Kategori: Tours

Walking with Alpacas

Alexandra Martinsen and Bjørn Brændshøi, two passionate alpaca breeders with more than 10 years experience. We breed alpacas for their luxurious wool and also for their mild, gentle presence which makes them perfect for human interaction. Alexandra is a teacher and she uses the alpacas in her work with children with extra needs. Bjørn is an engineer and focuses on breeding techniques and farm management. Our goal is to let people experience the wonderful alpaca up close and personal and we love seing sparkles in our visitors eyes when they do!

What we’ll do

You will be met by your host who will take you into the alpaca shed and into their field and let you meet the alpacas up close and personal. You will be taught what alpacas are, their origin, their history and of course why we have alpacas today and what we use them for. You will then help out by putting halter and leads on the alpacas, before each and one is given the responsibility for one of the alpacas for the rest of the activity, which takes approximately two hours in total. You will be able to pet the alpacas, take selfies and otherwise get a true and close connection with these very special creatures. We will then walk the alpacas on a scenic nature path in typical Norwegian landscape; fields, woods and hills – please wear clothes and footwear accordingly! We can adapt to visitor special needs. During the whole walk, your host will tell and talk about the alpacas adapted to your liking. We can arrange a typical Norwegian outdoor lunch on our camp site in the woods, using bondfire (if season). Contact us to plan such an outdoor lunch session accompanied by the alpacas! Contact us if your preferred date is not available when booking. Please note that we need to take the weather into account as this is an outdoor activity. If it is raining, it will not be fun for anyone (including the alpacas!).

What else you should know

Remember that the alpaca walk will be outdoors, in the nature. You will need to dress accordingly. Wear warm clothes if cold, especially gloves (you will be leading the alpaca) and hiking boots.

What to bring

Warm clothes (including gloves!) – if cold

Hiking boots or similar – if wet/snow

Water bottle – if hot

Welcome to us and our alpacas!

 

Member of Visit Greater Oslo 

 

 

Bikeride Vollen – Blakstad – Konglungen – Esvika

This bike ride follows the coastal path in Asker goes through varied terrain in forests, along fields and through charming residential areas out to the coastal gem Konglungen. We start at Vollen Marina and cycle along Slemmestadveien towards Holmen.

Hike around Øvredammen lake

Øvredammen is a local favorite for those who live in Drøbak and Frogn, this is a great lake where you can both swim and fish and spend the night at.

There are several entrances, but a popular starting point is at the Follo museum. Then you go up to Seiersten redoubt built 1898–1900 and further into the forest where there is a sign for Øvredammen. You can follow the path around the pond or walk a longer round "Seierstenmarka round".

The trip called "Seierstenmarka round" is 5.5 kilometers and defined as an easy hike.

Large parts of the path are also adapted for wheelchair users. This tour goes past the dammed ponds Kvernerdammen and Øvredammen. These were formerly Drøbak's water sources. Now the Kverner dam serves as an irrigation system for the golf course and a water reservoir for the DFI ski group's snow production. Øvredammen offers trout fishing in both summer and winter, as well as skating activities in winter. If you are going fishing, you can buy a fishing license at Sporten, Drøbak City. You continue between Gylteåsen cottage field and Øvredammen. Before you get to Høiås and Heer, you see the Speiderhytta on Harafjellet. The mountain is Seierstenmarka's highest point with its 151 m. You continue east until you hit the light trail at Brakadalen. Follow the light trail southwards. After three hundred meters you are in the artificial snow route of the DFI ski group. The entire pipe system is buried, so that it does not interfere visually.

To end the tour, continue south until you see the Follo museum again.

Seierstenmarka is full of hikers, trimmers and cyclists.

The forest is Frogn's most important local hiking area.

Coastal hike: Skiphelle beach to Ramme farm

Start the day with a swim at the family-friendly, shallow beach at Skiphelle before embarking on a family adventure along the coastal path to Edvard Munch's universe at Ramme. The trip, which takes about an hour and a half one way, is filled with both exciting history and beautiful nature experiences.

Bring a hammock and take a break at the secluded Kjeppestadbukta beach and set aside plenty of time to explore the cultural destination Ramme Gård, which includes a visitor farm, farm shop, café, and art museum.

On the way back, you can choose a different route that goes through a beautiful forest landscape.

Fjord and forest in one day!

Hiking facts:

How to get there: By car/bike to Skiphelle beach, south of Drøbak.

Hike length: 10 kilometers round trip

Local tip: Along the coastal path, several interesting information signs have been put up, including about the German cargo ship DS Donau. In 2024, there will also be a "pole hunt" along the coastal path, which can be a fun motivation for children.

Hvalstjern rundt

There are two route options: one is 9.4 km long and the shorter one is 7.9 km. The longer route is marked in green on the signs, and the shorter one is marked in red. On the signs, the routes are described as 10 km and 8 km respectively. This description covers the longer route. The shorter route is a good alternative if you prefer walking mostly on roads (a little bit easier hike)

From the Hvalstjern parking lot, the hike passes Hvalstjern beach and continues along a road for about 1.5 km. Then, turn right onto a trail—it is well signposted. Abbortjern is a picturesque pond along the trail. Near Tretysjøhytta, there is a small lean-to shelter. It is recommended to take a break here as the view over Breidsjøen and the surrounding area is beautiful.

Please note that about halfway through the hike, there is a short section where logging has taken place. It may be difficult to spot the trail here. If you are unsure of the path, it’s a good idea to use the GPS track available in the Ti på topp app to ensure you stay on the right trail.

The route goes through open forest and along the edges of marshlands. There are many wooden walkways (klopper) laid out to improve accessibility.

Kjærringtjern lies right next to the trail, as well as an old timber cabin named Skogheim. The trail then continues over Poståsen and back to Hvalstjern parking.

This is a varied and scenic loop with some sections involving steep climbs.

More hikes and information can be found on the website of Bedriftsidretten, who provided this hiking suggestion.

Fossils in Slemmestad

Octopuses, trilobites and 900 million years of history

Slemmestad is located in the middle of the Oslo field and is a treasure trove for anyone interested in rock and fossils. In the middle of Slemmestad you can see the history of geology from bedrock to volcanic rocks. The "team package" we see here is in the correct order with the oldest at the bottom and the newest at the top. This is especially because elsewhere the layers are folded or worn away.

The giant Oslo field stretches from Langesund in the south to Lake Mjøsa in the north and tells the earth's history through 900 million years. Here you see countless types of rocks, minerals and remains of prehistoric animals. The reason for this is that the entire Oslo field sank several hundred meters into a grave, while the surrounding areas were worn down to the bedrock by ice age, erosion and the ravages of time.

Fossil hunting

The fossils can be seen all over Slemmestad. It's just a matter of knowing what to look for! Learn more at our signposted geology locations. The Geology Center has made guide booklets with maps that supplement the information signs you find along the way. This can be downloaded from the Geology Center or viewed digitally at www.geologisenteret.no

It is first and foremost the exciting geology that exists, but we also recommend taking a trip into the Geology Center's Trilobox to look at exhibitions of the area's fossils, rocks and minerals.

The fossils are from the time periods Cambrian, Ordovician and Silurian, from 540 to 420 million years ago. At that time, Slemmestad's seabed was in a relatively shallow sea. Animals and plants abounded here. Some are similar to those we know today, while others look completely foreign. You will find both graptolites, trilobites and spectacular octopuses.

Slemmestad is facing major changes in the future and will be developed from an industrial site to a vibrant coastal town. This is probably the largest site development project in the inner Oslofjord. Make your visit to Odden. A recreation area where you can swim, fish and eat your packed lunch while enjoying the fantastic view all the way to Oslo.

The coastal path to Vollen

After an exciting fossil hunt in Slemmestad, we recommend that you follow the marked coastal path north towards the idyllic town of Vollen. The coastal path takes you past several blue flag beaches, fossil points and through pleasant buildings and is accessible to all.

Vollen is characterized as the best-preserved beach resort in the inner Oslofjord. Here you will find several nice shops, galleries, restaurants, the Oslofjord Museum, Vollen Marina with activities such as diving and jet skis. Nice beach with frisbee golf and reuse library. There is a fast boat between Aker Brygge / Drøbak and Vollen and Slemmestad.

Access:

The summer boat B22 / B21 from Aker Brygge / Son during the school holidays and weekends during the summer. For timetables check www.ruter.no

Bus to Slemmestad. Disembarkation at Toern. www.ruter.no

Free parking at Slemmestad Commuter parking on Vaterlandsveien.

Chill out in nostalgic Holmsbu

«Chill out in nostalgic Holmsbu»

Holmsbu and Hurum have attracted bathing summer guests and famous painters since the 1870s and are today a favorite holiday resort with whitewashed houses.

Holmsbu village

From the early 18th century, Holmsbu has been a center for shipping and trade. Towards the end of the 19th century, steamships arrived daily with bathers, and in the 20th century, Holmsbu housed Norway's largest and most stable artist colony. Today, lively Holmsbu offers a variety of experiences and is the starting point for trips of many kinds. A perfect starting point for weekend trips and day trips where you can experience delicious food with views of the harbor, concerts, art, exploring the coastal path and walking in the primeval forest.

Find peace in the sunset breeze. At the floating sauna you can enjoy the revitalizing combination of steaming sauna and refreshing sea bath all year round! And Badehotellet provides a good bed and tasty meals.

The artist colony

The unique light and landscape at the southern tip of Hurum has been immortalized by many artists. It all started with Oluf Wold-Thorne renting a room in Holmsbustøa. His friend Henrik Sørensen came to visit in 1913, enjoyed himself so much and then lived in Holmsbu almost every summer for the rest of his life with several renowned painters, referred to as "the Holmsbu Painters". They painted beautiful decorations in Holmsbu church in the 1950s and 1960s.

Holmsbu Picture Gallery with Henrik Sørensen's collections is nicely located in nature in Støa. The building itself was built by people from Holmsbu in large stones of Hurum granite that have been found in ura on the site. The building's location and shape harmonize with the surrounding landscape and the art that was created there. It is open from June to September and Hurum art group also holds summer exhibitions in the small houses at the bottom of the road. Parking for car.

Medevial grave and early settlement

The country's oldest Medieval Grave can be found by continuing the road towards Rødtangen – at the top of the hill after the «spa hotel» you can see the sign for the Bronze Age tombs. A dolmen tomb is a tomb from the Neolithic (4500 – 1800 BC). The tomb is made up of large, standing stones that have formed the walls of a burial chamber. Above these has been a large stone that has served as a roof. Next to it are also burial mounds from the Bronze Age. In the older Bronze Age, the dead were placed in the coffin fully clothed and with various objects.

«Norway's most beautiful rainforest» in Holtnesdalen.

Holtnesdalen nature reserve is especially beautiful in the spring carpeted with whiteweed. Here is unique primeval forest, deciduous forest and carpets of wildflowers. Nature is magical with a deep and lush ravine, high sharp rock walls, narrow paths, and wild and beautiful rainforest. The stream divides the valley into two parts and creates deep, dark valley depressions – with ferns and deciduous forest in the valley bottoms, and more coniferous forest at the height between them. You can start the trip from the Picture Gallery which is the shortest and easiest, or the more demanding route by following the road further towards Rødtangen, take Holtnesveien. Follow to Holtnes and turn right and follow along the fields inwards to the large wide oak. Follow the signs to Holtnesdalen nature reserve. This stretch leads to steep and rugged sections that can be avoided by starting at the image gallery.

Local taste experiences

Hurum is home to farms known for their good products. Many sell goods straight from the farm in season. In Holmsbu you can get the farmer's vegetables from Bergsmyrene Gård, the steak from Biffgården or Grønnsletta and edible flowers and cut flowers at FioriBlomster.

Sand Gård, at the descent to Holmsbu, sells fresh bread and buns from the farm bakery all year round. To the delight of the children, you can also visit the animals in the summer.

Dagstur i Follo – kyststi og kulturvandring i Hvitsten

Welcome to a day trip in Follo from Ramme Fjordhotell.

Ramme farm by Hvitsten is a cultural destination that must be experienced! 40 minutes by car from Oslo is not only the magnificent garden in Havlystparken with sculptures, fountains, and walkways, but also the brand new Ramme Fjordhotell. Own organic farm products tempt in the café and restaurant – and invite to long lunches throughout the spring and summer.

The new cultural trail "In Munch's footsteps" attracts many curious, or how about seeing Edvard Munch's home that opens by the sea in 2021? The picture gallery has his works on the walls together with art by Christian Krohg, Frits Thaulow and Theodor Kittelsen.

From Ramme it is a short walk to picturesque Hvitsten.

After 1.5 km on the coastal path, you will discover 37 interesting galleon figures from the shipping company Fred Olsen Lines around the terrain. Maybe you find everyone, or just take a fun selfie?

Then you can continue on the coastal path to Son Spa. The 18 kilometers go in nice and varied terrain – with magnificent views of the Oslo Fjord. Stairs and sherpas make the steepest mountain slopes easily accessible.

Well ahead, it is wellness and wonderful spa treatments that apply.

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.