Activities in Central Norway
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Skibladner
Skibladner, the world’s oldest paddle steamer, is a wonderfully relaxing way to explore lake Mjøsa. First built in Sweden in 1856, the boat was refitted and lengthened to 165ft (50m) in 1888. From late June until mid-August, the Skibladner plies the lake between Hamar, Gjøvik and Lillehammer. Most travellers opt for the route between Hamar and Lillehammer (one way/return Nkr220/320, 3½ hours) on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, which can be done as a return day trip (from Hamar only, Nkr320). Jazz evenings aboard the steamer cost Nkr450, including food (but not drinks).
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Hiking, Blåisen Glacier
Finse is the starting point for some exceptional treks, including the popular four-hour trek to the Blåisen glacier tip of Hardangerjøkulen; some Norwegians-in-the-know claim this to be the most spectacular glacier walk in the country. Adding interest to your hike, remember that the planet Hof in the Empire Strikes Back was filmed around the glacier. It's also possible to walk around the glacier and down to Vøringfoss.
The wonderful three- or four-day Finse-Aurland trek follows Aurlandsdalen down to Aurlandsfjorden and has a series of DNT and private mountain huts a day's walk apart.
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Olympic Bobsled Run
In Hunderfossen, you can career down the Olympic Bobsled Run aboard a wheelbob under the guidance of a professional bobsled pilot. Wheel bobs take five passengers and hit a top speed of 100km/h. The real thing, taxibobs, take four passengers, reach an exhilarating 130km/h and you won’t have much time to get nervous – you’re down the mountain in 70 seconds. Bookings are advisable during winter.
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M/S Fæmund II
The historic ferry M/S Fæmund II is more than a century old and sails daily between mid-June and late August from Synnervika (also spelt Søndervika), on the northern shore of lake Femunden, to Elgå (six hours return). At the height of summer, the boat sometimes continues on to Buvika and even Femundsenden, at the lake's southern tip. A timetable is available from Røros tourist office.
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Galdhøpiggen Summer Ski Centre
Juvvashytta hut serves as the gateway to this ski centre, at 1850m on the icy heights of Norway’s highest mountain. From Galdesand on the Rv55, follow the Galdhøpiggen road (Nkr70 toll) to its end at 1841m. The main season runs from June to mid-November. Apart from the skiing opportunities, this road takes you to the highest point reachable by road in Norway.
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Snow Sports, Hovden, Stølen & Vangslia Slopes
The three-part Oppdal Skisenter climbs the slopes from Hovden, Stølen and Vangslia, all within easy reach of town. The smaller Ådalen ski area nearby has two lifts. Vangslia is generally the easiest, with a couple of beginners' runs, while Stølen offers intermediate skiing and Hovden has three challenging advanced runs. The season runs from late November to late April.
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Geilo Aktiv
Geilo Aktiv offers glacier trekking on Hardangerjøkulen (1862m) three times a week from July to mid-September. The standard 10-hour tour (including train to and from Finse) costs Nkr650 per person. The company also offers a variety of rafting tours, riverboarding and a two-hour moose safari that occurs once a week.
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Opplev Oppdal
The wild and white Driva promises excellent rafting runs from May to October. The outdoor adventure company Opplev Oppdal organises trips, from the relatively tame Class I-II family trips to full-day Class III-IV trips that provide substantial thrills. Prices range from Nkr590 to Nkr830 per person per day.
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Lomseggi Hiking Trail
Although the serious trekking takes place in neighbouring Jotunheimen National Park, there are several hiking trails closer to town. A popular route is the 3km return loop up Lomseggi (1289m) to the century-old stone cottage called Smithbue, with some excellent views of Ottadalen and Bøverdalen en route.
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Finse 1222
To rent bikes (Nkr420 to Nkr820 depending on the date and type of bike) ready for the Rallarvegen challenge, contact Finse 1222; bikes must be booked before arriving in Finse due to high demand in summer and prices include the return bike transportation fee on the train.
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Tourist Office
Jotunheimen's hiking possibilities are practically endless and all are spectacular. The best maps are Statens Kartverk's Jotunheimen Aust and Jotunheimen Vest (1:50,000). The Tourist Office in Lom can offer advice, route descriptions and guided hikes through the park.
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Walter Brandsegg Hang-gliding
To get an aerial view of scenic Central Norway, a tandem hang-glide could be just what you need. To find out more, contact Walter Brandsegg; costs start from around Nkr550 per person.
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Ski Simulator
To experience the men’s downhill race (and the Olympic bobsledding course) without putting your life at risk, try the nerve-jangling simulator at the bottom of the jump.
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Oppdal Safaris
To see the decidedly prehistoric musk ox, take one of the five- to six-hour safaris organised by Oppdal Booking.
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Skjåk Rafting
For an adrenaline rush contact Skjåk Rafting; its base is in Skjåk, 18km upstream from Lom along Rv15.
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Naturopplevingar
For something a touch more energetic, contact Naturopplevingar, which can organise ski tours and climbing.
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Ottadalen Billag Buses
From mid-June to late August, Ottadalen Billag Buses run between Otta & Sogndal via Sognefjellet Road.
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Villmarken Kaller
Whitewater rafting outfit about 20km upstream from Sjoa along Rv257.
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Sjoa Rafting
Whitewater rafting outfit some 7.5km upstream from Sjoa along Rv257.
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Sjoa Rafting Senter Nwr
Whitewater rafting outfit about 3km upstream from Sjoa along Rv257.
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