Scan Magazine

Norway may be best known by ski-enthusiasts for its majestic snow-covered peaks, but under the summer sun the frosty cliffs turn up the charm and melt away, not only most of the snow, but any doubt about Norway’s qualities outside the skiing season as well.

One way of exploring this is through the small travel organiser Fjellferie (mountain vacation), which offers active vacations that will both give you a unique experience and a workout to bring you into shape for the rest of the year.

Trekking through the mountains

Fjellferie, which was set up by owner Knut Koren in 1982, simply specialises in safe ways to enjoy Southern Norway’s nature, be it in the summer or winter, on bicycles, foot, skis or in a car. Some of the most popular tours are the guided trekking tours in the areas of Hallingdal and Jotunheimen. “What is unique about this kind of vacation is that it brings people closer to nature but in a safe way and with comfortable accommodation,” says Koren. “Our two main hiking tours are Hallingdal, which is the most popular, and Jotunheimen which is the largest mountain area in Norway.”

During the walks, the hikers can enjoy impressive landscapes, mostly above tree level, while their luggage gets a lift to the next destination, a comfortable hotel. “The area we go through has a lot of small lakes and old summer farms spread out. It is very charming,” says Koren.

The treks both last a week but are also available in shorter bits to fit any vacation length – and fitness level. For the ones who are really eager to get those legs moving, the Hallingdal route can be extended by an extra three days which will bring you to Sognefjorden and enable you to enjoy the particularly beautiful scenery at Norway’s Fjords. And if ten days are not enough, of course you can always add more. “I had one German lady from Berlin at 76, she did both routes in two weeks, but of course some people are more fit than others,” says Koren.

Most participants on the tours are a bit younger though and typically range between 35 and 70.

Enjoying it on your own

Actually you do not have to walk at all to get a taste of what Norway is all about. Fjellferie also arranges “fly and drive” vacations in which you take a self-guided tour around the area in your own car. “On the fly and drive tour we provide people with accommodation in chalets with kitchen and all necessary equipment, and supply very detailed maps and descriptions of the area.”

These tours can also be combined with self-guided hiking tours where the travelers are equipped with maps with the different routes. They, too, are very detailed and no-one will be lost, promises Koren: “They get very accurate information on how to find their way and I am available on my mobile all the time if anything should happen.”

All the other ways to get out there

Another way to explore the beauty of Norway is by bike; something which Fjellferie can organize in a way similar way to the car tours, only with possible luggage transportation included. Also, if you are a group of up to 16 people, you can have a bus tour especially designed for your needs. “We can put together all the items for a successful tour of Norway, tailor-made for your group,” says Koren. The last possibility is to have Fjellferie commission a horseback tour for you or, of course, if you really do not want to depart from Norway’s frosty winter image, wait a couple of months and join one of the cross-country skiing tours.

For more information visit: www.fjellferie.no