Norway - the story

day 1: oslo - brumunddal

The Norwegian constitution

We travel northwards to the Hamar region approx. 1 hour from the airport. Our first stop is after just a few minutes, at the Eidsvoll Manor. Guided tour. The year 1814 is the most dramatic year in Norwegian history. From being part of an autocracy with a capital in Copenhagen, Norway was an independent state for a few months in the summer, then entering a political union with Sweden before the year was over. Despite war, the events of 1814 created lasting peace and stability in the Nordic countries and internal self-government in Norway. The most important document that ensured Norwegian independence and democratic development was the constitution “grunnloven” that was created at Eidsvoll.

 We stay at Wood Hotel by Frich’s. Dinner at det hotel.

day 2: Hamar

The Hamar region on the shores of lake Mjøsa

In Hamar we visit Domkirkeodden and the Norwegian Railway Museum. Both museums tell an important part of Norwegian history. At Domkirkeodden the ruins of the medieval cathedral and the Bishops palace remind us of a bygone era where Hamar was an important meeting place. Today, both buildings have unique architecture that has created a new life and new function. Guided tour of the museum. Those who went to Mass in the cathedral in Hamarkaupangen in the Middle Ages were greeted by Gregorian chant. This experience is recreated and is an unforgettable experience if you ask for a tour where music-trained guides tell the history of the place. Just a few minutes’ walk along the shores of lake Mjøsa, you reach the Norwegian railway museum, giving you the history of Norwegian railways in Norway and its role in the development of the Norwegian society. Exciting exhibitions and large outdoor area. Dinner in the hotel in the evening. 

Day 3: brumunddal - Lillehammer - Hundorp

The viking era

A beautiful morning drive alongside Lake Mjøsa, to the city of Lillehammer. We visit Maihaugen, Norway's largest open-air museum outside of Oslo. Further up Gudbrandsdalen in scenic surroundings, we stop at Ringebu Stave Church which rests like a cultural gem in the hillside, in one of Gudbrandsdalen's finest cultural heritage areas. Ringebu Stave Church is from the 13th century and is one of the largest of the 28 remaining stave churches in Norway. Dinner and overnight at historic Dale-Gudbrand farm. We get an insight into the farm's history. Since Viking times, this has been a gathering place for powerful meetings and major events. The first major meeting on the farm took place in the year 1021 and was between St. Olav and the farm owner Dale-Gudbrand. The meeting is described in Heimskringla by Snorre Sturlasson and ended with “Torsbildet” being shattered, and the introduction of Christianity started in Gudbrandsdalen. In 2021, it is the 1000th anniversary of this battle.

Day 4: Hundorp - Rondane - Folldal - Dovrefjell

Norwegian treasures

We spend the day in the mountain areas. We drive through Rondane on the beautiful  National Scenic Route. We travel through well-preserved cultural landscape that tells the story of human settlement in barren areas since the Stone Age. In 1962, Rondane was the first national park to be established in Norway. Thus, the roads in the mountains became important for more than ranching, agriculture, and transportation. We stop at the  Sohlberg-viewpoint by Atnsjøen. The atmosphere in Harald Sohlberg's famous painting "Winter-night in the Mountains" from 1914 is magical. The architect wanted to recreate this atmosphere, and from the viewpoint you see the view towards Rondane from the same angle as in the painting. We stop at Folldal Mines and get a unique insight into Norway's most important technical industrial cultural monuments, with about 70 well-preserved buildings. The mining industry here was in operation from 1748 to 1993 and supplied copper, zinc and sulphur. Kongsvold Fjeldstue is our accommodation for the night. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 5: Dovrefjell - Dombås - Valdresflye - Fagernes - Vaset in Valdres

The mountains

You wake up to a beautiful view of Dovrefjell's mighty mountain massif. Maybe you are lucky and get to experience the musk ox? The trip goes from Kongsvold and south to Valdres.

We stop at Hjerkinn to do a short walk for about 20 minutes to the Viewpoint Snøhetta which gives a specatcular view of the Dovrefjell massif.  The walk is quite easy on gravel road.  We might spot the majestic musk ox here also. 

We drive the national tourist route Valdresflye and get a powerful view of Jotunheimen's wild mountain peaks. Lunch on unique Flye 1389. At Fagernes we visit Valdres Folk Museum. Guided tour of the open-air museum and the exhibitions on national costumes and folk music. Overnight stay and dinner at Gomobu Fjellstue.
 

Day 6: Valdres - Kapp- Hadeland

Our history

From Valdres, we continue to Kapp and Hadeland. We visit Mjøsa's Ark in the old Milk Factory and take part in journey through 8000 years. Did you know that Stone Age people hunted moose along the beaches? That Vikings sailed on Lake Mjøsa, and that smuggling of alcohol on Lake Mjøsa was carried out on a large scale? In addition, we get the story of Dr. Sopp and the production of Viking Milk.

At Hadeland we spend the night at Granavolden Gjæstgiveri which is located on a hill in idyllic historical landscape. The nearest neighbour to the hotel is the Sister Churches, and we get to hear this exciting story before we sit down for a delicious dinner.

Day 7: Hadeland - Ringerike - Hadeland

Today's historical excursion follows in the footsteps of St. Olav. We visit Bønsnes church in Røyse, a medieval church, with a monument in memory of St. Olav. Some believe he grew up here on Bønsnes, while others believe it was on Stein farm a few kms away, which is also a historically interesting site for us to visit. We also visit  Norderhov old rectory, and the Ringerikes Museum with various exhibitions. Norderhov, or the old Njardarhov, the court of the god Njord, the pagan and Christian Middle Ages meet. Norderhov is one of several examples of a church being built near the old place of worship. It is estimated that Norderhov church was built at the end of the 12th century.

We round off the day with lunch and a visit to Kistefos museum with its famous sculpture park. Here you find the "must- see " attraction "THE TWIST" containing three galleries. 

Day 8: Hadeland - Oslo airport

Lasting memories

You wake up refreshed and joyful after days with memorable experiences. From Granavolden Gjæstgiveri it is just a short drive to Oslo Airport Gardermoen for the return travel to your country.