|
Additional
Heart of Norway Info |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 Heart of Norway Home Page:
Click
Here
Why Choose Destination Wilderness For Your Europe Hiking
and Walking Tour?
Destination Wilderness for
years has offered two distinctly impressive Norway trips that highlight the
best of Europe hiking tours and Europe walking tours. The owner of Destination
Wilderness, Ken Streater, lived in Norway for a few summers and first starting
leading adventure trips in Norway in 1990. As a result of this experience,
Destination Wilderness created two trips that simply feature some of the best
outdoor settings and opportunities in the world. Whether our Heart of Norway
Trekking Adventure or the Island of the Midnight
Sun multi-activity getaway, we are confident you will find
these Europe hiking tours and walking tours to be absolutely stunning in terms
of scenery, solitude, and seamless logistics that focus on your ability to
revel in Norway's majesty.
We invite you to consider all that we
provide on this great country:
 It is Your Trip Not Ours. We have been running Europe hiking
and walking tours and other adventure trips for years and years and believe
that the best trip is the trip you desire. We provide a foundation of safety
and seamless logistics, and have a wealth of knowledge about Norway. From there
we create the trip you want, adjusting our style to your wants and needs rather
than asking you to fit into our agenda.
Smaller Group Size. Typically, our hiking tours
and walking tours in Norway are limited to 8 guests plus guides. We have the
ability to take more at select times during the season, but we generally prefer
to keep group sizes reasonable in order to maximize your wilderness and
cultural experience.
Guides That Live in Norway. As the result of working with
guides
throughout Norway before offering these trips as well as helping develop
Norwegian outfitting organizations that focus on professionalism and safety,
the directors of Destination Wilderness employ Norwegian guides that are
incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and talented. Clients who have taken these
Europe hiking and walking tours describe our guides as a highlight to their
experience.
 An Office Staff That Knows Norway and Can Answer Your
Questions With First-Hand Knowledge.
When you call to talk
about these trips you can chat with someone who has extensively travelled in
Norway and who understands that nuances with walking and hiking tours in
Europe. We feel that your knowledge and preparation are important to the
success of the trip and are fully prepared to help in all aspects of your
adventure vacation.
Return to Top
Hiking Difficulty
The
daily treks on the Heart of Norway adventure are typically eight to ten miles
in length, although exceptions to this may be made depending on weather and
ground conditions. While elevation changes can be significant, we have
generally structured this trip so that hikes with great elevation changes are
on days when we have fewer miles to cover. With that in mind, it is important
to note that this trip does demand exertion and coordination as we often hike
in areas with weak or no trails. And, with twenty hours or more of day light it
is not critical to jackrabbit through the mountains!
Return to Top
 Trip Outline
Meeting Time and Place: We meet
at the Otta train station at 8:00 p.m. the night before your trip. From there
we shuttle to a charming lodge at the trailhead, where we overnight. This
night's accommodations are included in your trip. At the pre-trip meeting this
evening your guide will answer questions, distribute maps and other provide
other information. Please have your pack ready upon arrival at Otta, any extra
luggage will be safely stored and brought to you at the end of the
trek.
The Otta Train Station is a small-town station located
approximately 3 hours north of the international airport at Gardermoen. Several
trains a day serve Otta from both Oslo and Gardermoen. In particular, a train
that leaves Gardermoen at 4:47 p.m. reaches Otta at 7:48 p.m. From Otta we will
drive to the edge of the Park where we will spend the night in a rustic,
comfortable mountain lodge.
Jotunheimen Trip
Overview
(Click here for the
Rondane Overview)
There are countless
highlights on this Europe hiking tour. First is the hike to Fanarokkan, the
highest peak in West Jotunheimen. This mountain often thrusts above cloud line,
affording views of other great peaks in the park.This night we stay at a
wonderfully refurbished weather station on the peak that has seen its share of
intense weather. Next, we trek down the mountain among stony crags with wild
flowers nestled in the rocks, snow fields, alpine meadows, and a glistening
alpine lake. We follow a rushing stream down to the edge of a hanging valley
where we first glimpse our destination, a rustic lodge nestled in the hillside
next to a cascading waterfall. We hike down below the tree line into a lush
forest from which that night's lodge appears like an oasis, with home brewed
beer beckoning deserving hikers.
The following days we hike through
enchanting valleys that feature glaciers hanging off ridges above and river
after river reaching canyon floors via plunging waterfalls. We trek along
ridges that drop precipitously into emerald lakes and meandering mountain
streams below. Each day provides immeasurable pleasure as dramatic scenery
appears around every corner and good company abounds. After emerging from the
park on day six we head east into the Heidal valley,a region of Norway famous
for its old farming practices and venerable buildings. Those needing to head on
board an evening train or bus.
Daily
Itinerary (Please note: This itinerary is very subject to
change depending on weather.)
Day One:
After a hearty breakfast, we begin
the hike from the western edge of Jotunheimen. We hike uphill approximately six
miles to Fannaråhytta, a lodge with basic amenities located high atop
Fannaraken peak (6800 feet), the tallest mountain in western Jotunheimen.
Although the miles covered are few, this is a challenging day of hiking. We
gain substantial elevation, walk across a glacier guided by a local expert, and
trek deep into the park. Fannaråhytta is famous for its above-the-clouds
panoramic views.
 Days Two and Three:
After
a leisurely morning and filling breakfast we embark on a predominantly downhill
seven-mile hike. This hike winds down among stoney crags. We descend into an
amazing valley basin where tributary rivers drop as terraced waterfalls and run
through unbelievable green meadows before merging and becoming the Stor Utla
river. The beauty of this place prompts us to pause often in order to soak it
all in. After stopping mid-trail for lunch we arrive at Skagadalsboen, a
remote, helicopter-served lodge that features panoramic views and its own home
brew. This venerable lodge is located in a rich alpine forest. We spend the
night comfortably settled in the heart of these Norwegian woods. We spend day
three in this area, and have a choice of several different day hikes to enjoy.
Or, you can simply relax in the rustic comfort of Skagadalsboen. We spend night
three here as well.
Day Four:
On day four we hike to Olavsbu, another
charming hut that is surrounded by lakes and glaciers. This hike, approximately
twelve miles long, wends its way along a beautiful green valley from which we
gradually ascend to a higher valley surrounded by hogback mountains. We hike
along lakes and and through rock formations in a starkly beautiful high alpine
landscape. Olavsbu is located virtually in the center of Jotunheimen and is
known for the solitude it offers to those who overnight here.
Day Five:
After
spending the night at Olavsbu we depart for the dramatic high mountain fjord
Bygdin. This day begins with a generally downhill hike of approximately nine
miles. We hike in the morning to Fondsbu where we enjoy lunch on the banks of
fingerlike Bygdin fjord. We then head south and east around Bygdin fjord, as
the trail passes an alpine lake, and climbs and traverses a ridge that offers
views of the fjord and beyond. This night we sleep at Yksendalsbu lodge with
panoramas of dramatic cliffs and alpine meadows.
Day Six:
Following a
leisurely breakfast we begin the hike out of the park. We leave Yksendalsbu and
hike past another beautiful lake. After the four hour hike we meet our shuttle
van at the east end of Bygdin and head east out of the park. On this drive we
stop at Ridderspranget, a spot on the powerful upper Sjoa river where the
canyon walls constrict to less than ten feet apart. From there we head to the
town of Heidal where we toast a great adventure and new friends, and enjoy a
Jotunheimen explorers celebration dinner. After dinner a shuttle will be ready
to return to the train station for the evening trip to your next Norwegian
destination, filled with memories of your classic Europe hiking tour.
Rondane Trip
Overview
Rondane is a beautiful mountain area. It is located in
the central southern part of Norway, and is divided into three different
mountain regions. Each portion of the park hosts peaks approximately 6,000 feet
high. Each of the mountain regions are connected by narrow steep escarpments.
The night we bus to the edge of the park and spend the night in a charming
mountain lodge. The trek begins with a longer hike to the beautiful
Grimsdalshytta lodge. From here we trek to the Doralseter region, an area of
expansive views and nice solitude. We then hike into the forest and visit
Bjornhollia.
After a night in the woods we hike into the alpine region
of the park, which hosts lakes and sharp hogback ridge mountains. We spend two
nights in this region before hiking out of the park and bussing back to Otta.
Unlike the accommodations in Jotunheimen, which are a mix "government"
sponsored and privately owned lodges, Rondane's overnight spots are primarily
privately owned. These places are charming, venerable, and full of Norwegian
culture.
Daily Itinerary (Please
note: This itinerary is very subject to change depending on
weather.)
Day One:
After a traditional Norwegian breakfast we leave the lodge Hjerkinn, where
we slept the previous night. We hike several hours, stopping many times to soak
in the view, eat lunch, etc., before arrive at Grimsdalshytta, a beautiful
lodge that sits just outside the park. This hike is filled with views of the
expansive Rondane. This lodge features delicious dinners that we enjoy in a
charming Norwegian setting.
Day Two:
After a relaxing breakfast we hike in alpine and
forested settings en route to the Doralseter region. This portion of the hike
may provide opportunities for viewing reindeer that for centuries have called
Rondane home. Interesting rock formations and colorful lichens pepper the
hillsides. We reach Doralseter late this afternoon and enjoy another great
night at a rustic lodge in an idyllic setting. Here we enjoy a nice hearty
dinner in a rustic lodge in the middle of Norwegian wilderness.
 Day Three:
This day features a rich forest and tranquil
waterways. We leave Doralseter early this day and head to Bjørnhollia.
This is a longer day of hiking as we weave our through a fir forest and down to
Bjornhollia. While previous days hiking time is from 6-8 hours, on this day we
may hike for up to nine hours! However, this is not a day with a lot of uphill
hiking. This night we relax in the tranquil setting and toast to the peace and
quiet of Rondane.
Days Four and Five:
After a well earned night's rest we
hike up into the alpine landscape again, and head to Rondvassbu, a high
mountain place with lakes and rugged peaks. This day's hike is shorter,
approximately 4-5 hours. We will stay in this dramatic region for two days. The
second day at Rondvassbu provides many options. We can either hike a peak (such
as Rondeslottet) or we can take the boat at Lake Ronde. This boat ride takes us
up to the end of the lake from where we can hike back to the lodge.
Day Six:
On our last day we hike primarily downhill to the friendly lodge at
Mysusseter. Here we enjoy a traditional Norwegian dinner late in the afternoon
and salute a great week of backpacking. After dinner we bus back to Otta, in
time for a night train back to Oslo. Rendezvous Information Pre-Trip Meeting
and Accommodations We meet at the Otta train station at 8:00 p.m. the night
before your trip. From there we shuttle to a charming lodge at the trailhead,
where we overnight. This night's accommodations are included in your trip. At
the pre-trip meeting this evening your guide will answer questions, distribute
maps and other provide other information. Please have your pack ready upon
arrival at Otta, any extra luggage will be safely stored and brought to you at
the end of the trek.
Return to Top
Getting
to Norway
Several major airlines fly from many different U.S.
cities to Gardermoen, Norway's new international airport. In addition, trains
from throughout Europe arrive daily in Oslo, from which there are several daily
northbound trains to our rendezvous. We are happy to help take care of all of
your pre- and post-trip transportation needs. We want to make your trip as
affordable and convenient as possible. To help with this, we have access to
special rates with certain airlines and may be able to find you the most
affordable flights to Norway.
By Air:
There
are regularly scheduled flights from the U.S. to Norway on several major
carriers, including American Airlines, SAS, Delta, British Air, and Icelandair.
The new international airport at Gardermoen is located approximately 30 miles
north of Oslo, and is served by taxi and express train. Destination Wilderness
is an agent for Icelandair.
By Train:
Trains from throughout Europe arrive several
times a day at the Oslo Sentrum and the Gardmoen International Airport train
stations, the two most common terminus for international trains arriving in
Norway. Oslo Sentrum is located in the heart of downtown, providing easy access
to the main walking streets sidewalk cafes and our rendezvous. From Oslo, you
will take a train north, approximately four hours, to the town of Otta.
Gardmoen is located approximately 45 minutes north of Oslo. Please contact our
office for schedules and fares.
Return to Top
Natural History
Certain
words best describe Norway: charming, wild, venerable, and pristine. Norway is
simply one of the best places on earth to visit. It is a country filled with
crystalline rivers, jagged sawtooth mountains, hanging glaciers, thick forests,
and friendly villages. For those seeking adventure in a sparsely populated,
wilderness-rich, and culturally kind country, we invite you to consider Norway.
The people of Scandinavia are known adventurers. From Leif Erickson
to Thor Heyerdahl, this region has long provided the world with cutting edge
explorers. Throughout Norway, this hardiness and zest for life is apparent.
Norwegians are notorious for spending time participating in a myriad of
adventure activities. Cross-country skiing, which was a Norwegian invention,
trekking, mountaineering, rafting, and other adventure sports rate high on the
list of activities that Norwegians enjoy. We believe that this is largely due
to the environment in which they live, an environment that serves as the
resource for one adventure after the next.
Today, Norwegians maintain
their country in a proud and dignified way. A strong socialist government
assures each Norwegian of lifelong health care and support after retirement.
Old ways of life, such as farming by hand, exist peacefully beside modern
conveniences and cosmopolitan pursuits. The country works to protect its
heritage. For example it is difficult for foreigners to purchase land. Yet, the
day-to-day friendliness and helpfulness of Norwegians is apparent to any
traveller with a troubled look on his or her face. Perhaps this balance of
protection and generosity is struck because Norwegians like to share their
natural places yet they know that keeping these places Norwegian will preserve
them for all future generations. Approximately 95% of Norway is mountain,
forest or farm land, resulting in a country that has endless vistas of
hillsides and valleys that are either free of development or feature the
occasional colorful farmhouse.
The largest tract of protected
wilderness and the tallest mountains of Norway are found in Jotunheimen
National Park. Jotunheimen, the "Home of the Giants", hosts virtually every
Norwegian mountain over 6,000 feet. However, it was the Norwegian mythology and
not the towering mountains that earned "Jotun (Giant) heimen (home)" its name.
Story has it that the biggest and baddest giants lived in this region while
humans and gods lived elsewhere. Most of the park’s terrain is glacially
carved valleys that sit an elevation of 2,500 to 5,000 feet. The peaks reach up
to just over 8,000 feet, with Galdhøpiggen (8100’) and Glittertind
(8,044’) being the tallest mountains in Scandinavia. Dozens of glaciers
pepper the high cliffs throughout Jotunheimen. The melt from these glaciers
results in the hundreds of emerald green streams and lakes that are found
throughout the park.
The wildlife in Jotunheimen and Rondane includes
rabbit, red fox, arctic fox, lynx, wolverine and various smaller animals (mice,
weasels, lemmings) as well as different birds such as sparrow and eagle.
Reindeer can also be found in Rondane and Jotunheimen. The historical
importance of reindeer is found throughout these parks, as different place
names include prefixes such as dyra (deer), simle (doe) and bukk (buck). Given
the phenomenal beauty, unique geography, and cultural importance of these great
places it is little wonder that they are now forever protected as national
parks. Norwegian’s propensity for outdoor activities such as hiking, and
the recency of Rondane and Jotunheimen’s designation as a national park
have led to the grandfathering and construction of mountain lodges that are
discreetly and conveniently located throughout the parks. Each lodge has its
own unique history. Some have served as remote weather stations, others as
wilderness survival cabins, and a few as upscale resort getaways that for
generations have passed down from one family member to the next. Some are
accessed by roads that end at the edge of Rondane and Jotunheimen while others
are found deep in a roadless area amid towering peaks and endless wilderness
vistas.
Return to
Top
 Norway / Europe Hiking Tour Additional
Information
Experience Required
The Heart of Norway trip is an ideal
adventure travel vacation for physically fit first-time and veteran
adventurers. The treks are generally moderate to strenuous in difficulty with
elevation changes appropriate to the number of miles walked. Some physical
fatigue is to be expected during the course of the trek. The minimum age for
this trip is 16.
Participant Fitness And Activity Levels
Destination
Wilderness trips are created with active, curious, go-with-the-flow, and
nature-loving adventurers in mind. Our Heart of Norway Trek is designed for
those with a zest for remote wilderness, moderate adventures and active
participation, and the creature comforts of mountain lodges. While you should
be fit and in good health for this trip, you need not be a honed athlete. We do
recommend that participants train for this trip by hiking and/or working out in
order to strengthen legs and backs. It is likely that you will be sore after
the first day due to the elevation gain and from carrying a pack. Participants
on this trip should be able to walk eight-plus miles a day carrying a twenty
pound backpack.
Weather
This trip, 200 miles north of Oslo, takes place
in the mountain country of central Norway and daytime temperatures can greatly
vary with highs in the 80's and lows in the 40's are possible, with even an
occasional day in the 30's. Nights temperatures range from the teens to 60
degrees. (Temperatures are given in Fahrenheit degrees) Rainfall is possible
and it can even snow, although snow is very rare in summer. It is important to
prepare for the possibility of inclement weather even though there is a greater
chance of warm, sunny days.
Equipment
Each
guest must bring a medium-sized backpack large enough to carry a lightweight
sleeping bag, insulating clothes such as wool or fleece sweaters, rain pants
and jacket, hat, extra wool socks, water bottle, and optional adventure items
such as binoculars, etc. High-quality, comfortable waterproof hiking boots are
required. A complete gear list will be sent to you in your trip confirmation
packet. Destination Wilderness provides all cooking gear, food, and
lodging.
Mountain Lodge Accommodations
Each night on the Heart of
Norway Trek we eat and sleep in remote, comfortable, cozy and clean mountain
lodges. The lodges vary in terms of size, meals, and sleeping configurations.
Some of the lodges are owned and operated by Norwegian touring associations and
others are privately run. Each cottage provides beds, fireplaces or stoves for
heat, meals, drying rooms, and communal visiting areas. Virtually all lodges
feature dorm style sleeping rooms.
 Meals and Beverages
As much as the isolation of
Jotunheimen and Rondane lodges allow we serve gourmet meals prepared with fresh
ingredients. We also provide a variety of beverages with our meals. Each meal
is tasty, filling and healthy, and fully Norwegian. As an example, breakfasts
are typically breads, cheeses, and meats with condiments. Lunches are
self-created sandwiches from a buffett after breakfast, and dinners tasty and
satisfying multi course presentations. Please let us know if you have special
dietary needs and we will plan accordingly. All meals are provided by
Destination Wilderness beginning with breakfast on the first day and ending
with a celebration dinner on the last day.
Charter Trips
We
are able and happy to offer special private charter trips for groups. For
groups of six or more we may be able to run trips on dates other than those
listed in this packet. Please contact our office for details.
Gratuities
It is
common to tip wilderness guides on adventure trips. It is not expected, but
always appreciated. If you are happy with your trip please let us and your
guide(s) know. Thanks!
Itinerary Changes
While we do everything possible to follow the itineraries in this packet
we may be forced to adjust trips due to reasons beyond our control. Therefore,
these itineraries are subject to change.
References
Many
of our past trip members have offered to speak with folks who are considering
our trips. We know we could blow our own horn until we are blue in the face
about the great time we feel you would have on our trips. So, we invite you to
contact us for a list of clients who have participated on Destination
Wilderness trips and we'll let them do the talking!
Destination Wilderness
Guides
The pride of our outfit, our guides bring a wealth of talent and
experience to each trip we run. Destination Wilderness guides have years and
years of experience leading trips in the U.S. and abroad. Each is licensed in
first-aid and CPR. Furthermore, they create an environment that fosters
camaraderie and positive experiences. Simply put, they care about what it is
that YOU want from YOUR TRIP and do everything possible to make that happen! We
are confident that you will find your guides to be one of the highlights of the
adventure.
Return to Top |
Heart of
Norway: Europe Hiking Tours and Europe Walking Tours Additional
Information
