Archive for October, 2009
Opening of Odd Skullerud’s Retrospective in Fredrikstad
Posted by admin in Art, culture and literature, News on October 31, 2009
OK, I won’t make a habit of listing too many such events here, but I’m a great fan of Odd Skullerud (see earlier entry on this blog), and since he’s mainly known for his paintings of Østfold landscapes, I thought it was fair play. The exhibition at Østfold kunstnersenter on Ferjestedvein in Fredrikstad opens today at 3pm, and will last until 20 December. Opening times are 12-17 Wed-Sun. Check www.kunstnersenter.no or call 69 31 09 95 for more info.
Østfold in Pictures: Reflections in Gamlebyen’s moat
Posted by admin in Photos and videos on October 30, 2009
Walking in Østfold: Mærrapanna, Fredrikstad
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors on October 30, 2009
This is a very pleasant walk in the Fredrikstad area – ideal for a lazy sunday afternoon, and particularly recommended for those with kids in tow, as the facilities are quite good (toilets, playground, tables and BBQ area, plus a child-friendly beach that’s quite popular in summer). The walk, which takes about 90 minutes to complete, will take you around the Mærrapanna peninsula (it’s not marked as such, but just hug the shoreline all the way and you will close the loop eventually), and offers great views over the Oslofjord. It’s often quite windy here, with impressive waves on particularly stormy days, so make sure you are appropriately dressed. You’ll be walking on rocks pretty much all the way, so again, ensure you have appropriate footwear. To get there, follow R110 towards Gressvik from Fredrikstad’s town centre, then take R117 towards Vikane. You will see signs for Mærrapanna on your left, and will soon reach the big car park that’s the departure point for this walk.
Four seasons in Gamlebyen, Fredrikstad
Posted by admin in Photos and videos on October 28, 2009
Sometimes a few pictures can say more than a thousand words, so I made this to show what the four seasons look like in Gamlebyen. Just as pretty in spring, summer, autumn or winter if you ask me. But see for yourself 
Østfold in Pictures: Fredrikstad Bridge
Posted by admin in History and architecture, Photos and videos on October 27, 2009
Moss 1883 Aquavit
Posted by admin in Food and drink on October 27, 2009
Aquavit (or akevitt) is Norway’s national tipple. It’s a spirit (typically containing 40% alcohol) distilled from either grain or potatoes, and flavoured with a mix of herbs. The recipes vary, but caraway (karve) is typically the dominant flavour. There are many different brands to choose from, ranging in tastes from the mild summer aquavit, often served chilled, to the stronger, spicier Christmas version, designed to cut through the heavy festive food. The most famous ones are Løiten Linje Aquavit, Lysholm and Gilde from Norway, Aalborg from Denmark and O.P Andersson, the oldest aquavit in Sweden. An excellent local brand, however, is Moss 1883, produced in, you will have guessed… Moss. ‘Slightly smoky aroma, sweet and spicy taste, and a subtle hop aftertaste. A robust yet mellow aquavit, unusually combining mildness with clarity of taste. A nice balance.’ Moss 1883 aquavit is available in the bigger Vinmonopolet outlets, and on duty-free at Moss Rygge Airport.
Østfold in Pictures: Solberg rock carvings
Posted by admin in History and architecture, Photos and videos on October 26, 2009
Oldtidsveien
Posted by admin in History and architecture on October 26, 2009
Østfold is among Norway’s oldest inhabited regions, and rock carving sites, burial mounds and stone rings can all be found along Oldtidsveien, the stretch of road between Fredrikstad and Skjeberg along road 110. ‘20km on and 3,000 years back in time’ as the locals say. My personal favourites are the rock carvings (petroglyphs or helleristninger in Norwegian) featuring human figures, animals, ships, wagons, weapons and tools. The well hung Begby Man in Borge is the most famous (go figure why), but the carvings at Solberg and Hornnes are just as impressive. Check out the stone circles at Hunn on the way too (behing Gråtass Barnehage in Skjærviken), only a couple of hundred metres from the road.
