Østfold in Pictures: Haukenesfjellet, Rømskog
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors, Photos and videos on February 8, 2010
Haukenesfjellet Tower, Rømskog
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors on February 8, 2010
A few kilometres south of Rømskog village in the Rømskog municipality, Haukenesfjellet former fire tower is Østfold’s highest vantage point, 333m above sea level. The view from the platform at the top of the 12m high tower is impressive, particularly in winter – with snow-covered forest stretching as far as the eye can see, and the white surface of frozen Romsjøen reflecting the winter sunshine. If you look straight ahead of you when you come out on the observation platform you will spot a red wooden church by the bank of the lake – this is Rømskog Church, one of the oldest in the county. A marked trail leads to the tower, and makes for a pleasant walk, while in winter you can use the prepared cross-country skiing tracks to get there (different departure point, see below).
How to get there: Follow signs for Rømskog along Rv21 coming from Ørje in the south.
In summer: When you get to Rømskog, follow the signs to Zen Resort & Spa. After about 70m turn left. Follow the dirt road through the quarry (on your left). Take the first left, just before the top of the hill. Drive to the roundabout and park. Then follow the marked trail to the tower.
In winter: A few kilometers before you reach Rømskog, you’ll see a bus holding place on your left. Take it left here and drive a few hundred meters to the end of the road. There is a small car park here, and the ski tracks start some 100m to the north.
Crusty and golden – just perfect!
Posted by admin in Food and drink, Photos and videos on February 5, 2010
Norwegian waffles
Posted by admin in Food and drink on February 5, 2010
Norwegians are very fond of their waffles, and waffles are on sale pretty much everywhere in Norway, from local cafes to petrol stations, kiosks, school fetes, open-air markets, mountain or ski huts, etc. They taste delicious, particularly when served still warm, and I personally can’t think of a better snack on a cold winter afternoon. Want to try making your own at home? Here is an easy recipe that’s been tried and tested a few times, and always gets the thumbs up.
You will need:
- 2 eggs
- 100g sugar
- 500g flour
- 50g butter
- 5dl milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
…
Melt the butter in a small saucepan and let it cool for a few minutes.
Mix the sugar, the eggs and the melted butter in a bowl.
Add a pinch of salt (you can add a bit of cinnamon or vanilla too if you like).
Add the milk in and stir.
Incorporate the flour gradually until you get a smooth batter (it should be a bit thicker than a pancake batter, but still runny).
Add the baking powder in.
Let your batter rest in the bowl with a kitchen towel over it for about 30 minutes (the batter needs to settle a bit).
Preheat your waffle iron and have a bit of butter on it so that the batter doesn’t stick to it.
Use a laddle to pour the batter onto the hot iron so that it roughly covers the surface (don’t pour too much as it may overflow once you close the iron).
Leave to cook for about 3 minutes, or until golden. Note that the first couple of waffles usually take a bit longer than subsequent ones – it then gets quicker as the iron gets hotter.
…
Norwegian waffles are traditionally eaten with either strawberry or raspberry jam and sour or whipped cream. Enjoy!
An introduction to Norwegian art
Posted by admin in Art, culture and literature, Photos and videos on February 4, 2010
They painted Norway (by Arvid Bryne)
Posted by admin in Art, culture and literature on February 4, 2010
With its informative, accessible text and high quality reproductions, this book is an excellent introduction to Norwegian art for anyone interested in the subject. Discover the country’s stunning landscapes through the paintings of some of its most acclaimed artists. From Erik Werenskiold’s depictions of Telemark to the dramatic scenery of Northern Norway, uniquely captured by Peder Balke, this book will take you on a fascinating voyage. Artists featured include famous names such as Theodor Kittelsen, Edvard Munch, J.C. Dahl, Adolph Tidemand, Hans Gude and Harald Sohlberg, as well as more recent (and perhaps lesser known) artists such as Sami John Andreas Savio and Marit Bockelie. Two of my personal favourites are Nikolai Astrup, famous for his colourful paintings of Jølster in Sogn og Fjordane, western Norway; and Christian Krohg, for his vivid, realistic depictions of city life in Norway in the late 19th – early 20th century. A must for anyone interested in Norway, or art – or indeed both.
Full title: They painted Norway: Glimpses of Norwegian nature and Norwegian artists. Author: Arvid Bryne. Publisher: Andresen & Butenschon AS (2004). ISBN 8276941591, 71 pages.
Østfold in Pictures: Gamlebyen’s drawbridge
Posted by admin in History and architecture, Photos and videos on February 3, 2010
Focus on Gamlebyen: The drawbridge
Posted by admin in History and architecture on February 3, 2010
The drawbridge, at the entrance to the Old Town, is the first thing visitors see on approaching Gamlebyen. As many as 30 soldiers were once required to raise the bridge at dusk and lower it at dawn. Anyone arriving after the bridge had been drawn would have to wait until the next day to get into the town. The bridge is still there, but because it’s built of wood it has burned down and been rebuilt many times. Today it’s a popular spot with locals, who come here to feed the ducks in summer, and take sunset pictures in winter. The guardhouse outside the bridge has been converted into a glassblower’s cabin. A selection of hand-blown glassware is on display – on certain days during the holidays you can even see the glassmith at work.
Did you know? A few facts about Sarpsborg
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on February 2, 2010
- Sarpsborg is the third oldest town in Norway, and was founded by St Olav himself back in 1016.
- Sarpsborg has more golf greens than any other municipality in Østfold. It is also home to Østfold Golfsenter, the largest indoors golf center in Scandinavia.
- Sarpsborg Bowlingsenter is one of the best in the country. The complex boasts 16 lanes, as well as a laser world, billiards, a cafeteria, a child playroom and more.
- The Sørnesuret, one of the most advanced astronomical clocks ever built, can be found in the Borgarsyssel Museum in Sarpsborg. It was the brainchild of Rasmus Sørnes (1893-1967), who built the clock single-handedly in his spare time.
- People who come from Sarpsborg are called ’sarpinger’ (singular: en sarping).
- Sparta Warriors, Sarpsborg’s ice-hockey team, is one of the best in Norway, and enjoys a fervent supporter following. They train, and play their home matches in Sparta Amfi, Norway’s first purpose-built ice-hockey hall.
- The Sarpsfossen in Sarpsborg is Scandinavia’s most powerful waterfall – it has a water debit of 577 m³ per second. It has played a crucial role in the development of industry in the area.