At the very top of Oslo towers the new Holmenkollen Ski Jump, the world’s most modern ski jump. It is an imposing architectural monument of steel and concrete, and one of the first designer ski jumps ever to be built. And as of recently, the Ski Jump hooked up with Airbnb to offer you a rather quaint and unusual accommodation on your next visit to the capital of Scandi cool, Oslo.
Continue reading → Room with a view in Oslo – book with Airbnb
They say “There’s An App For Everything”. And if that’s not the case, a new app will quickly appear. In this case, it’s an app for the Northern Lights. NorwayLights is the brand new mobile app that shows the way to the northern lights.
Continue reading → There’s an app for everything -even one for the Northern Lights
In Norway skiing is a way of living. Come November and most Norwegians will head off to the mountains as soon as it’s Friday. There are several large ski resorts, many which are located close to the capital Oslo. But there’s more to do than than skiing. Choose from dog sledging, snowmobile safari, ice fishing, horse back riding and sleigh rides. That is if you have time after being busy in the SPA or enjoying long lunches, sampling specialities from the Nordic cuisine in the restaurant or just lounged in front of a crackling fireplace with a good book.
If you’re planning on visiting and considering Skiing in Norway -then ask us! We’d me more than happy to share our knowledge and experience. The image above is from Desitination Beitostølen, a small and cozy resort on the edge of the Jotunheimen National Park and Mountain Area. With ski slopes, endless of cross country ski tracks and only a short car journey away from great shopping facilities in Lillehammer. There’s something for everyone.
Herangtunet Boutique Hotel, a hidden gem in the deep forest of Norway, is a family-run design hotel only 2 hours and 45 min drive from Oslo Airport. Herangtunet is surrounded by picturesque forests and lakes, that guests may enjoy, having the stunning wilderness and changes of each season on your doorstep. When you need to retreat from your Norwegian adventure, the stylish hotel, surprisingly boldly decorated, offers a luxurious accommodation.
The traditional Norwegian timber house has been decorated in a most contemporary style. Each room is designed in a unique style inspired by various cities and countries from around the world.
With a popular and cosy hotel restaurant with a wood-burning stove, serving Nordic fusion cuisine, you are set for a unforgettable stay. Oh… Did I mention they have a Finish sauna and a hot tub? Other active you may try includes fishing, hiking and canoeing. Or just read a book and enjoy the fresh air.
See more (like the less exciting bits like room rates etc…) at herangtunet.com
As the winter season in Norway is at its peak, with lots of snow combined with glorious sunshine, I’m off for the weekend.
Located only 1h 30m from Oslo, Norefjell offers a ski circus of 13 lifts and 24 slopes for all levels. Norefjell SPA and Resort is a Ski in Ski out hotel, situated in the sunny part of the mountain. The hotel serves food and drink in the lobby, in the pizzeria and in the a’la carte restaurant. Of activities, when not enjoying the stunning nature, the hotel has a gym, swimming pool and a 16 meter tall climbing wall.
There’s also a SPA, where you may book a treatment or simply enjoy the outdoor jacuzzi -with a glass of prosecco in hand.
Norwegian airlines with prices from £39 one way. Prices and booking at norefjellsparesort.no
When all you’re longing for is the simple life; Unspoiled nature, fresh mountain air and a cozy cabin to take shelter in.
© Photo: Sverre F. Hjørnevik Photography
Norway has deep dark fjords surrounded by white mountain peaks stretching up to the light green northern lights flickering over the dark winter skye. I’s snow storms, it’s arctic wind and freezing temperatures followed by amazing sunshine. It’s nature and it’s the sort of nature that makes you feel alive.
Where to stay? Here’s a quick guide on websites, offering cabins for rent in Norway
visitnorway.com
fjordnorway.com
finn.no
Norwegian adoration of nature is a vital ingredient in the country’s national identity. Over half of the population have ready access to a cabin, the schools arrange annual obligatory ski days, and most postcards produced by the tourist industry depict nature scenes rather than cultural attractions. See the full article about Norwegians and Nature here.
In the last few years, Ski and Sail has become increasingly popular. Sail from place to place on the fjord and explore the mountains on each side of the fjord. And stay at places like the Sagafjord Hotel, situated by the fjord in one of the most spectacular mountain areas in Norway, the Sunnmore Alps. The extraordinary fjord and mountain area makes the perfect frame for a variety of activities and a once in a lifetime unique experience of the nature of the North.
© Visit Norway
About Skiing in Fjord Norway
Suitable for experienced skiers, you’ll climb the mountain with a guide, enjoy the view on the top before skiing off piste down hill, straight toward the boat and the deep blue fjord. Find out more on fjordnorway.no ski and sail
© Sagafjord Hotel in Hjørundfjorden. Fjord Norway Photo: Sverre F. Hjørnevik Photography
About Sagafjord Hotel
Sagafjord Hotel welcomed guests the first week of July 2012, after a extensive restoration and refurbishment program. The hotel now consists of 34 rooms with up to 74 beds. In addition, the hotel offers a self catering Norwegian cabin sleeping 6. The old wooden walls that are found in parts of the building are more than 200 years old, adding a lot of history to the place.
Enjoy the amazing view from our restaurant, treat yourself to some refreshments from the bar after a long and active day, or chill out by the fireplace in our lounge area.
sagafjordhotel.no
How to get there
The hotel is situated 1 hour and 40 minutes car journey from Ålesund Airport, with direct flights from cities like Copenhagen and London. The city of Ålesund is known for its architecture in Art Nouveau style, its surrounding fjords and the high peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps. Visit Norway How to get there
The house is beautifully situated on the top of a hill overlooking the ocean and the horizon. The design of the house allows a close interaction with the surrounding nature and the beautiful scenery, giving the feeling of being outdoor when inside.
The use of wooden materials that will gradually develop a grey patina allows the contemporary design house to interact and naturally blend in with the colours of the surrounding landscape.
Summerhouse Inside Out Hvaler / Reiulf Ramstad Architects Photographs: Reiulf Ramstad Architects, Kim Müller and Roberto Di Trani.
Norway’s biggest summer ski centre at Stryn is situated near the famous Jostedalsbreen Glacier. Usually Spring means end of the skiing season, but there are high-altitude resorts in Norway where you can have fun on snow all summer long. Start skiing early in the day for a good few hours of skiing, before the sunshine softens the snow, and it’s time for a cold drink and some sunbathing in bikini! Cool skiwear from the Cocktail collection of Moods Of Norway is the perfect attire when heading up North for your potentially most exotic skitrip so far. Visit strynsommerski.com
© Moods of Norway
As this looks like to become another wet summer I thought I ought to share a ray of sunshine in form of a waterproof range of colourful clothes with you. Awarded Good Design Award from the Norwegian Design Council the company from the west coast of Norway, Blæst by Lillebøe includes a variety of good looking raincoats, hats, wellington boots, umbrellas and also a knit wear range for women. Blæst is produced in the highest quality and according to EU`s environmental standards. They are all lined, comes with a hood and the seams are welded.
Blæst is a Norwegian expression used by seamen and means in fact strong wind, indicating that this is clothing that you’ll enjoy the great outdoors in. The designer behind the brand Lisbeth Lillebøe is from the beautiful coastal town Bergen, known for it’s fish market serving as not only an important trading platform but it’s also a popular tourist attraction. Bergen is a picturesque and stunningly beautiful small city with it’s traditional markets and it’s colourful wooden houses along the waterfront called Bryggen. But it rains in Bergen. In average 213 rain days a year, so in other words a very appropriate location for the brand. When in Norway, Britain’s own two style gurus Trinny and Susannah chose to wear coats by Lilleboe.
@ By Lilleboe
Growing up in Norway you’re always told by your parents “There no bad weather, just bad clothes.”
Blæst By Lillebøe is avilable from Norsk Flid Husfliden in Norway in addition to a few international shops. Come rain come shine!
Useful Links
Blæst by Lillebøe
Norsk Flid Husfliden
Visit Norway Bergen