elusive moose » Travel and practical stuff

Gamlebyen’s latest attraction

admin — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:57:36 +0000

Gamlebyen Model Railway, Fredrikstad

admin — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:52:27 +0000

It boasts three kilometres of tracks, 110 locomotives, 600 carriages/wagons and some 3,000 buildings spread out over an area of 270 square metres. The Gamlebyen Model Railway has become one of Fredrikstad’s most popular attractions, welcoming over 9,000 visitors since opening in September 2010. The project is the labour of love of a local journalist turned businessman, who bought the building in the Old Town a few years ago to house what he hoped would one day become Scandinavia’s largest model railway. And although Arne Børresen had to borrow 9 million Norwegian kroner to finance his venture (an investment that will take a while to recoup), Gamlebyen Model Railway has struck a chord among rail enthusiasts of all ages. Plans for extension are afloat, which will almost double the size of the operation – and turn Arne Børresen’s dream into a reality. So watch this space.

You will find pictures of the Gamlebyen Model Railway at www.gbmj.no (Norwegian only).

Voldgaten 8, Gamlebyen, Fredrikstad. Open weekends only, Sat 11am-4pm, Sun noon-4pm. Admission 30Kr.

The Quality Hotel & Resort Sarpsborg

admin — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:15:46 +0000

Where to stay in Sarpsborg

admin — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:12:23 +0000

- Quality Hotel & Resort Sarpsborg Superland: A good choice for families (family rooms and a huge indoor swimming complex) and business travellers (extensive conference facilities), a short drive from the centre just by the E6. Bjørnstadveien 20. Tel: 69 10 15 00, www.choicehotels.no

- Rica Saga Hotel: It’s showing its age a bit, but this hotel offers comfortable rooms and good service, and the location is convenient, right by the main shopping centre and a short walk from Kulås Park. Sandesundsveien 1. Tel: 69 12 42 00, www.rica-hotels.com

- St Olav’s Hotel. Budget accommodation in downtown Sarpsborg. Glengsgate 21. Tel: 69 15 20 55, www.hotelstolav.no

- Tuneheimen: Sarpsborg’s youth hostel, located near Tunevannet (lake). Open year round. Tuneveien 44. Tel: 69 14 50 01, www.tuneheimen.no

Spending the night in Halden?

admin — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 16:20:28 +0000

Where to stay in Halden: Thon Hotel

admin — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 16:17:04 +0000

This purpose-built hotel, which opened in March 2009, enjoys a great location right by the harbour. The 88 rooms, including two junior suites, all have a comfy feel to them, and are tastefully decorated in bright, modern colours. All rooms have flat screen TVs, mini bars and en-suite bathrooms, and many boast stunning views of the harbour and Fredriksten fortress. The common rooms are bright and welcoming, and in summer the restaurant, which can sit up to 250, spills out onto the pavement for alfresco dining. There are conference facilities for up to 100 delegates, and the hotel has direct access to the local art centre next door (and a stage that can be rented out should you plan a big event here).

Room prices start from around 1,000Kr at the weekend, and 1,400Kr during the week. Breakfast and free Wi-Fi are included. No-smoking throughout the hotel.

Langbrygga 1. Tel: 69 21 33 00, www.thonhotels.no/halden

As spotted on the way to Linnekleppen

admin — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:41:47 +0000

Top 5: Things to do around Rakkestad

admin — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:33:53 +0000

- Rudskogen Motor Park: Norway’s largest motor-racing circuit, partly owned by Michael Schumacher, hosts big events throughout the summer, and attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. More info at www.rudskogen.no (Norwegian only)

- Lannem Pottery: One of Norway’s oldest, using local clay exclusively. Their products are on sale through many outlets in Norway, including at Gardermoen Airport and on the Hurtigruen, as well as in the shop here. More info at http://www.elusivemoose.eu/2010/03/11/

- Hiking: The area around Rakkestad is great for hiking. The walk to Linnekleppen fire watch-tower is a popular one, but the whole of the Rakkestadfjella is worth exploring. More info at http://www.elusivemoose.eu/2009/11/18/

- Fishing: There are myriads of lakes of all sizes in the area, making this a great destination for fishing. Two of the largest ones are Frønesjøen and Kløsa, both easily accessible.

- Buer bakkene (Os): A lovely spot along Varteigveien, and a great stretch of road to cycle or go for a drive. Particularly lovely in early summer when wild flowers line the roadside and the ripening crops in the surrounding fields lend colour to this already beautiful landscape.

Refsnes Gods, Moss

admin — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:52:04 +0000

Stay in style – De Historiske

admin — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:45:27 +0000

Want to treat yourself (and a loved one too maybe) to something really special during your trip to Norway? Well why not stay in a historic hotel? This group of hotels (De Historiske in Norwegian) comprises landed estates, country houses, manors, Swiss-style chalets, old coaching inns and many more historic buildings that have been transformed into characterful luxury hotels offering all mod cons in truly stunning surroundings. There are 39 properties to choose from all over Norway. All the hotels in the portfolio have fine dining on the premises, offering a taste of Norwegian culinary heritage, and many also offer cookery classes and wine tasting evenings. Others can also offer spa treatments, golf, ski tours, and more. Not cheap, but well worth splashing out on for a special occasion. Gift vouchers available.

Tel: 55 31 67 60, www.dehistoriske.com