If you are looking for somewhere completely new to take your summer holiday, but don’t want to have to travel to the other side of the world, Norway is a great destination for families, couples and young people, and only a short flight from the UK. Although many people only think of it as a winter holiday destination, Norway has a lot more to offer. It’s not just scenery, either – although the forested mountains and fjords are truly spectacular!
The Hafjell area, surrounding the town of Lillehammer, is an up and coming all year-round resort, even though it is still known primarily for its excellent skiing. Accommodation is available in hotels – including the historic Rica Victoria Hotel right in the centre of Lillehammer – guesthouses, or apartments, such as the brand new Pellestova complex in the Hafjell plateau; but if you prefer, there is also an excellent campsite at Hunderfossen.
One of the area’s most popular family attractions is the Hunderfossen Family Park, which is a mixture of fun, fitness and education. Children can learn about Norwegian culture and folklore and meet the world’s tallest troll, explore the magical castle or splash about in the water playground. Meanwhile, the rest of the family can enjoy one of the park’s fifty rides. There is also a heated outdoor swimming pool, an artificial river where one can experience white water rafting in a safe environment, and a treetop climbing area, with rope courses in various degrees of difficulty.
Another fun place to visit with younger children is Lilleputthammer. The prime attraction here is a miniaturised replica of Storgata (Lillehammer’s main street) as it was in the 1930s, with different activities in each “house”; but there are also fairground rides, a trampoline park and a climbing tower and obstacle course.
A great place for all the family on hot summer days is the Jorekstad swimming centre in Lillehammer: a complex of five indoor and outdoor swimming pools with a diving area, warm “bubble” pool, climbing wall, water slide and a sunbathing deck.
For those in search of a little culture, there are several museums that are worth a visit. Maihaugen Folk Museum, for example, is the largest open-air museum in Europe, with 185 buildings portraying traditional rural life in the region, including displays of farming techniques and handicrafts. The Lillehammer Art Museum is almost as notable for its striking architecture as for its paintings – which include works by Edvard Munch as well as contemporary local artists. There are also numerous small, specialized museums around the area which include one dedicated to the history of the Norwegian postal service, and another to rock blasting! For sports fans, a visit to the Olympic Museum is a must, as it represents the entire history of the Olympic Games.
For those of a more energetic bent, there is hill walking, white water rafting, mountain biking, quad-biking, climbing and roller-skiing; or, for a real adrenalin rush, there is the ‘Wheelbob’ at Hunderfossen’s Bob & Luge Track: a ‘dry’ bobsleigh run that reaches speeds of up to 100 km per hour!