier. [15060] |For those who can bring their own gear, Lomsdalen and the surrounding areas should be a nice area for exploring Norwegian nature. [15070] |It's just as beautiful even if it's not a national-park yet. [15080] |
[15090] |Skiing [15110] |Most of the inner areas of Helgeland should be well suited for skiing in winter. [15120] |In the inner areas, the snow conditions are stable, and the terrain is relatively relaxed. [15130] |It is not common to use special glacier equipment on Oksbreen in late winter. [15140] |The outer areas of Helgeland are not so suited for skiing. [15150] |The mountains can be steep, and the snow-conditions can be varying. [15160] |But if you check out the conditions, you may well do nice ski-trips here as well. [15170] |
[15180] |Cycling [15190] |
[15210] |You will see the great diversity of the Norwegian coast in 4 - 5 days. [15220] |Have Fun! [15230] |
[15240] |Links about Helgeland [15250] |
[15260] |Tours in Helgeland [15270] |
[15280] |Lodges in Helgeland ;;; omraader/jotunheimen/index.en.html [15290] |Jotunheimen [15310] |Introduction [15320] |
[15330] |"Jotun" means giant, and that is exactly what Jotunheimen is - home of the giants. [15340] |In ancient Norse mythology the gods lived in Åsgard, the humans in Midgard, and the bad giants - in Jotunheimen. [15350] |This analogy doesn't seem strange when walking in Jotunheimen today. [15360] |If the giants of the viking age had the dimensions of the mountains in Jotunheimen one would surely be afraid of them! [15370] |
[15380] |The place Jotunheimen had in the Norse mythology has in newer Norwegian history been replaced with the typical National Romantic view. [15390] |"Explorers", many of which foreigners, set out in the 1800's to discover the highest mountains of Norway. [15410] |The visitors wrote stories from these journeys and such contributed to the national-romantic wave in Norway in the late 1800's leading to Norways independence from Sweden in 1905. [15420] |
[15430] |All this means that Jotunheimen has a special place in Norwegians hearts. [15440] |For many in east-Norway, Jotunheimen is the Mountains. [15450] |And for most Norwegians Jotunheimen is the great symbol of mountain-holidays, although you can find beautiful mountains elsewhere. [15460] |The last years also many foreigners has begun to learn the secrets of Jotunheimen. [15470] |The secrets of sharp peaks, deep valleys, glaciers ... [15480] |
[15490] |Terrain [15510] |As mentioned, Jotunheimen is the land of the giants. [15520] |Most of the terrain in Jotunheimen is shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago. [15530] |This means that most of the terrain consist of valleys where the elevation is between 800 - 1400 meters, steep hillsides and peaks where the elevation is 2000 - 2500 meters above sea level. [15540] |All the highest peaks in Norway are in Jotunheimen. [15550] |The highest is Galdhøpiggen at 2469 meters. [15560] |When you are at Galdhøpiggens summit, you are at the highest point north of the Tatras and west of Ural. [15570] |Glittertind, not far from Galdhøpiggen is 2452 meters, and the second highest mountain in Norway. [15580] |Some people still incorrectly believe that Glittertind is the highest, as a measurement in the 60s showed 2472 meters on Glittertind. [15590] |Later measurements has proved this incorrect. [15610] |Galhøpiggen, seen from the west [15620] |
[15630] |But Jotunheimen has more than the two highest peaks. [15640] |In fact most of the more than 250 peaks in Norway above 2000 meters are in Jotunheimen. [15650] |Glaciers lie under the summits of the mountains, and the grey/green colored streams that escapes them fill up green-colored lakes and rivers in the bottom of the valley, 1000 meters under the peaks. [15660] |
[15670] |Jotunheimen is situated in the centre of South-Norway. [15680] |In the north and south are other mountain areas. [15690] |In the east, the furthest arms of the valleys of east - Norway reach up, and in the west the steep mountains fall directly into the Sognefjord. [15710] |There are traces from the difference in climate. [15720] |The west has more snow, and the glaciers are thus bigger. [15730] |Though Smørstabbreen, Jotunheimens biggest glacier is vast, it's only a snowflake compared to it's bigger neighbour in the west; Jostedalsbreen. [15740] |But the mountains are also steeper in the west. [15750] |The range of Hurrungane, the westernmost part of Jotunheimen, is steep enough to attract climbers. [15760] |While the climbers probably have fun, most others will be satisfied by just looking at them. [15770] |
[15780] |Wildlife [15790] |
[15810] |The reindeer is present, although not in amounts as elsewhere, the reason for this being the difficult terrain. [15820] |But the historical presence of reindeer and reindeer-hunters can easily be seen just by looking at the map. [15830] |Jotunheimen is full of reindeer-related names. [15840] |Dyra- (Deer), Simle- (Female deer) and Bukk- (Male deer) are prefixes your will often find on the map. [15850] |Other animals present are rabbit, red fox, arctic fox, lynx, wolverine and various smaller animals (mouses, weasels, lemmings) as well as different kinds of birds (including everything from small sparrows via seagulls and ravens to eagles). [15860] |
[15870] |Legal status [15880] |
[15890] |DNT proposed a national park in Jotunheimen already in the fifties but for some reason the national park delayed until 1980. [15910] |There was not so much debate over Jotunheimen as a national park as other areas as Jotunheimen for the most have small economical value. [15920] |Today's environmental problems in Jotunheimen mainly come with tourism. [15930] |
[15940] |Routes in Jotunheimen ;;; omraader/jotunheimen/rute.en.html [15950] |Jotunheimen - Routes [15960] |
[15970] |Getting there [15980] |
[15990] |The easiest way to get to Jotunheimen with public transport is to use one of the regular buses from Oslo to Gjendesheim that are put up in the seasons by the Norwegian Mountain Touring Assosiation (DNT). [16010] |Ask at the DNT office in Oslo. [16020] |Alternatively, you can go with train to Otta, from where buses cross the Sognefjell mountain road summertime. [16030] |Good starting points by this road are Krossbu and Turtagrø. [16040] |Other than this it's difficult to get to Jotunheimen with public transport. [16050] |But in summer season there are so many people going to Gjendesheim, Spiterstulen and Eidsbugarden that hitching should be no problem. [16060] |
[16070] |In Jotunheimen as many other Norwegian mountain-areas, you are much more free with a car. [16080] |Remember that Jotunheimen is a very popular area and that parking often is limited. [16090] |The roads to Spiterstulen, Juvasshytta and Leirvassbu are open for normal traffic, but it will cost you 50-100 NOK fee. [16110] |The road to Glitterheim exceeds the national park, so it's closed the year round. [16120] |The road to Eidsbugarden on the south side of Jotunheimen is free but is closed in winter. [16130] |Anyway, in the winter there is operated a weasel-route on this road. [16140] |The road from Turtagrø to Øvre Årdal doesn't really take you to good starting points unless you're going to climb, but it's a spectacular road to drive, and can be a smart shortcut. [16150] |This road is private, has a 60 NOK fee and is closed September - May. [16160] |Some of the public roads in the area are also closed in the winter. [16170] |This goes for Valdresflya between Gjendesheim and Bygdin which is closed November - April and Sognefjell between Bøvertun and Turtagrø which is closed September - May. [16180] |The other roads are usually kept open, but might be closed during bad weather. [16190] |Check with road-authorities if you come in winter! [16210] |Routes [16220] |
[16230] |Hiking [16240] |
[16250] |Jotunheimen is very well known among Norwegians for it's natural beauty and the hiking routes in Jotunheimen are considered classics for mountaineering in Norway. [16260] |This especially goes for the day-hike from Gjendesheim to Memurubu over Besseggen. [16270] |This route was described by Ibsen in his "Peer Gynt" which partially explains it's popularity. [16280] |Anyway it's a nice hike, following a sharp ridge with the green lake Gjende on one side and the clear blue Bessvatn on the other. [16290] |But in my opinion this hike is normally too crowded. [16310] |
[16320] |The other most famous "classics" are the hikes to the mountains of Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind. [16330] |Galdhøpiggen can be approached from Juvasshytta or Spiterstulen. [16340] |The elevation-difference is highest from Spiterstulen but this is a much nicer trip with less people and more views. [16350] |And the best is you don't have to pay the glacier-guide to get you across Styggebreen! [16360] |Glittertind is more remote than Galdhøpiggen and is much less visited. [16370] |It's worth the trip though, especially in winter, when the 1300 meter high hillside down to Glitterheim is the best ski-slope you can find! [16380] |
[16390] |Generally Jotunheimen consists of high mountains and valleys, with a normal difference of 800-1400 metres between the highest peaks and the bottom of the valleys. [16410] |You should take this into account when making your plans. [16420] |To climb one or several of Jotunheimens peaks is very rewarding. [16430] |You get a beautiful view, and the hike up is totally different from the hike in the valley. [16440] |But this means that you have to plan for this, it is normally tough to both go to the next lodge and on a peak on the same day. [16450] |All of the lodges in Jotunheimen have peaks nearby that give breathtaking views. [16460] |
[16470] |Hiking in Jotunheimen is generally best to do July - September. [16480] |At other times of year there might be too much snow. [16490] |
[16510] |
[16520] |Skiing is Jotunheimen is also popular, although not nearly as popular as hiking. [16530] |It seems everyone come in the easter, and that's it. [16540] |Usually routes are marked and lodges opened sometime in March, and they stay open till the end of April, some places sometime in May. [16550] |Many of the staffed lodges in Jotunheimen have selv-service huts that can be used when the lodge is closed. [16560] |
[16570] |Although Jotunheimen is one of the most beautiful places in Norway to ski-tour it can also be dangerous. [16580] |Because the terrain is very steep many places, many of the summer-routes can not be used because of the risk for avalanche. [16590] |You should be experienced if you go by yourself in Jotunheimen wintertime, especially when going to peaks. [16610] |Of the more famous routes, Glittertind is already mentioned. [16620] |Be aware that the west side often has much less snow than the east side, which means the east side is best to ski down. [16630] |You will generally find that the western parts of Jotunheimen have much more snow than the eastern parts, but then again: [16640] |The east often has better weather! [16650] |
[16660] |The western parts of Jotunheimen has snow till late June. [16670] |Ski-tours in Hurrungane (from Turtagrø) og Smørstabbreen (from Krossbu) are beautiful in May or June! [16680] |
[16690] |Glacier-Tours [16710] |Jotunheimen has quite a lot of small glaciers, ranging from flat glaciers to more steep icefalls. [16720] |There should be something for any taste here, except for those thinking of long steep icefalls who probably want to go to Jostedalsbreen instead. [16730] |Day trips with guide are arranged on Smørstabbreen from Krossbu, on Svellnosbreen from Spiterstulen and on Glitterheim. [16740] |DNT has week-long glacier-courses at Krossbu and Glitterheim. [16750] |
[16760] |Some of the marked hiking-paths involve crossing glaciers. [16770] |There are normally daily guidings on these, check when you arrive the lodge the previous day. [16780] |These crossings include: Leirvassbu-Krossbu (crossing Smørstabbreen), Juvasshytta-Galdhøpiggen (crossing Styggebreen) and Spiterstulen-Glitterheim over Glittertind. [16790] |Never walk on glaciers without a guide or proper equipment. [16810] |
[16820] |Climbing [16830] |
[16840] |Jotunheimen has a lot to offer climbers. [16850] |Hurrungane, the area south of Turtagrø is a great climbing area, with a lot of alpine peaks including Store Skagatstølstind (2405) which is the third highest mountain in Norway. [16860] |The area has everything from easy alpine routes to serious routes of 15 ropelengths and more. [16870] |But Hurrungane has a unstable climate. [16880] |Remember that you're not in southern France! [16890] |
[16910] |
[16920] |Suggestion [16930] |
[16940] |Easy [16950] |
[16960] |Speaking of easy trips in Jotunheimen feels strange, but this one is at least not too tough: Gjendesheim - Memurubu - Gjendebu - Leirvassbu - Spiterstulen - Glitterheim - Gjendesheim. [16970] |6 days. [16980] |
[16990] |Intermediate [17010] |For people with some experience and good shape I would suggest the following: [17020] |Start at Gjendesheim. [17030] |Follow this route. [17040] |Gjendesheim - Glitterheim - Glittertind - Spiterstulen - Olavsbu. [17050] |This last day was long so you stay a day at Olavsbu and go to the marvellous peak Mjølkedalstind. [17060] |(If you are afraid of heights, you should maybe take the day off at Spiterstulen and take the daytrip to Galdøpiggen instead.) [17070] |From Olavsbu you continue to Skogadalsbøen and then to Eidsbugarden. [17080] |Here you can get transport to Tyin and further to Fagernes where it should be possible to get back to Gjendesheim. [17090] |All this should take about a week. [17110] |Advanced [17120] |
[17130] |Those with experience and good shape have thousands of possibilities in Jotunheimen. [17140] |DNT arranges a "summit-ski-tour" each winter. [17150] |The route goes like this: [17160] |Gjendesheim. [17170] |Day trip to Rasletind, Gjendesheim-Glitterheim over Nautgardstind, Day trip to summit at Glitterheim, Glitterheim-Spiterstulen over Glittertind, Spiterstulen-Gjendebu over the Hellstugubreen-glacier and finally Gjendebu-Eidsbugarden with a pop-off to the summit Galdeberg. [17180] |Have a nice trip! [17190] |
[17210] |
[17220] |Tours in Jotunheimen [17230] |
[17240] |Lodges in Jotunheimen ;;; omraader/lofoten/index.en.html [17250] |Lofoten [17260] |
[17270] |Introduction [17280] |
[17290] |Lofoten is a very special area of Norway. [17310] |And the islands are mountainous. [17320] |Sharp peaks rise directly from the sea towards the sky. [17330] |
[17340] |Lofoten is the land of the fisheries. [17350] |Fishing is far the greatest industry in the area, although tourism is growing as more people come to see this great land. [17360] |Every spring, fishers from all over Norway gather at Lofotfisket, as great amounts of cod pass the area at this time. [17370] |Experiencing Lofotfisket is a great adventure! [17380] |
[17390] |Winter at Sakrisøy near Reine. [17410] |Terrain [17420] |
[17430] |Lofoten is a row of very mountainous islands. [17440] |At most places, only the small strip of land between the sea and the mountain is inhabitable. [17450] |The inland of the islands are scorned with many sharp peaks, at altitudes between 500 and 1000 meters. [17460] |Due to rough climate, there are few trees on the islands. [17470] |Those there are, grow in valleys and in the lowland at protected places. [17480] |The mountains at the outer islands are not as high as those further in. [17490] |The outermost islands, Verøy and Røst, far out in the Norwegian Sea, do not have mountains of particular size. [17510] |Between the islands are sounds, often with strong currents. [17520] |Fishing can be excellent, but many places it's not advisable to leave land in smaller boats. [17530] |Fishing from land is always an option. [17540] |
[17550] |Climate [17560] |
[17570] |Lofoten is in the middle of an ocean and has a very rough climate. [17580] |Strong wind, high waves and fog is typical. [17590] |The summers are cold, and the winters relatively mild, when compared to the inner mountains at the same latitude. [17610] |This is due to relatively low mountains. [17620] |Most of the clouds just "pass-by". [17630] |
[17640] |Legal status [17650] |
[17660] |Most of the coast on the islands is inhabited, while the inland is too mountainous. [17670] |Therefore it has not been necessary with protection up to date. [17680] |A national-park has been proposed at the area between Indrefjord and Øksfjord. [17690] |These plans has been endangered by plans of building a road connection without ferries to Lofoten. [17710] |But the road will spoil one of the last fjord - mountain landscapes in Norway without any kind of installation. [17720] |It's again the classical conflict between local economical interests and saving nature. [17730] |
[17740] |Routes in Lofoten ;;; omraader/lofoten/rute.en.html [17750] |Lofoten - Routes [17760] |
[17770] |Getting there [17780] |
[17790] |Public transport to Lofoten is bus from Narvik and Harstad to Svolvær and Stamsund, and various boats from Bodø to Røst, Værøy, Reine and Stamsund. [17810] |Hitching is popular. [17820] |
[17830] |It's perfectly possible to go with your own car, although everything goes slow because of narrow roads and many ferries. [17840] |(But you have plenty of time, don't you?) [17850] |Cycling is a popular option because of short distances, narrow roads and all the sights. [17860] |
[17870] |The jump between the horns of Svolværgeita [17880] |
[17890] |Routes [17910] |Hiking [17920] |
[17930] |Most of the hiking possibilities in Lofoten are daytrips to summits in the area. [17940] |Most of the many mountains can be reached on foot. [17950] |On clear days you will have marvellous views to the Sea and the many other mountains in the area. [17960] |
[17970] |Although there are no mountain lodges in the area, there is a lot of accomodation available in villages, which should suffice for the daytripper. [17980] |
[17990] |Skiing [18010] |Skiing in Lofoten is limited. [18020] |You will probably only find enough snow in February - March, and the steep terrain will result in large risk for avalanche. [18030] |Check out the conditions carefully before you go skiing in Lofoten [18040] |
[18050] |Climbing [18060] |
[18070] |Lofoten has many opportunities for the climber. [18080] |Some peaks require climbing, most do not. [18090] |But there are many possible routes on mountains that do not require climbing to reach the summit. [18110] |
[18120] |The most known goal for climbers in Lofoten is undoubtedly Svolværgeita (The Svolvær-goat), a pinnacle on the mountainside above Svolvær. [18130] |The climb is only one ropelength. [18140] |The summit of the pinnacle has two "horns", 2 meters apart with a deep crack between them. [18150] |The jump between the horns is known as a great test of your courage! [18160] |
[18170] |Cycling [18180] |
[18190] |Touring on Bicycle is very popular in Lofoten. [18210] |This trip should take about 3 days. [18220] |It's a real experience to go on bicycle in this terrain! [18230] |
[18240] |Links about Lofoten [18250] |
[18260] |Tours in Lofoten [18270] |
[18280] |Lodges in Lofoten ;;; omraader/reinheimen/index.en.html [18290] |Reinheimen [18310] |Introduction [18320] |
[18330] |"Reinheimen" is a newly invented word. [18340] |The purpose is to get a common name of this large mountain area, previously known as Tafjordfjella, Romsdalsfjella and Jettaområdet. [18350] |The area spans from the balanced mountains and valleys of East-Norway, to deep valleys and wild peaks in the area between Romsdalen and Tafjord. [18360] |
[18370] |Karitind in the horizon [18380] |
[18390] |Terrain [18410] |The area Reinheimen is defined as the area southwest of Gudbrandsdalen and Romsdalen, north of Ottadalen and east of the fjords. [18420] |This area has a great variation of terrain. [18430] |In the east, the mountains are low and round, very much like a lower brother of Rondane, which is further east. [18440] |These round mountains continue further northwest, but gets more peaky as they meet the steep valleys coming in from the west. [18450] |In this area are the highest mountains of the area; Karitind (1982) and Pyttegga (1999). [18460] |Both rise as towers from the eastern terrain of valleys and round mountains. [18470] |It is said about Pyttegga that mountain climber Kristoffer Randers built a large varde (lumb of rock) on its summit and then came back claiming that Møre og Romsdal county had gotten its first 2000-meter peak! [18480] |
[18490] |The terrain west of Pyttegga is dominated by deep valleys with sharp ridges in between. [18510] |The lodges in these valleys present nice start points for long summit-trips in the area as well as shorter walks within the valleys. [18520] |
[18530] |To the north from Pyttegga the terrains gets even wilder. [18540] |At its northern part, the extremely wild peaks of Trolltindene reach heights of 1700 meters. [18550] |From their summits, the enormous vertical wall of Trollveggen falls directly down to the valley of Romsdalen at 200 meters. [18560] |Trollveggen (the Troll Wall) is the highest vertical rockface in Northern Europe and has challenged climbers for decades. [18570] |In the eighties, basejumping with parachute was banned at this site after a number of accidents with very expensive rescue operations. [18580] |But Trollveggen still is a very attractive site for climbers and tourists. [18590] |
[18610] |
[18620] |The name "Reinheimen" obviously gives a hint about the presence of reindeer in the area. [18630] |Otherwise you will find rabbit, red fox, arctic fox, lynx and various smaller animals (mouses, weasels, lemmings) as well as different kinds of birds (including everything from small sparrows via seagulls and ravens to eagles). [18640] |
[18650] |Legal status [18660] |
[18670] |The name Reinheimen came with the proposal of the area as a national park. [18680] |The national park will probably contain the central areas southeast of Pyttegga and Karitind. [18690] |The area west of this is touched by the hydropower project in Tafjord, visible by the dam of Sakrisvatnet by the path from Reindalsseter to Tafjord. [18710] |
[18720] |Reinheimen will become one of the biggest national parks in Norway. [18730] |
[18740] |Routes in Reinheimen ;;; omraader/reinheimen/rute.en.html [18750] |Reinheimen - Routes [18760] |
[18770] |Getting there [18780] |
[18790] |With public transport, you can get to Billingen, Nysæter and Grotli on the Strynefjellet road with bus from Oslo and Otta. [18810] |
[18820] |The options are pretty much the same with car, except you can drive up to Brøste and park there. [18830] |It also possible to park by Sakrisvatnet, not far from Reindalseter, by Kaldhusseter and by Herdalsseter [18840] |
[18850] |Routes in northwestern Reinheimen [18860] |
[18870] |Routes [18880] |
[18890] |Hiking [18910] |Hiking between lodges in Reinheimen is limited to the westernmost part. [18920] |But the round mountains of the eastern part should present easy terrain for bringing your own camping-equipment and food. [18930] |Good starting points for a tour between lodges in Reinheimen are Billingen, Tafjord and Brøste in Romsdalen. [18940] |The terrain here is relatively steep, but the lodges are not so far apart, so the daytrips are possible for everyone. [18950] |Most of the summits in the area are accessible on foot, but with such high altitude-difference from lodge to summit, the days can be long. [18960] |Nevertheless, the summits are great daytrips from one of the lodges in the area. [18970] |
[18980] |Daytrips from a nearby road is also possible. [18990] |The best of these is perhaps the hike from the Trollstigen road to the top of the Trollveggen (the Troll Wall). [19010] |This is not for the nervous! [19020] |Another option is to drive to the mountain farm of Herdalsseter, and take a trip in the vicinity. [19030] |Herdalsseter still has production of milk and cheese, and you can see how the old mountain farms in Norway were run. [19040] |
[19050] |Skiing [19060] |
[19070] |Due to high risks of avalanche, skiing is more limited in Reinheimen. [19080] |The eastern areas are ok, but here you'll have to bring your own camping-equipment. [19090] |Skiing in the western areas is only for the experienced, but if you are so, you will possibly find it great. [19110] |There are ski lifts at Bjorli in Romsdalen, and summer ski lifts at Strynefjell. [19120] |
[19130] |Climbing [19140] |
[19150] |Needless to say, the Romsdalen area is fantastic for climbers. [19160] |The most famous is of course, the Trollveggen wall, which has 1000 meters of climbing. [19170] |There are also a number of summits in Romsdalen with a number of classical routes. [19180] |Cragareas are also available in Romsdalen. [19190] |Aak Fjellsportsenter in Åndalsnes can give you information about guides, guidebooks and lodging. [19210] |Links about Reinheimen [19220] |
[19230] |Tours in Reinheimen [19240] |
[19250] |Lodges in Reinheimen ;;; omraader/rondane/index.en.html [19260] |Rondane [19270] |
[19280] |Introduction [19290] |
[19310] |The contrasts of the huge round mountains from the flat terrain around has inspired both the local folklore and quite a number of visitors. [19320] |In these mountains were the original hunting grounds of Ibsen's Peer Gynt. [19330] |But he was not the first hunter in Rondane. [19340] |Today it's still possible to explore the hunting graves of reindeer hunters several thousands of years ago. [19350] |Such experiences together with magnificent tours through the wilderness to exposed peaks like Rondslottet will really make you enjoy Rondane! [19360] |
[19370] |Terrain [19380] |
[19390] |Most of Rondane is a high mountain-plateau at about 1000 - 1500 metres above sea level. [19410] |The mountains are fairly round, and do not have very sharp peaks as you would find in Jotunheimen for instance. [19420] |
[19430] |The mountains of central Rondane can be divided in three distinct areas. [19440] |These are divided by the lake Rondvatnet going north-south and the valley Langglupdalen going east-west. [19450] |The area north of Langglupdalen consists of three round peaks, Høgronden, Midtronden and Digerronden. [19460] |These three mountains stand there as giant guards watching the path from Bjørnhollia to Dørålseter. [19470] |The central area, south of Langglupdalen and east of Rondvatnet has the highest and roundest of Rondanes mountains. [19480] |Rondslottet (2178) is the highest, and is accessible on daytrip from lodge Rondvassbu summer and winter. [19490] |Many of the peaks in Smiubelgjin, the area west of Rondvatnet are also accessible from Rondvassbu. [19510] |
[19520] |Rondane in winter coating. [19530] |(Picture by Erik Poppe) [19540] |
[19550] |But Rondane is also a wilderness. [19560] |In the valleys and on the plains you will find plenty of time and space to be alone, just you and the nature. [19570] |Bright rivers, flowers, wildlife ... [19580] |
[19590] |Wildlife [19610] |The wildlife in Rondane does not differ much from the wildlife in other mountain areas in Norway. [19620] |The only "big" animal you will find in the highest mountains is the reindeer. [19630] |But the forests around Rondane are full of moose. [19640] |Other animals present are rabbit, red fox, arctic fox, lynx, wolverine and various smaller animals (mouses, weasels, lemmings) as well as different kinds of birds (including everything from small sparrows via seagulls and ravens to eagles). [19650] |
[19660] |Mountain flower. [19670] |(Picture by Erik Poppe) [19680] |
[19690] |Legal status [19710] |Rondane was declared a national park in 1962, and thus became the first national park in Norway. [19720] |The idea of national parks was born in the United States in the late 1800's, but did not have any relevance in Norway before the 1960's. [19730] |At this time the economical growth in Norway made environmental problems apparent, and a wish to save some areas for the future arouse. [19740] |
[19750] |Due to the national park there are few environmental problems in Rondane today. [19760] |Those that exist are related to conflicts between reindeer and tourism. [19770] |In the late 1980's one of DNT's paths were moved to give better room for the reindeer-herds. [19780] |
[19790] |Routes in Rondane ;;; omraader/rondane/rute.en.html [19810] |
[19820] |Getting there [19830] |
[19840] |If you use public transport your best option is to take the Dovrebanen railway to Hjerkinn. [19850] |From here you can start your hiking, or you can go by bus down Folldal where you can start from Dalholen or Grimsbu. [19860] |If you stay at a hotel at Høvringen your first night, they usually can pick you up at Otta train station. [19870] |This might be a good option. [19880] |
[19890] |Drivers can park at all the possible starting points, but most will park at Høvringen or Mysuseter, which are closest to the central mountains of Rondane. [19910] |
[19920] |Routes [19930] |
[19940] |Hiking [19950] |
[19960] |The fact that the central mountain area in Rondane is concentrated on a fairly small area makes the route decisions in Rondane fairly easy. [19970] |You really should see this central mountain-area, so your route really should cross the triangle between Bjørnhollia, Mysuseter and Dørålseter. [19980] |One of the most popular routes in the area is the route from Dørålseter to Rondvassbu. [19990] |For those going the other way around, it's possible to "cheat" by hitching with the boat that usually crosses the lake Rondvatnet each morning. [20010] |By taking the boat, you can approach the mountain from the north, and avoid using the same path up and down. [20020] |The other routes through the central area, from Dørålseter to Bjørnhollia and from Rondvassbu to Bjørnhollia can also be recommended. [20030] |
[20040] |But the central area of high peaks in Rondane is not all of it. [20050] |The more open terrain in the north is also worth a visit, not least to get a chance to feel the contrast between the peaks and the more open and flat terrain. [20060] |
[20070] |As in Jotunheimen, the routes through the central mountains go in valleys. [20080] |A daytrip to one of the majestic peaks is recommended. [20090] |You will get a total different view of the area! [20110] |Skiing in Rondane. [20120] |(Picture by Erik Poppe) [20130] |
[20140] |Skiing [20150] |
[20160] |Rondane is a very nice area to ski. [20170] |Most of the mountains are fairly round, and thus also possible to reach on skis. [20180] |Another factor is that Rondane usually has better weather than any of the other mountain areas in Norway, due to being east of Jotunheimen and Reinheimen. [20190] |Some years there might me problems with little snow. [20210] |
[20220] |Suggestion [20230] |
[20240] |Intermediate [20250] |
[20260] |Start at Hjerkinn. [20270] |Follow this route: [20280] |Hjerkinn-Grimsdalshytta-Dørålseter-Rondvassbu. [20290] |At Rondvassbu you can stay a day and go to one of the wonderful peaks nearby. [20310] |Here it should be possible to get a bus or hitch to Ringebu from where you can take the train to Hjerkinn or elsewhere. [20320] |This route is possible to hike or ski. [20330] |
[20340] |Links about Rondane [20350] |
[20360] |Tours in Rondane [20370] |
[20380] |Lodges in Rondane ;;; omraader/skarvheimen/index.en.html [20390] |Skarvheimen [20410] |Introduction [20420] |
[20430] |Although "Skarvheimen" is a newly invented word, the area between Hardangervidda and Jotunheimen has been used by mountaineers for many years, and for travel and hunting even longer. [20440] |The lack of a common name has without reason made the area less visited than other mountain areas in central South-Norway. [20450] |So the area should now be more attractive than ever. [20460] |
[20470] |Hallingskarvet [20480] |
[20490] |Terrain [20510] |The name "Skarvheimen" is derived from the many "Skarv"s in the area, the biggest are Hallingskarvet and Reineskarvet. [20520] |A Skarv is a long mountain, very steep on the sides, but relatively flat on the top. [20530] |Hallingskarvet is about 40 km long, and 2-3 km wide. [20540] |It reaches up to 1900 meters altitude, whereas the terrain around is mostly below 1500 meters. [20550] |Reineskarvet further north is also great, although not at the same magnitude. [20560] |
[20570] |But Skarvheimen is not only Skarvs. [20580] |Both from east and west, long valleys cut into the mountain area. [20590] |The eastern valleys are long and fall slowly towards the valleys of inner East-Norway. [20610] |They fall directly down to the fjord arms of the Sognefjord. [20620] |Especially noted is the valley Aurlandsdalen. [20630] |This very wild valley starts as a wide valley in the mountains, but gets narrower and narrower as it descends towards the fjord. [20640] |The path in the last part of this valley, goes in the middle of the mountainside to avoid the wild river. [20650] |
[20660] |Wildlife [20670] |
[20680] |Hardangervidda has the biggest number of wild reindeer in Europe. [20690] |Often the herds of Hardangervidda wander around in the Skarvheimen area. [20710] |Many places you will find herds of sheep. [20720] |The wolverine is present in Skarvheimen and is the only predator except for the fox. [20730] |
[20740] |Legal status [20750] |
[20760] |The Skarvheimen area has a great potential for hydropower because of great number of lakes at a high altitude and steep valleys on the western side. [20770] |Especially the area around Aurland has been exploited in the form of hydropower plants. [20780] |During the construction, many feared that the beauty of Aurlandsdalen itself would be wasted, but this has not happened, although the presence of powerplants in the area can be noticed by the powerlines. [20790] |But many of the other valleys in the area around Aurland has been destroyed by high dams. [20810] |There are currently no plans on regulating Skarvheimen as a national park. [20820] |
[20830] |Routes in Skarvheimen ;;; omraader/skarvheimen/rute.en.html [20840] |Skarvheimen - Routes [20850] |
[20860] |Getting there [20870] |
[20880] |Skarvheimen is easy reached on the Bergen railway to Haugastøl, Finse or Hallingskeid, by daily bus from Bergen or Oslo to Geiterygghytta or Øvstebø, by bus from Gol or Lærdal to Breistølen or Bjøberg, or by daily bus from Oslo to Nystova at the E 16. [20890] |
[20910] |Note that it's not possible to drive to Finse or Hallingskeid, and the road to Iungsdalshytta does not lead all the way to the hut. [20920] |Anyway, there is a small road by the railway from Haugastøl to Finse, Hallingskeid, Myrdal and down to Flåm. [20930] |It is possible to cycle on this road from July - September. [20940] |Most of the road is accessible in June, but there might be big snowpiles between Finse and Hallingskeid where you will have to carry your bicycle. [20950] |
[20960] |Motorists should note that the road Aurland-Lærdal is closed all winter, and that the roads Aurland-Hol and Hemsedal can be closed during bad weather. [20970] |
[20980] |Routes in Skarvheimen [20990] |
[21010] |
[21020] |Hiking [21030] |
[21040] |Skarvheimen is good for hiking. [21050] |The most obvious route is the 5-6 day hike from Breistølen/Bjøberg to Finse, crossing the main areas of Skarvheimen. [21060] |On this trip you will have great views to the Skarvs in the area, with another day or two you will also get the chance to climb one of them. [21070] |Hallingskarvet is easily reached from Raggsteindalen, Haugastøl or Finse. [21080] |The routes from Raggsteindalen to Haugastøl and Finse both go through "openings" in Hallingskarvet, Kyrkjedøri (the church door) and Folarskaret. [21090] |The highest summit of Hallingskarvet is Folarskarnuten, just by the route from Raggsteindalen to Haugastøl through Folarskaret. [21110] |
[21120] |Another very poplar trip is to go down Aurlandsdalen. [21130] |The main valley, from Øvstebø to Vassbygdi is a daytrip, easily accessible for tourists with a car. [21140] |But combining Aurlandsdalen with a longer trip in Skarvheimen is advisable. [21150] |You can start at any of the starting points. [21160] |
[21170] |Other hiking trips than mentioned here is indeed possible. [21180] |If you can bring tent and food, the great area between the roads of E 16 and Aurland-Hold has a lot of possibilities. [21190] |The further west you come, the more wild it gets. [21210] |
[21220] |Skiing [21230] |
[21240] |The skier has pretty much the same options as the hiker, except for the hike down Aurlandsdalen, which is impossible in winter. [21250] |The terrain in central Skarvheimen is varied, and should have opportunities both for the experienced and the newcomers. [21260] |Newcomers should perhaps stay at one lodge, any of the lodges in the area can be used for this. [21270] |
[21280] |As many other areas, the skiing in April and May is good here. [21290] |A nice area for daytrips on skis is the area by the Aurland - Lærdal road after this road has opened in late May. [21310] |
[21320] |In this area, ski lifts can be found in Geilo, Hemsedal, Hol and Finse. [21330] |
[21340] |Cycling [21350] |
[21360] |Cycling the road from Haugastøl to Myrdal/Flåm is described in the Hardangervidda chapter. [21370] |The road to Iungsdalshytta is also a nice road to cycle, although it's a dead-end. [21380] |The other roads in the area can be heavy trafficked, especially in summer. [21390] |
[21410] |
[21420] |Hemsedal has a number of routes on rock, but is most known for the ice-climbs. [21430] |Hemsedal has quite a number of frozen waterfalls each winter, and the possibilities for mixed rock and ice climbing is also good. [21440] |Guidebook is available in Hemsedal. [21450] |
[21460] |Links about Skarvheimen [21470] |
[21480] |Tours in Skarvheimen [21490] |
;;; omraader/stolsheimen/index.en.html [21510] |Stølsheimen [21520] |
[21530] |Introduction [21540] |
[21550] |Stølsheimen is one of many mountain areas in Western-Norway that offer great opportunities to hikers and skiers. [21560] |Although not very high, the mountains'great difference in altitude make the tours in Stølsheimen exciting. [21570] |At the northern and southern end, the mountains area terminates with the long valley sides falling down to the fjords of Hardangerfjorden and Sognefjorden. [21580] |Ski touring is at it best in Stølsheimen. [21590] |The varied terrain is perfect for the intermediate as well as the expert skier, and the possibilities for tours are endless. [21610] |Terrain [21620] |
[21630] |Stølsheimen is more or less a plateau of mountains at the altitude of about 1000 - 1400 meters. [21640] |At all sides deep valleys and fjords cut into this plateau. [21650] |On the west; the mountains fall slowly towards the coast. [21660] |On the northern side, valleys cut in from the fjord of Sognefjorden. [21670] |The southern side is marked by the fjord of Hardangerfjorden. [21680] |The eastern border of Stølsheimen is marked by the narrow fjords of Aurlandsfjorden and Nerøyfjorden. [21690] |But the mountains continue eastwards, Skarvheimen and Hardangervidda. [21710] |Using the word "plateau" when writing about Stølsheimen is perhaps a mistake. [21720] |Stølsheimen is not at all flat like Finnmarksvidda or Eastern Hardangervidda. [21730] |Stølsheimen has many mountains. [21740] |Some steep, some not. [21750] |Their summits are not sharp peaks, but rather round, with the mountainsides getting steeper and steeper before it falls into a lake. [21760] |Lakes - yes - Stølsheimen is full of lakes. [21770] |Between the mountains are a lot of lakes. [21780] |Bright, blue and blinking in the summer and long white fields in the winter. [21790] |
[21810] |
[21820] |Climate in Stølsheimen is like the rest of Western-Norway. [21830] |Due to being very close to the Atlantic, Stølsheimen has relatively mild temperatures, and get enormous amounts of rain and snow. [21840] |The first snow usually falls in October, and it is normally enough for skiing during November. [21850] |Most areas in Stølsheimen has 3-4 meters of snow on flat field in March. [21860] |This means that the snow lasts long. [21870] |Normally it's still possible to ski in early June, the rest melts in July. [21880] |May and June is an ideal time to visit Stølsheimen on skis, as this usually is a good-weather period, and the days are long. [21890] |
[21910] |
[21920] |Stølsheimen has a somewhat special legal status. [21930] |Until this century most of the area was used by mountain-farmers summertime. [21940] |(In Norwegian stølsdrift - thereby the name Stølsheimen) During this period it was never a need for protecting this area. [21950] |After the 50's when moving the herds summertime became to cumbersome for modern farmers, the hydropower - engineers took over. [21960] |Due to the great number of lakes at high altitude, and the high altitude-differences down to the bottoms of the valleys, Stølsheimen was extremely attractive for hydropower. [21970] |
[21980] |Today, many areas in Stølsheimen are touched by hydropower - activity. [21990] |This is evident by signs like dams and power transmission lines. [22010] |The hydropower - engineers has (despite what one should think) succeeded in building environmentally friendly installations. [22020] |
[22030] |Routes in Stølsheimen ;;; omraader/stolsheimen/rute.en.html [22040] |Stølsheimen - Routes [22050] |
[22060] |Getting there [22070] |
[22080] |Stølsheimen is one of the areas most accessible with public transport. [22090] |From Bergen you can take the local train to Voss or Myrdal, and get off anywhere between Vaksdal and Myrdal and have good access to starting points. [22110] |Note that Vikafjellet is closed from December to early April. [22120] |You can also use bus from Bergen to starting points in Hardanger or Kvamskogen, or to the valleys west of Stølsheimen. [22130] |If you want to start from starting points by the Sognefjord, your best option is to use boat on the Sognefjord from Bergen. [22140] |
[22150] |As usual, you have more possibilities with your own transport, but remember: [22160] |You'll have to get back to your car. [22170] |Most roads in the area are open year-round except for the road across Vikafjellet (Vinje - Vik) which is usually closed in winter. [22180] |
[22190] |Routes in central Stølsheimen [22210] |Routes [22220] |
[22230] |I have chose to define Stølsheimen a bit wider than the usual definition. [22240] |The usual definition is only the area between Sognefjorden, Voss, Vikafjellet and Romarheimsdalen. [22250] |We have chosen to include all the area between the fjords of Sognefjorden, Aurlandsfjorden, Hardangerfjorden, Veafjorden and Samnangerfjorden. [22260] |This will extend the area to a lot of beautiful mountains that are very like central Stølsheimen, but not that much used for longer trips. [22270] |
[22280] |Hiking [22290] |
[22310] |Hiking here is best done in the period July - October. [22320] |For longer trips, you may be best off using the central area, starting off from Vikafjellet or Eksingedalen and ending up at the Sognefjord or at Romarheimsdalen. [22330] |For daytrips there are many beautiful opportunities, like summit-trips from the valley Raundalen to one of the beautiful summits on its southern side. [22340] |A nice daytrip is to go from the valley Jordalen to Bakka by the Nærøyfjord. [22350] |The path down the valley side to the fjord is very steep and goes in many curves. [22360] |
[22370] |Skiing [22380] |
[22390] |Stølsheimen really excels at skiing. [22410] |Bring your skins, the terrain is certainly not flat. [22420] |After ascending one of the endless valley sides you will probably be exhausted, but the mountains are there, waiting for you. [22430] |And remember: [22440] |eventually you are going back down, and will enjoy the slopes on the way. [22450] |
[22460] |Skiing from lodge to lodge in Stølsheimen is possible from December to June. [22470] |But remember, the conditions are much tougher in the midwinter. [22480] |You will find nice ski trips from lodge to lodge in central Stølsheimen. [22490] |The hut Grindaflethytta on Undredalshalvøya is a nice place to stay for a few days. [22510] |Where you go pretty much depends on your experience and needs. [22520] |
[22530] |Suggestion [22540] |
[22550] |Intermediate [22560] |
[22570] |Try the ski-tour Vikafjell - Selhamar - Åsedalen - Nordalshytta - Torvedalen - Romarheim. [22580] |It's best done in March - June, and can be a fantastic trip if good conditions. [22590] |
[22610] |
[22620] |The summits on the southern side of Raundalen - "Raundalseggen" can be climbed on skis in two or three days with overnight in tent. [22630] |I did this in the Christmas of 1992. [22640] |Unforgettable! [22650] |
[22660] |Links about Stølsheimen [22670] |
[22680] |Tours in Stølsheimen [22690] |
;;; omraader/sunnmore/index.en.html [22710] |Sunnmørsalpene [22720] |
[22730] |The wildest alpine valley I ever saw was not in the Alps, it was the valley Norangsdalen at Sunnmøre, Norway. [22740] |
[22750] |- English climber William C. Slingsby. [22760] |
[22770] |Introduction [22780] |
[22790] |Sunnmøre is located at the northwestern corner of Southern Norway. [22810] |These great mountains have been the marks of seamen for centuries. [22820] |Not strange when you see the high, sharp peaks that rise directly from the sea. [22830] |This is an eldorado for climbers and skiers, nothing less! [22840] |
[22850] |Slogen [22860] |
[22870] |Terrain [22880] |
[22890] |Together with Lyngsalpene in Troms and Hurrungane in Jotunheimen, Sunnmørsalpeme are the only mountains in Norway with a very high alpine character. [22910] |Between them are deep avalanche-ridden valleys with bottoms at about 200-300 meters. [22920] |For the people living in the area, the steep mountains have always been a problem. [22930] |Each winter avalanches take roads, and sometimes houses too. [22940] |But for the experienced Sunnmørsalpene should constitute challenges rather than dangers. [22950] |Good snow-conditions nearly every winter invite to summit-trips, with following skiing in deep powder down the long valley sides, all the way down to the fjord. [22960] |Can life be better? [22970] |
[22980] |Smørskredtind [22990] |
[23010] |
[23020] |Sunnmørsalpene does not have any special legal status, but then again: [23030] |does it need so? [23040] |The fjords are already cultivated as far as possible, and most of the alpine valleys are too avalanche-ridden to be safe. [23050] |And the mountains itself? [23060] |It would be impossible to build roads or cabins up there. [23070] |
[23080] |In general Sunnmørsalpene are so wild that special rules are not required. [23090] |At least as long as the situation is as it is today. [23110] |Routes in Sunnmørsalpene ;;; omraader/sunnmore/rute.en.html [23120] |Sunnmøre - Routes [23130] |
[23140] |Getting there [23150] |
[23160] |You can fly from Oslo, Trondheim and Bergen to Ålesund, there are also a daily bus-service from Bergen passing Volda, Ørsta, Vartdal and Barstadvik before reaching Ålesund. [23170] |If you come from Oslo it easiest to take the train to Åndalsnes and bus from there to Ålesund, where you can go south to the mountain areas. [23180] |The starting points of Stanndal, Urke and Øye is harder to reach with public transport. [23190] |
[23210] |Some of the roads in the area are closed in winter. [23220] |These include Norangsdalen (Øye-Hellesylt), Standalen (Ørsta-Standal), Geiranger-Langvatn, Ørnevegen (north from Geiranger) and Trollstigen (Åndalsnes-Sylte) The other roads will normally be kept open, but can be closed at some occasions due to avalanches. [23230] |
[23240] |Map of Sunnmørsalpene. [23250] |
[23260] |Routes [23270] |
[23280] |Sunnmørsalpene is above all a land for daytrips. [23290] |Most of the summits are accessible on a daytrip from a nearby road. [23310] |
[23320] |Hiking [23330] |
[23340] |Hiking in Sunnmørsalpene can get somewhat limited. [23350] |Many of the summits can be reached without climbing gear, but you should nevertheless be experienced to do this. [23360] |The terrain is often steep, especially near the summits, and the consequence of stepping wrong can be severe. [23370] |
[23380] |But hiking trips in the valleys are possible. [23390] |From Kolås you can go to Vartdal og Barstadvik through Romedalen. [23410] |From Patchellhytta the steep summits of Smørskredtind and Slogen can be reached on foot. [23420] |Actually most of the summits on the eastern side of Hjørundfjorden can be reached on foot. [23430] |But remember, be careful! [23440] |
[23450] |Climbing [23460] |
[23470] |Although Sunnmørsalpene does not offer high walls or other technical challenges to climbers, it offers alpine peaks and quite a number of very interesting pinnacles. [23480] |Experienced climbers can reach most of the summits in Sunnmørsalpene without using their gear, but the climbing gear can get more in use at the pinnacles. [23490] |"Bladet" (the blade) must be one of the most known of these. [23510] |
[23520] |For the inexperienced, there are possibilities to hire guides at Ørsta for climbing trips. [23530] |Undoubtedly an experience for lifetime! [23540] |
[23550] |Svinetind [23560] |
[23570] |Skiing [23580] |
[23590] |Ski touring in Sunnmørsalpene is absolutely stunning. [23610] |The quality of the snow depends on the weather and the temperature. [23620] |The best snow usually falls in the period January - March. [23630] |At this time of the year you may experience dry powder down the endless valley-sides. [23640] |
[23650] |It should be mentioned here that skiing in Sunnmørsalpene also is an activity you should be experienced to do. [23660] |The terrain is steep, and avalanches is a common problem. [23670] |The most common skiing technique in Sunnmørsalpene is telemark, the reason being that you have to ski up as well as down. [23680] |
[23690] |Daytrips on ski can be done almost all over Sunnmørsalpene. [23710] |Note that the road thorugh Standdalen is closed in winter, so you'll have to ski the few kilometres to the hut. [23720] |
[23730] |Suggestion [23740] |
[23750] |Intermediate [23760] |
[23770] |The summer hike from Patchellhytta to Slogen is fantastic. [23780] |You can reach Patchellhytta from Urke. [23790] |Remember that the summit is steep! [23810] |Advanced [23820] |
[23830] |The ski trip from Standalshytta to the summit Kolåstind is a fantastic trip. [23840] |Enjoy! [23850] |
[23860] |Links about Sunnmøre [23870] |
[23880] |Tours in Sunnmøre [23890] |
;;; omraader/svalbard/index.en.html [23910] |Svalbard [23920] |
[23930] |The land with the cold coasts [23940] |
[23950] |Introduction [23960] |
[23970] |The Norse name Svalbarði - "The land with the cold coasts" resembles very much this archipelago in the high Arctic. [23980] |Svalbard is positioned in the Barents-Sea, about mid-way between North Cape in Finnmark and the North Pole. [23990] |Although cold and remote, a small remnant of the Gulf Stream makes the climate milder than at similar latitudes on Northwestern Greenland - the only other inhabited place in the world this far north. [24010] |Most of the few people that live there live in the Norwegian villages of Longyearbyen and Ny-Ålesund or in the Russian village Barentsburg. [24020] |
[24030] |Distance sign at Longyearbyen Airport. [24040] |The North Pole is closer than Oslo! [24050] |(Picture by Steinar Midtskogen) [24060] |
[24070] |Terrain [24080] |
[24090] |Svalbard is an archipelago with many islands, the biggest are Spitsbergen, Nordaustlandet and Edgeøya. [24110] |This island has a number of long broad fjords cutting into the island. [24120] |You are never far away from the sea! [24130] |
[24140] |Most of Svalbard is covered by glaciers. [24150] |Actually this particular type of Glacier (Spitsbergenbre) has gotten its name from Svalbard. [24160] |The glaciers consists of giant rivers of ice that floats between the very sharp peaks, falls down and eventually fall into the sea. [24170] |The glaciers are cold and do not show activity similar to the glaciers on the Norwegian mainland. [24180] |These glaciers totally dominate Svalbard. [24190] |
[24210] |Here Barentsburg, and Longyearbyen, the "capital" is situated. [24220] |This area has broad valleys surrounded by a mountain plateau with smaller glaciers. [24230] |
[24240] |Climate [24250] |
[24260] |As mentioned the climate on Svalbard is relatively mild for its latitude. [24270] |In the summer - from June to August, the temperature generally is between 0 and 10 C, and the snow is gone. [24280] |But the summer is short. [24290] |Already in September the temperature regularly goes below the freezing point, and it gets darker. [24310] |Colder temperatures than -30 is not very common. [24320] |As for rain and snow, Svalbard is relatively dry compared to the coast in mainland Norway. [24330] |The west coast of Spitsbergen gets little snow, sometimes so little that skiing and snowmobiling not is feasible until December or January. [24340] |The east coast on the other hand, gets much more, but is out of reach for most people. [24350] |
[24360] |Light is a special issue on Svalbard. [24370] |Longyearbyen has four months of Midnight Sun around midsummer. [24380] |In the winter the sun is gone for four months, of which two months are total dark, without any light even in the middle of the day. [24390] |With stable, cold climate and total dark the conditions are the best for spotting Northern Lights. [24410] |Northern Lights over Longyearbyen. [24420] |(Picture by Steinar Midtskogen) [24430] |
[24440] |Wildlife [24450] |
[24460] |Svalbard has a rich wildlife. [24470] |The flora is rich, but has only the few months of the summer to spread its seed. [24480] |The fauna has a few, but numerous specialized animals. [24490] |The Svalbard-reindeer is very special, with thick hair and smaller than its European cousin. [24510] |
[24520] |Arctic foxes are less easy to spot, but nevertheless common. [24530] |They breed from mice and birds. [24540] |Seals are common. [24550] |Living most underwater, you can often see them rolling up on the fjord-ice from a breathing-hole. [24560] |The king of the arctic - the Polar Bear, breed mostly on seals. [24570] |Since the ban on bear-hunting, the number of bears on Svalbard has been rising steadily, and the risk of meeting them is today considerable. [24580] |There has been a number of incidents the latest years where people have been killed by polar bears. [24590] |Therefore; one must always carry a weapon when being outside the villages on Svalbard. [24610] |The birdlife on Svalbard is an issue on itself. [24620] |Due to the fish an enormous amounts of seagulls and other seabirds invade the archipelago in the summer. [24630] |Look out for bombers! [24640] |
[24650] |History [24660] |
[24670] |It is not known when Svalbard was discovered. [24680] |The existence of an archipelago in the North has been known by fishermen in Northern Norway for many centuries. [24690] |In a logbook from 14 th century Iceland one can find the sentence "Svalbarði fundi" (Svalbard found). [24710] |
[24720] |In the 1700's the Archipelago was "rediscovered" by Dutch Willem Barents. [24730] |He named the largest island Spitzbergen (Sharp Peaks) after the mountains he saw. [24740] |In the 1800's the archipelago saw much greater interest. [24750] |It was then profitable to stay over one winter for hunting, and return with valuable furs, ivory and down. [24760] |This was done by a number of Norwegians and Russians. [24770] |Seal-hunting from ships in the summer was also profitable. [24780] |But the greatest interest from the rest of the world came with the expeditions aiming for the North Pole. [24790] |The tragic balloon-expedition of swedish Andree started at Ny-Ålesund, but failed, and the members died when trying to over-winter at an unknown location. [24810] |Later, American Byrd started with motorized planes from the same location, and supposedly reached the North Pole. [24820] |It is today disputed wheter they actually did so. [24830] |The first flight over the North Pole one can be sure actually took place was when Norwegian Roald Amundsen and Italian Umberto Nobile flew from Ny-Ålesund to Alaska with the zeppeliner "Norge" (Norway) in 1925. [24840] |
[24850] |Mine No 2, one of the first mines in Longyearbyen (Picture by Steinar Midtskogen) [24860] |
[24870] |After the first World War, in 1920, an international treaty was signed, declaring Svalbard an international area with Norwegian superiority. [24880] |The area was to have its own laws and ruled by a Governor (Sysselmann) appointed by the Norwegian King. [24890] |Settlement were open to any of the signors of the treaty, including Russia, USA and UK. [24910] |There are today one Russian village on Svalbard, Barentsburg. [24920] |
[24930] |The upbuild of Longyearbyen - todays largest society on Svalbard came with the discovery of coal. [24940] |The village was name after the American Longyear that was the head of the Coal Mining operation back then. [24950] |Today all Norwegian mining operations on Svalbard are owned by the Norwegian state. [24960] |
[24970] |Modern history has not seen big changes on Svalbard. [24980] |The biggest difference came with the airport at Longyearbyen and daily flights from Tromsø, which allowed fresh food and other products. [24990] |And tourism. [25010] |
[25020] |Legal status [25030] |
[25040] |Although svalbard has its own rules, Norwegian laws mainly apply. [25050] |Actually most of the archipelago is national park or nature reserve today. [25060] |Motorized travel is only allowed in the area around Longyearbyen and on sea. [25070] |Those who want to go into the wilderness on their own for more than a daytrip are required to contact the governors office before doing so. [25080] |For long trips, the governor has the right to request a bank-grant in the event of a rescue-operation. [25090] |
[25110] |It is not allowed to bring meat or furs out from Svalbard. [25120] |Svalbard is a tax-free zone, meaning that you will find many products considerably cheaper than in mainland Norway. [25130] |Due to high transportation costs most food has the same price as in mainland Norway. [25140] |Fresh food, like milk, is more expensive. [25150] |
[25160] |Routes on Svalbard ;;; omraader/svalbard/rute.en.html [25170] |Svalbard - Routes [25180] |
[25190] |Getting there [25210] |Your only option when getting to Svalbard is using airline. [25220] |Both Braathens and Scandinavian Airlines have daily flights from Oslo, with stop in Tromsø. [25230] |
[25240] |Svalbard is regarded as an international area, and is therefore has special tax regulations. [25250] |This means that you have to go through customs control in Tromsø when you return. [25260] |Do not bring furs, meat or living animals back, as there is rabies on Svalbard, but not in Norway. [25270] |
[25280] |Routes [25290] |
[25310] |It goes without saying that leaving built up areas for longer time is only for experienced people. [25320] |If you do not have the necessary experience, take a guided tour. [25330] |
[25340] |Boat cruise [25350] |
[25360] |Most tourists that come in summer go for a cruise. [25370] |Boat is definitively the best way to see Svalbard summertime. [25380] |The cruises are often combined with hiking trips in remote areas, and maybe glacier-tours. [25390] |Seeing arctic animals and historical sites is also often a part of these tours. [25410] |The best tours are those arranged by local tour-arrangers. [25420] |They can be contacted in Longyearbyen, some of them also have an office in Oslo. [25430] |Some international cruise-operators include a trip to Svalbard on their sailings. [25440] |Inquire at your tourist office. [25450] |
[25460] |The volcano Beerenberg on the isolated island of Jan Mayen [25470] |
[25480] |Hiking [25490] |
[25510] |However, from Longyearbyen it's possible to do longer hiking-trips. [25520] |You'll have to rely on camping and will have to bring weapons for bear - protection. [25530] |There are many possibilities. [25540] |Of the more interesting is the hike in the Adventdalen valley, and over to the von Post - glacier. [25550] |Another possibility is to do the hike from Longyearbyen to Barentsburg. [25560] |This should take 2 - 3 days each way and will be a very interesting cultural experience as well. [25570] |The difference between the Norwegian society in Longyearbyen and the Russian in Barentsburg is stunning. [25580] |An interesting add-on to this will be to explore Grumant, an old mining site that was abandoned by the Russians in the 60's A real ghost-town in the Arctic! [25590] |
[25610] |
[25620] |Skiing pretty much see the same possibilities as hiking. [25630] |The best skiing season is from March to May, when the light is back and the snow conditions are good. [25640] |Longer ski-expeditions can be accomplished by experienced people. [25650] |
[25660] |Longyearbyen in front of Hiorthfjellet (Picture by Steinar Midtskogen) [25670] |
[25680] |Snow-mobile tours [25690] |
[25710] |Although more expensive, it will bring you out to see much more of Svalbards nature than a skiing trip can do. [25720] |Remember that also this require you to have experience. [25730] |Anyone can hire a snowmobile, but it's not advisable to go further than Longyearbyens vicinity without a guide, unless you are experienced. [25740] |Possibilities are daytrips to Barentsburg, Sveagruva and longer expeditions to southern or central Spitzbergen. [25750] |Guided snowmobile-tours are arranged by tour-organizers in the best season, which is March to May. [25760] |
[25770] |Links about Svalbard [25780] |
[25790] |Tours on Svalbard [25810] |Lodges on Svalbard ;;; omraader/sylene/index.en.html [25820] |Sylene [25830] |
[25840] |Introduction [25850] |
[25860] |"Sylene" (the Awls) is a good and descriptive name of this mountain area. [25870] |On the border between Norway and Sweden, a row of sharp peaks rise from the flat terrain. [25880] |The Awls. [25890] |Where else have a name been that descriptive? [25910] |Terrain [25920] |
[25930] |Most of the area at the Norway/Sweden border in South-Norway is very flat. [25940] |Huge forests cover most of the area, but in Trøndelag the terrain rises, and becomes a mountain plateau without trees. [25950] |Straight east from Trondheim this plateau has become a vast and wide plateau with great lakes on each side of the border. [25960] |And there row of giant peaks rise from the plateau. [25970] |Few in numbers, but great in altitude and beauty, the peaks of Sylene are visible from far away, and almost always from the plateau around them. [25980] |On both the eastern and western side, long forested valleys stretch up to the plateau, situated on the border between the two countries. [25990] |
[26010] |
[26020] |Sylene is close to the deep forests of Sweden, meaning that you can find animals like the European brown bear here. [26030] |In theory, you can also meet one of the few remaining individes of the wolf. [26040] |As in other Norwegian mountain-areas you will find animals like rabbit, fox, lynx, wolverine, reindeer, moose as well as rodents and birds. [26050] |
[26060] |Legal status [26070] |
[26080] |The great lake Nesjøen was regulated in the 1960's but there are still a number of swap-areas around the lake that is a nature-reserve because of the great number of birds. [26090] |
;;; omraader/sylene/rute.en.html [26110] |Sylene - Routes [26120] |
[26130] |Getting there [26140] |
[26150] |Public transport to Sylene is limited to train to Meråker and bus to Selbu, both from Trondheim. [26160] |With a car you can drive to Vektarstua in Tydal, or to Rotvoll on the north side of Sylene. [26170] |
[26180] |Routes in Sylene [26190] |
[26210] |
[26220] |Hiking and Skiing [26230] |
[26240] |Hiking can be done all over Sylene. [26250] |Most of the trips go in flat and easy terrain. [26260] |The tour to the central mountains is the exception. [26270] |The mountains are steep and may require nerve or rope at some points. [26280] |In the winter, only experienced climbers should go this route. [26290] |
[26310] |It's a part of the Sylene - experience to see the differences on the lodges and on the trails in Sweden and Norway. [26320] |The lodges on the Norwegian side are mostly owned by Trondhjems Turistforening, the Swedish lodges are owned by Svenska Turistforeningen. [26330] |Membership in a Norwegian Mountain Touring Association give privileges on swedish lodges and vice versa. [26340] |
[26350] |Links about Sylene [26360] |
[26370] |Tours in Sylene [26380] |
[26390] |Lodges in Sylene ;;; omraader/trollheimen/index.en.html [26410] |
[26420] |Introduction [26430] |
[26440] |As "Jotunheimen", the word "Trollheimen" is inspired from the folkloric beliefs that mountains originally were trolls that were turned to rock at sunrise. [26450] |If so, the original trolls must have been huge, for Trollheimen has many high-altitude mountains, scorned with deep valleys. [26460] |Whereas "Trollheimen" is invented by visitors, many mountains in the area have names that resemble trolls. [26470] |Trollheimen is the northernmost part of the central mountains in South-Norway. [26480] |It's the end - or the start if you like - of Langfjella, a great kingdom of mountains stretching from the Setesdalsheiene to Trollheimen. [26490] |This is where the trolls go to sleep. [26510] |Lake Gjevilvatnet between the mountains of Trollheimen (Picture: Erlend Bjørge) [26520] |
[26530] |Terrain [26540] |
[26550] |Trollheimen is an alpine mountain-area with deep valleys, and summits reaching 1500-1800 meters. [26560] |The wildest part of it is the southeast, where the valley Innerdalen cuts through high and wild peaks like Trolla (1850), Trollheimen's highest. [26570] |Other famous mountains in the area around Innerdalen are Skarfjell and Innerdalstårnet. [26580] |Further east, the mountains are more relaxed. [26590] |This central area of Trollheimen, north of lake Gjevilvatnet is renowned for its special flowers. [26610] |In the glacier, just below the summit there is a cave in the glacier that sometimes is open. [26620] |Last year this happened was in 1996, when many got to see Speilsalen (The mirror room) as it is called. [26630] |
[26640] |The terrain in Trollheimen gives, like many other mountain areas in Norway, great opportunities for the hiker and skier. [26650] |Because of the varied terrain, anyone will find a tour of their difficulty, from high-altitude summits, to forested valleys. [26660] |
[26670] |Legal status [26680] |
[26690] |The legal status of Trollheimen is somewhat undefined. [26710] |
[26720] |Routes in Trollheimen ;;; omraader/trollheimen/rute.en.html [26730] |Trollheimen - Routes [26740] |
[26750] |Getting there [26760] |
[26770] |Public transport to Trollheimen is possible by getting to Oppdal with train, and using the bus down Sunndalen. [26780] |You can get off at Lønset og Fale. [26790] |A good option is taking a taxi from Oppdal to Festa, where you can hike to Gjevilvasshytta. [26810] |With a car you can drive up close to Gjevilvasshytta, Innerdalshytta, Kårvatn and Jøldalshytta. [26820] |Some of these places will have a parking fee. [26830] |Most roads are also open in winter, but you will have to park and walk further from the hut you're going to. [26840] |
[26850] |Routes in Trollheimen [26860] |
[26870] |Routes [26880] |
[26890] |Hiking and Skiing [26910] |Most areas in Trollheimen can be accessed as a hiker or skier. [26920] |The lodges are mainly in the valleys, so hiking/skiing from one lodge to another mostly involve crossing a mountain-area. [26930] |Longer trips can be accomplished by including one or several summits on the tour. [26940] |Remember that some of the summits, especially those in the area around Innerdalen, may require knowledge of climbing techniques. [26950] |
[26960] |Trollheimen is situated near the coast, and therefore gets large amounts of snow in winter. [26970] |The conditions for skiing can therefore be fantastic at times, but you'll have to think about the risk for avalanches. [26980] |Skiing is usually possible until late May. [26990] |The conditions for hiking is best from July to September, when the have little snow. [27010] |Area at nordvest-Trollheimen. [27020] |
[27030] |Climbing [27040] |
[27050] |The lodge Innerdalshytta in Innerdalen is where The Norwegian Mountain Touring Association have all its climbing courses. [27060] |The climbing possibilities are mostly on the mountains of Innerdalstårnet and Skarfjell. [27070] |On both there are quite a number of long routes. [27080] |Guidebook is available. [27090] |
[27110] |
[27120] |Tours in Trollheimen [27130] |
[27140] |Lodges in Trollheimen ;;; omraader/troms/index.en.html [27150] |Troms [27160] |
[27170] |Introduction [27180] |
[27190] |Troms is the second northernmost county in Norway, and certainly very different from the northernmost, Finnmark. [27210] |The difference is evident just as you cross the county-border from Finnmark and see the peaks of the Kvænangen mountains in the horizon. [27220] |Troms has a lot to offer mountaineers, but should also be visited by normal tourists. [27230] |The difference from the boring forests of Sweden is great, anyone heading for North Cape will certainly get the most out of this route. [27240] |
[27250] |Towards Istind. [27260] |(Picture by Steinar Midtskogen) [27270] |
[27280] |Terrain [27290] |
[27310] |All the way from the Swedish border to the coast you will find high mountains. [27320] |The inner part has wider valleys and the mountains are not that peaky, but their altitude is greater. [27330] |Further out, you will find that the terrain gets more rugged between the fjords. [27340] |Especially the peninsula of Lyngshalvøya has very high sharp peaks. [27350] |But also the outer islands of Senja, Ringvassøy and Kvaløy has quite a number of peaks. [27360] |Right in between all of this the city of Tromsø is situated. [27370] |
[27380] |Troms is a unique mountain land. [27390] |The alpine peaks has a lot of possibilities for climbers as well as winter-powder for the skiers. [27410] |In winter, the northern lights fly over the dark skies, making the visit a memory for life time. [27420] |Troms is a dreamland for the mountaineer. [27430] |Have a nice trip! [27440] |
[27450] |Legal status [27460] |
[27470] |The only national-park in Troms of particular size is Øvre Dividalen, a wide valley close to the border to Sweden. [27480] |Lyngsalpene - the great area of peaks on the Lyngen peninsula is also proposed as a national park. [27490] |It is expected that this proposition will go thorough without problems because of the very alpine degree of the nature there. [27510] |Ånderdalen is a small forested valley in the middle of the island, in contrast to the very mountainous nature by the shoreline. [27520] |
[27530] |An issue that should not be overseen is the presence of the Norwegian Army in Troms. [27540] |Due to Russia being the only potential enemy of Norway, Troms with all its mountains has been pointed out to be the area to stop an invasion. [27550] |As a result, many of the valleys in central Troms are dominated by the Army and their activities, including air-raids and shell-firing. [27560] |Although having a standing army is a necessity, many see the Defence - related activities in Troms as harmful to the nature, and the total environment. [27570] |
[27580] |Routes in Troms ;;; omraader/troms/rute.en.html [27590] |Troms - Routes [27610] |Getting there [27620] |
[27630] |Tromsø is the main airport in Northern Norway and thus have good connections with Oslo, Trondheim and Bergen. [27640] |There are also a number of smaller airports served from Tromsø or Bodø. [27650] |Anyway, you will usually be better off using bus from Tromsø or Narvik if you're going to the inland and boat or coastal steamer from Tromsø if you're going to the coast. [27660] |The mountain areas by the Swedish border is hard to reach by public transport. [27670] |
[27680] |Troms has good roads and good conditions for the driver. [27690] |Remember that all of the roads will be snow-covered winter time. [27710] |Try a tour off in Troms, for instance along the Lyngen peninsula. [27720] |You will not regret it! [27730] |
[27740] |Map over Troms [27750] |
[27760] |Routes [27770] |
[27780] |The outer areas of Troms are mostly inhabited along the coast and in major valleys. [27790] |This area has great opportunities for daytrips, for instance to summits, but not so great for longer trips. [27810] |A long line of lodges have been put up to make the trip all the way through inner Troms not far from the border possible. [27820] |
[27830] |Hiking and Skiing [27840] |
[27850] |Longer hiking- and skiing trips is best in the inner parts of Troms. [27860] |Many choose to start at Kilpisjärvi by the Finnish border and pass the Three Country Point (Treriksrøysa) between Norway, Sweden and Finland on the way south along the route between the other huts. [27870] |You can cross the borders as you like as long as you don't bring living animals. [27880] |Hiking trips here is possible all summer, but needless to say: [27890] |it's best to hold the skiing until the light is back in February. [27910] |For daytrips, there are thousands of stunning trips to be done in outer Troms. [27920] |Anyone should find something that suits them here. [27930] |From steep mountains that almost require climbing to paths through silent woods. [27940] |Skiers should be aware of the very present danger for avalanches. [27950] |The coast-near areas of Troms with high mountains can get very large amounts of snow in winter, making some of the valleys very risky. [27960] |Use your experience, and check out with locals before you go! [27970] |This being said, some of the most ultimate skiing experiences can be found in Lyngsalpene, and the other mountain-areas of outer Troms. [27980] |It might be best to wait until May, when the snow is heavier and the avalanche risk is low. [27990] |This season also gives infinite daylight, and great possibility for long ski trips in Lyngsalpene. [28010] |This trip is long, it takes one full day from early morning, to late night, and is only for the experienced. [28020] |But it is probably one of the greatest ski trips possible in Norway! [28030] |
[28040] |Climbing [28050] |
[28060] |Also for climbers, Troms give plenty of opportunities. [28070] |There are many summits that only can be reached with climbing, most of them are in Lyngsalpene. [28080] |Due to loose rock, many find this area better for climbing in winter than in summer, but needless to say: [28090] |The conditions are tough in winter this far north. [28110] |Anyway, the less summit-interested climbers will probably appreciate Kvaløya more as a climbing area. [28120] |On Kvaløya you will find a lot of high walls ending on summits normally reachable on foot. [28130] |And the risk of being caught in a queue of climbers is non-existent! [28140] |
[28150] |Glacier-Tours [28160] |
[28170] |There are glaciers in Lyngsalpene, and on Øksfjordjøkulen on the border between Troms and Finnmark. [28180] |There are no guiding, but it's a fantastic terrain if you go on your own. [28190] |The best place for a glacier-tour is possibly Lyngsdalen, where the glaciers of Vestbreen and Sørbreen surrounded by high peaks are nice for tours. [28210] |The name is Jøkelfjordbreen, but unfortunately it's to steep for tours. [28220] |(That is - unless you are a crazy ice-climber!) [28230] |
[28240] |Links about Troms [28250] |
[28260] |Tours in Troms