Kategori: Tour suggestions

Polar expeditions and coastal history

The Hurum Peninsula had a central position when ships were the link between both sides of the Oslo Fjord. Today it consists of beautiful untouched coastal landscape and charming villages.

Amundsen – first man to the South Pole

Roald Amundsen secretly planned the South Pole expedition when he built the ship "Fram" and the members of the expedition became the first in history to reach the South Pole point on December 4, 1911 ahead of the Scott expedition.

Roald Amundsen's polar ship "Maud" which he used on his second expedition to the Arctic was built at Anker & Jensen's shipyard in Vollen. The boat was launched in June 1917 and christened by Amundsen himself with a lump of ice.

Amundsen's next expedition across the Arctic Ocean is planned and in the summer of 1918 "Maud" finally sails from Oslo towards the northeast passage. Attempts were made to drift across the Arctic Ocean without success, and attempts were made to reach the North Pole by plane. The boat remained behind in the ice when the crew returned. In 1990, Asker municipality bought the boat from HBC for 1 dollar. After 80 years on the seabed in the northwest passage, the ship was transported home to Vollen in August 2018.

We start the tour at the Oslofjord Museum in Vollen. Vollen has a long and rich boatbuilding tradition. At the museum you can experience recreational boat collection and activities related to the recreational use of the Oslo Fjord. The kids can build boats with rubber engine and test them in the pool.

The trip continues to Tofte to Sagene Boat Harbor where Maud is stored. Discover the polar ship, see the fascinating construction technique and take part in the proud Norwegian polar history. Here is also a small collection of items found at the boat as well as a copy of the plane «Kristine». These have limited opening hours. The boat can be viewed around the clock, all year round.

Watch the film about the story of MS Maud HERE

Local history

Tofte Cellulosefabrikk was built in 1897 and became a cornerstone company locally. Tofte grew up as the largest town in the area with a strong working class culture and has several buildings that describe industrial history. Filtvet has been a port since the Middle Ages where goods have been unloaded and timber and ice exported to the major cities in Europe. There were once three iron mines here and after the mining ceased, Filtvet became a customs post for shipping in the 1780s. Filtvet consists of charming small houses, rose gardens, Filtvet Lighthouse with art exhibition in summer and the iconic Villa Malla with the white sand bay. Here there is rental of water activities in the summer.

Tour suggestion: Round trip along the coastal path to Sandbukta. 7.5 km

Trip in varied terrain with fantastic views. Follow the coastal path south to Østnestangen and Sandbukta. Enjoy the beautiful sea view from the lighthouse and see one of the country's oldest Viking tombs. The trip back goes via the forest along the tractor road back to the starting point. This stretch is described as the Oslo Fjord's most beautiful coastal path stretch with rich fauna and wildlife. The trip is sometimes very hilly and demanding.

The Pilgrim’s Route through Bærum

The pilgrim path from Oslo through Bærum to Hønefoss is the first stage of the western route to the historic Gudbrandsdalsleden, which was the main road to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim in the Middle Ages.

 

The trail starts in Oslo's Old Town at the ruins of St. Hallvard's Cathedral, where the first milestone stands.

 

The trip goes west through the Vigeland Park and residential areas to the Lysaker river near Lilleaker. Follow the Lysaker river on a path past waterfalls and lush landscape and through residential areas to Haslum medieval church, where the Tunsbergleden from Vestfold meets Gudbrandsdalsleden.

At Øverland, you walk into the forest in the direction of the tourist cabin Nygård. Along the way, you can spend the night at Sæteren farm, which is owned by DNT, and has the status of a pilgrim hostel. The road ahead goes on a path over Skrivarberget and down to Lommedalen. The trip goes over the golf course, crosses Lommedalsveien and you follow the forest road, the old King's Road over Krokskogen to Kleivstua Hotel. There are nice information signs along the way about life and keel burning at Kroksskogen and quite steep the first stretch with beautiful nature and forest terrain. Several nice picnic areas along the way and a small wooden lavvu.

After crossing Krokskogen, the route goes down to Sundvolden, through Hole and towards Bønsnes church and Norderhov church before arriving at Hønefoss and the Jevnaker area.

For more information and detailed map about Pilegrimsleden: https://www.pilegrimsleden.no/en/

Pilegrim accommodation at Sæteren Gard: 

E-mail: seterengard@dntoslo.no Phone: 67 58 18 50 / 94 82 77 99  Adr: Murenveien 151, 1356 Bekkestua.

Drøbak Around for Kids – In Santa’s Footsteps

Drøbak is one of the country's most idyllic coastal towns, with small, charming wooden houses of great heritage value and plenty for children to experience.

Start the day in Badeparken, either with a swim or a visit to the architect-designed playground. Velhaven, located by the Bankløkka parking lot, also has a very nice playground in the town's little oasis.

Drøbak is also the town where the Norwegian Santa Claus has his official post address, so a visit to Tregaardens Christmas House is a highlight.

In Drøbak harbor, you'll find Drøbak Aquarium, which showcases the rich marine life of the Oslo Fjord up close. Here, you'll see everything from small baby sharks to Hugo the wolffish.

You can also ask to borrow crab fishing equipment from the Tourist Information if you want to try that. When you get hungry, there are many restaurants and cafes to choose from, and for dessert, the ice cream at Café Drøbak is very popular.

Tour facts:

How to get there: Bus or car to Drøbak center

Hike length: Optional

Local tip: Visit the only saltwater aquarium in Eastern Norway and explore the exciting underwater life of the Oslo Fjord. The Christmas House is also a popular stop for children!

Art and Galleries around the Asker coast

Welcome to art experiences around the Asker Peninsula. On this tour you will find everything from classic works to the next generation's expressions.

Artist colonies

Asker's cultural center 100 years back in time was in Hvalstad and was called Kunstnerdalen. A sociable artist community thrived and today the homes of Hulda and Arne Garborg and Tilla and Otto Valstad are part of the exhibition at Asker Museum. The museum has a lush, baroque-inspired garden with animal sculptures by Anne Grimdalen, a large and diverse collection of houses and objects as well as permanent and changing exhibitions in the museum. Free entrance.

The trip continues to the Yellow House (Det gule huset) on Holmen, and further along the coast via the small towns Vollen, Slemmestad, Sætre, Filtvet, Tofte and to Holmsbu where the "Holmsbum painters" found inspiration throughout the 50s and 60s. Henriks Sørensen was amongst them and his art is to be found in the church and Holmsbu Art Museum by Støa. (Henrik Sørensen has painted one of the big murals seen in the Oslo City Hall)

 

Filtvet – the iconic light house:

A curiosity on your way to Filtvet, make a stop at Galleri Gallera in Storsand.

Filtvet lighthouse stands iconically on the pier and has for decades ensured safe traffic in and out of the Inner Oslo Fjord. Today there is a gallery during the summer months. Here in the white bay is also Vilma Sjøbad which serves italian food. Make time for a walk between the charming cottages and smell the rose gardens.

The south part of Asker has been the painters' favorite since the last century, especially due to the light and the view.The light in the early morning or in the evening hours are amazing, so well worth making time for an overnight stay.

Painters town Holmsbu

Throughout his adult life, Henrik Sørensen lived in Holmsbu during the summer and he brought with him his artist friends known as "Holmsbumalerne". They have decorated the church inside and his work can be experienced in Holmsbu Kunstmuseum at Støa. The building itself is also fascinating and worth the trip.The sculpture "On the way to the beach" by Skule Waksvik decorates the beach in the center.

Holmsbu is the place to stay. At Badehotellet. Concerts are held regularly at the local pubs and eateries. Find peace with beautiful walks along the coastal path towards Rødtangen and through primeval forest in Holtnesdalen. Nice swimming opportunities from the rocks and nearby beaches.

Dikemark

On the way back, we stop by Kunsthall Dikemark – here mental health is at the center along with art, and they work to highlight patient art from the old hospital and remove the stigma associated with mental health. Changing exhibitions throughout the summer. Beautiful surrondings for a walk lakeside and among the buildings all year.

NOTE: The galleries have different opening hours throughout the year. Some are open all year, others only during the summer with limited opening hours.

Access:

Municipal parking in each small town and along the main road. In Holmsbu, I recommend parking at the church and own parking at Støa. There are also buses from Asker, Sætre and Drammen. The summer boat B21 / B22 stops in Vollen, Slemmestad and Filtvet before continuing across the fjord to Drøbak. It is nice to combine the boat with a bike ride to Drammen and the train back. For timetable see Ruter.no

The Pilgrim’s Route to and from Oslo

The Pilgrim Paths in Akershus is one part of the St Olav Way which takes you to Trondheim. In mediaeval time this was the main goal for pilgrimages in the Nordic area with the cathedral Nidarosdomen and St. Olav’s relics.

The Pilgrim Paths in Oslo and Akershus can be reached when arriving in Oslo with boat from either Kiel in Germany or from Denmark, or by air to one of the airports; Oslo Airport, Gardermoen. You can go straight from the ferry or the plane and start your walk.

When in Oslo you have the choice of an eastern or western path. Are you arriving from the south you will meet the path from the south through Follo at the boarder of county Østfold. It takes you to Gamlebyen in Oslo.

Heading east from Oslo you will soon leave the suburbs and meet the rolling cultivated landscape in Romerike. At the river Nitelva was once the site of the battle between Olav Haraldsson and the local tribe in the petty kingdom of Romerike. The path later takes you past Raknehaugen. This burial mound is the largest barrow in Northern Europe. On your way you will pass many beautiful old churches. In Eidsvoll you have the option of taking the paddle steamer Skibladner to cross Norway’s largest lake, Mjøsa. Accommodation options along the way are in hotels, hostels and in farms.

If you chose the western route from Oslo you will pass the only remaining mediaeval church in Oslo, Gamle Aker church. Here you’ll also find the Oslo Pilgrim Center where you can get advice for your pilgrimage.

The path takes you through the Vigeland Park with all its sculptures. Leaving the urban Oslo you walk through an older residential area on your way to Bærum and the mediaeval Haslum Church. From here you can follow paths through the forest. In Bærum you can stay in cottages at Sæteren gård and later continue across Krokskogen to Bønsnes, where Olav Haraldsson spent his childhood years according to the legend.

Information from Visit Greater Oslo and Pilegrimsleden.no 

Skreikampen in the summer

Skreikampen

Eidsvoll Municipality's peak (698 masl) is also the highest peak along Lake Mjøsa and offers magnificent views towards Hedemarken (Innlander), where you can see all the way to the mountains around Lillehammer, Østerdalen and Trysil. The top is also a favorite hiking destination in winter, with a cross-country ski trail all the way to the top in open and nice mountain forest.

The trip is well suited for cross-country skiing (when the trail is run up, check Feiring IL or the Ski Association's trail updates), mountain skiing, top touring skiing, snowshoeing and on foot if the summer trail from Øverbygda has been completed.

Our starting point, Øverbygda, is located in the far north of Feiring and in Eidsvoll municipality. Plot Øverbygda on the map, or follow the route description: Drive north on the E6 to the exit before Minnesund. Turn left at the first roundabout, onto Feiringvegen (Fv33) and over the bridge that crosses the E6. Drive straight ahead at the next two roundabouts and continue on Feiringvegen. Drive on Feiringvegen for 18.8 km. Then take Stubberudvegen, exit on the left side of the road. Here is the sign for Skreikampen. From the exit it is approx. 3.5 kilometers on gravel road (first Stubberudvegen, then Øverbygdvegen) to the car park on Øverbygdvegen.

We would encourage all our participants to pay attention to those who live in the area, both in terms of driving and parking.

From Øverbygda there are two alternative routes to the top, depending on the means of transport, but you can also find your own way through the forest if you wish, with a map / compass or a map app on your mobile (eg Bratt or Varsom regobs).

Route 1: cross-country skiing

The second option follows the cross-country ski trail that runs to the top of Feiring IL when there is enough snow. The trail follows up the forest road towards Skomakartjennet and turns off towards Skreikampen at St. Paulsgruve. The trail is scooter-driven and is best suited for classic skiing and skiing with short and long traps. To check the status of the trail, you can check the Ski Association's website or the mobile app iMarka.

Route 2: on foot / snowshoes

The shortest alternative follows the summer trail up through the forest, where there is often a path even in winter. This can be a good alternative for snowshoeing, on foot (if the trail is closed) or skis with long traps (randoneeski, telemarkski, mountain skis). The hiking trail departs from Øverbygdveien and is marked with both Ti on top signs and signs for Skreikampen.

The forest path is clearly marked in blue. In addition, there are signs in some places. Note that, after approx. 1 km, the sign is an alternative route to the top. This is signposted as «Skreikampen via Haralè". This route is about 1.5 km longer, and it is very steep and somewhat rough at the end, before the top. This is unsuitable winter time.

Tip: If you go with randoneeski / telemarkski it can also be fun with a detour to Langtjennåsen, where you can get 100 meters of fun skiing towards Holmtjennet

Google Maps, parking link https://google/maps/MVoFJgirnmqF9DkZ7

Coastal path – hike Vettre-Vollen-Slemmestad

Distance: about 11 km Duration: 2.5 hours one way.

Best season: March-November but works well all year round and parts of the trip can be nicely completed by bike.

From Slemmestadveien there is public transport: Bus route 251/252 Oslo-Slemmestad-Hurum

The tour starts at Vettre (bus stop) – make your way down to Kråka Pub and the coast. Continue to the right towards Blakstad and below the main building follow the blue-marked coastal path along the water and stay on it until you make it to Asker Seilforening, feel free to take a detour around Børsholmen.

Then follow Blakstad Bryggerivei up to Slemmestadveien and turn left, follow it to Sjøvollbukta and enter the residentail area, follow the path along the bay at the bottom of the houses until it comes up again on the other side of the bay. Feel free to take the detour down the penninsula behind where there are nice outdoor areas, a bench for relaxation and great views of Nesodden and Oslo.

Continue along the main road to the center of Vollen. Vito´s is a popular seaside restaurant for refreshments, and the small galleries and shops have a wide selection of jewelry, art, interior and fashion. Did you know that Roald Amundsen's polar ship Maud was built in the Maud Bay where the Oslofjord Museum is now located –  get to know the maritime history around the Oslo Fjord. Close by is Tjuvholmen, which was Asker's trial.

Continue behind the Oslo Fjord Museum past the Svelvik villa (which also has the country's oldest outdoor bowling alley in the garden) and resume the blue-marked path. If you have a Frisbee you can play Frisbee golf on the headland and towards Arnestad school.

The path follows the upper side of Arnestad Bay and meets Sjøstrandveien. Walk through the settlement before it opens to Sjøstrand bathing place (Blue Flag 2019). Continue the marked trail – you pass several swimming areas, and many places where it is nice to take a break and look out over the fjord. Also look for the geological signs that tell a little about the nature and geology of the area that is a distinctive part of the Oslo belt.

Be aware of some construction work past Veas – follow signs and be careful. In the rock wall below, just before the pier on the left side of Bjerkåsholmen, it is possible to see fossil imprints of squid and snails, but even better is to make the trip on the far side of the sports court at Slemmestad Ungdomskole (about 2 km further).

At the junction of Bjerkåsholmen / Anna Bøes Vei, keep left – follow the path between the sea and the houses (over a private plot – agreement to cross has been made) continue towards Kutangen, follow the small roads and paths to the right up through the forest to the back of the Slemmestad factories / Norcem plot. In the small raod behind Circle K Slemmestad (Crossing Slemmestadveien / Rustadveien) – about 200 meters up the hill there are geological signs and fossils of squid and snails in the mountains. Continue down the main road, turn left and left again – follow Vaterlandsveien down to Slemmestad pier.

Slemmstad MEK is cultural center on the right hand side hosting many concerts, lectures and cultural events. The Cement Museum tells the story of cement extraction and life in Slemmestad. Trilobox is a geology center with exhibitions and is a dissemination arena for the teaching of Slemmestad's amazing geology and life in the sea 400 million years ago. Here you will find trilobites and other exciting fossils. In addition, you will find the nice bakery Plenum Café and the Kalk gallery and art workshop.

Possiblity to return by boat to Aker Brygge at the afternoon on weekdays (except from the holiday periods) – boat schedule.

Haukenestårnet i Rømskog

Start at Rømskog Spa & Resort, mark the path out from the hotel and they also have maps. The 12 meter high wooden building was built as a fire tower and used as such until 1975. The landowner took over the tower and maintained it for many years, until the municipality and then DNT Indre Østfold took over it.

Haukenestårnet is Norway's one of the few fire towers in wood and towers in the spruce forest. 

It is actually possible to spend the night, enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest, and the view all the way to Gaustatoppen on a clear autumn day. If there is fog, the atmosphere is magical and adventurous. (Another fire tower in the region is Hornkjøltårnet – which is located in Eidskog.) Haukenestårnet is an excellent weekend destination for families with children, or as a romantic place for couples.

There are few marked trails in the area, yet there are plenty of hiking opportunities to e.g. Ertevann, Eikestad and Kattebuheia. More trips can be found at www.dnt.no .

Have a nice trip!  

 

Information from Visit Greater Oslo 

The Pilgrim’s Route 1 – Moss – Son

Moss – Son 16 km

A visit to the Maria Chapel in the basement of the Arena Church and Culture Centre (give advance notice) will set you up for the day – and it starts with a hike through the beautiful Moss Woods. This is a relatively short day’s hike. One option is to spend the day in Son, a charming coastal village with many old wooden houses. Here there is also a Coastal Culture Centre, restaurants and shops. Alternatively you could enjoy some quiet hours at Solåsen Pilgrim’s Farm, with its lovely view of the Oslo Fjord.

 

Accommodation
Solåsen Pilgrim’s Farm, Falkeveien 19, 1555 Son, tel.: +47 474 83 032