Archive for category Nature and the great outdoors
Winter in Skjebergsmarka
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors, Photos and videos on February 5, 2011
Walking in Østfold: Krysstjern, Sarpsborg
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors on February 5, 2011
This is one of my favourite walks in Skjebergmarka in the Sarpsborg area. I’ve been there in all seasons, and I love it there. Although there is often a couple of other cars at the departure point, we’ve seldom met people at the lake itself, so with a bit of luck you’ll have the place all to yourself. It takes about half-an-hour to reach the lake from the car park, and this involves having to cross a bog and climb a rather steep rock face. Then it’s another hour to walk around the cross-shaped lake and back. You can go back the way you came, although it is better to follow the path back down on the other side of the lake, thus doing a loop. Pack your skates in winter if you want to go for a spin on the ice (don’t expect the latter to be smooth everywhere though – it isn’t), and a basket in summer – this is good mushroom picking territory. The walk is not marked so it is advisable to study a map beforehand.
How to get there: From Sarpsborg, take Skjebergveien (Rv118) southeast, and then Rokkeveien (Fv599) east towards Rokke. After about 6km on Rokkeveien, you will see a little car park on your left. This is your departure point. Follow the dirt road into the forest for about 300 metres, until you see a path on your left. This is the way towards the lake.
Diving in Ytre Hvaler NP
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors, News on December 21, 2010
Hvaler to get under-water nature path
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors, News on December 21, 2010
Ytre Hvaler National Park has just received the green light for establishing a nature path under water. The new ‘path’ will be part of a joint Scandinavian project called the Nordic Blue Parks Project, whose aim is to offer a network of under-water ‘paths’ for divers and snorkellers. The path in the Ytre Hvaler National Park should be ready by the summer.
There will be, among other things, several information signs (anchored in cement blocks) around the wreck of the Lossen, a ship that sank in the area on Christmas Eve 1717 (more on the Lossen at www.elusivemoose.eu/2010/09/the-lossen-hvaler/).
The fauna and flora are protected in the Ytre Hvaler National Park, Europe’s first, and only, marine national park. But the project should not have any adverse effect on the local ecosystem, says Østfold fylkesmannen (the county governor).
Source: Fredriksstad Blad www.f-b.no/nyheter/lager-natursti-under-vann-1.5902688 (Norwegian only)
More info, in English, on the Nordic Blue Parks Project at www.nordicblueparks.com
Homlungen Lighthouse, Kirkeøy
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors, Photos and videos on November 5, 2010
Walking in Østfold: Skjærhalden, Hvaler
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors on November 5, 2010
A lovely walk that starts by Hvaler Church, takes in the village of Skjærhalden, and then follows the coast in a loop back to the departure point. From the car park follow the path through the forest that runs parallel to the main road. When you get to the end and the first houses, take it left and continue on the narrow access road to Skjærhalden, the main village in the archipelago. Turn right into the village and find the stairs climbing to the rocky outcrop on your right, Kollen. From the top you will have a good view of the harbour and the surrounding area, as well as the islands of Nordre and Søndre Sandøy in the background. You will have to go down the same way you came.
Continue holding to your right (i.e. heading south), past two little marinas and following the blue and white signs for the kyststien (coastal path). After a while you will see the path going up on your right. A short climb later you will emerge over the tree line, again with great views of the sea. Just follow the blue dots that will take you past the picturesque Homlungen Lighthouse, and follow the coastline all the way to the little campsite at Døvika and eventually back to Storesand, Østfold’s largest sand beach, a short walk from your departure point. The loop takes about 3 hours to complete, including a break for a picnic. Enjoying the fresh air and not quite ready to head back home yet? Combine this walk with a walk to Rødshue, north of Storesand (see link below for details).
How to get there: From Fredrikstad follow Rv108 all the way to Kirkeøy (the island after the tunnel) until you get to a crossroad. There is a big car park here. The first 3 hours are free, but you must take a ticket at the machine and display it behind your windscreen. If you are using public transport, bus no.365 from Fredrikstad runs several times daily to Skjærhalden, and stops by the car park, on request. Ask the driver to let you off.
More info on Rødshue at www.elusivemoose.eu/2010/05/02/
The view over the Oslofjord from Blåsopp
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors, Photos and videos on October 17, 2010
Walking in Østfold: Blåsopp, Fredrikstad
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors on October 17, 2010
An easy walk that’s perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon, and offers great views over Mærrapanna and the Oslofjord from the top of a rocky promontory. It’s marked all the way from Oksrødkilen, as it is part of the Coastal Trail (Kyststien), so just follow the signs/marks on the rocks or tree trunks. If you are feeling energetic you could continue on to the little harbour at Slevik, about 1km further to the north. You can then either retrace your steps, or come back by doing a loop and eventually walking back to Oksrødkilen following Rv117 for a couple of kilometres, but this will significantly add to the length of your outing. Up to you 
How to get there: From Fredrikstad, follow Rv117 (Vikaneveien) until you see a sign for Foten on your left, then take the first dirt road you see on your left after the bend, leading to Oksrødkilen. Continue on this road for about 200m, take it right at the fork, and park at the little car park you will see on your right. From here it’s a short walk to the kilen, where you will find signs for the path.
Østfold in Pictures: Vetatoppen
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors, Photos and videos on October 13, 2010
Top 5: Observation towers in Østfold
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors on October 13, 2010
- Linnekleppen: On the border between Marker and Rakkestad municipalities in Indre-Østfold, this fire watchtower, the only one still manned in the summer months in Norway, affords great views of the huge forests in the area. The trail to the tower is well marked, and the walk is a nice one, going through varied terrain. More info at www.elusivemoose.eu/2009/10/walk-linnekleppen/
- Haukesnesfjellet: In remote Rømskog, this tower, operated by the local DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) is open year round. From the top you can see, once again, vast expanses of forest, but also Lake Rømsjøen, one of the prettiest in Østfold, shimmering in the distance. Another great walk. More info at www.elusivemoose.eu/2010/02/08/
- Sprinkelet: This tower, close to the radio and TV antenna perched high on the hills just outside Fredrikstad, is a popular observation point with many locals. On the east side you will recognise many of the town’s landmarks (the big arch of the bridge, the yellow twin towers of the hospital, the spire of the cathedral), while in the other direction you can make out the Hvaler Islands in the distance. Binoculars are at the disposal of visitors. The track starts from just behind Gressvik IF football pitch.
- Vardeåsen, Rygge: An easily accessible tower only a short walk from the main road. From the top of the tower, you will be greeted with a fantastic panorama over the Oslofjord. You can see as far as Telemark to the west, and even make out Gaustatoppen on a clear day.
- Dragonkulen: Although this one is not located in Østfold, but on the other side of Svinesund in Sweden, I had to include this tower here, as this is one of the best Østfold panoramas I know, with the Iddefjord in the foreground, the Oslofjord and the Hvaler Archipelago in the background, and hills and fields in between. You can also make out the towns of Halden, Sarpsborg and Fredrikstad, giving a great overview of the county.
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A couple of other good options, which I had no room for above, include Vetatoppen between Fredrikstad and Sarpsborg (easy access from Vardeveien), and Rørfjell tower near Tomb, Råde (used by some for abseiling).
See also ‘Top 5: Vantage points in Østfold’ here (www.elusivemoose.eu/2010/05/31/)