Posts Tagged Indre Østfold
Norway’s first holistic spa
Posted by admin in Photos and videos, Uncategorized on February 19, 2010
Zen Resort & Spa, Rømskog
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on February 19, 2010
Did you know one of Norway’s best spas was located in Østfold? Boasting a stunning location by the shores of lake Vortungen, surrounded by deep forests in the heart of Rømskog, Zen Resort & Spa, which opened in the autumn 2008, is the first of its kind in Norway. The Japanese-inspired, eco-friendly resort has 44 rooms (all with huge windows overlooking the lake), sauna, Turkish bath, floatation tank, outdoor tub, infinity pool, but also a meditation room, a dojo, a fitness studio and 10 treatments rooms offering a range of massages and beauty treatments. The restaurant serves tasty, organic vegetarian food, and there is a cosy communal lounge with a huge fireplace in which to relax after dinner. You can rent a bike, or a canoe, to explore the surrounding area in summer, or go cross-country skiing in winter. Indeed enjoying the great outdoors right on the spa’s doorstep is all part of Zen Resort’s holistic approach, and guests are very much encouraged to reconnect with nature. A great way to recharge your batteries after the long winter months!
The resort is a 90-minute drive from Oslo’s main airport at Gardermoen, and about 2 hours from Fredrikstad by car (via Ørje).
From 1,595Kr per person per day (including three meals and free access to the spa, but not treatments), based on two people sharing a double room. Conference and incentive packages are also available.
For more information call 69 79 33 50 or visit www.zenresort.no
Vinmonopolet outlets in Østfold
Posted by admin in Food and drink, Shopping on February 11, 2010
In Norway you can only buy strong alcohol from the state-owned Vinmonopolet (commonly known as ‘Polet’), which has the exclusive right to retail wine, spirits and strong beer. To help you find your nearest shop, I’ve put together a list of the 10 Vinmonopolet outlets located in Østfold, with contact details and opening times for each one of them.
- Askim, Haugomgata 17. Open Mon-Tue 1000-1700, Wed-Fri 1000-1800, Sat 0900-1500. Tel: 69 88 88 89.
- Fredrikstad (Gamlebyen), Færgeportgate 78 A. Open Mon-Wed 1000-1700, Thu 1000-1800, Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1400. Tel: 69 32 01 40.
- Fredrikstad (Torvbyen), Brochs gate 8-10. Open Mon-Thu 1000-1800, Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1500. Tel: 69 31 17 42.
- Halden (Tista Senter), Walkersgate 4. Open Mon-Fri 1000-1800, Sat 0900-1500. Tel: 69 18 88 68.
- Hvaler, Strandveien 7, Skjærhallen. Open Thu-Fri 1000-1700, Sat 1000-1400. Tel: 69 37 88 29.
- Moss, Prinsens gate 7. Open Mon-Wed 1000-1700, Thu 1000-1800, Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1500. Tel: 69 25 11 43.
- Mysen, Smedgata 30. Open Mon-Wed 1000-1700, Thu-Fri 1000-1800, Sat 0900-1500. Tel: 69 89 77 11.
- Rakkestad, Storgata 17. Tue-Thu 1000-1630, Fri 1000-1700, Sat 1000-1400. Tel: 69 22 97 00.
- Rygge (Rygge Storsenter), Carlbergveien 2. Open Mon-Wed 1000-1700, Thu 1000-1800, Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1500. Tel: 69 26 02 27.
- Sarpsborg (Storbyen Shopping Centre), Roald Amundsens gate 28. Open Mon-Thu 1000-1800, Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1500. Tel: 69 16 14 40.
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For more info visit www.vinmonopolet.no (Norwegian only)
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.
Where to go cross-country skiing in Østfold
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors, Sport on January 27, 2010
There are many places one can go cross-country skiing in Østfold, but these are my favourites.
- Fredrikstad Marka: A popular spot within easy reach of Fredrikstad. It can get a little bit crowded at times near Skihytta (the place to go for coffee and a waffle after your foray into the woods), but you’ll find a good choice of tracks in a varied terrain.
- Rakkestadfjella: Fewer people come here, which means you might ski for hours on end and only meet a handful of locals. Pack a picnic, and make it a day outing. Great scenery, and who knows, with a bit of luck you might even spot some wildlife.
- Harehjellhytta: This is a good choice in the Sarpsborg area, with the possibility of going skiing after dark as some of the tracks are lit up at night. Artificial snow is used when required, and the tracks are in good condition.
- Halden: There are many tracks to choose from in Høiåsmarka just outside Halden. Høiåshytta, which lies 236m over sea level, is open Thursdays 1700-2030 and Sundays 1000-1500 from September to Easter.
Check also http://www.elusivemoose.eu/2009/12/where-to-go-alpine-skiing-in-østfold/ for info on where to go downhill skiing in Østfold.
Swimming pools in Østfold
Fancy a swim? Maybe you’ve decided to get in shape this year. Or you’re just looking for something to keep the kids busy this weekend. Anyway, here is a list of the main swimming pools in Østfold.
- Sarpsborg Superland. Excellent option for families, with 4 swimming pools, sauna, steam room, waterslides, and more. Bjørnstadveien 20, just off the E6. Tel: 69 10 15 00, www.superland.no. Prices: 90Kr during the week, 110Kr weekends and holidays (adults). Children up to 2 go free. Family packages and annual membership available. Discounts for OAPs, youth etc. Open 7 days a week, times vary, check website for more info.
- Remmen Svømmehall, Halden. Swimming pool on the campus of Østfold University College (Høgskolen i Østfold). Tel: 69 17 45 00. Prices: 50Kr adults, 25Kr children, under-3s free. Opening times: 5pm to 8pm Mon, Wed and Fri, 3pm to 7pm Tues and Thu, Sat 10am-3pm. Swimming time up to an hour after closing time.
- Østfoldbadet, Askim. Another good option for families (see former entry on this blog). Askim town centre. Tel: 69 81 99 00, www.ostfoldbadet.no. Prices: 115Kr adult, 85Kr 2-12, youth and OAPs 95 (+ 15Kr weekends). Open 7 days a week, times vary, check website for more info.
- Kongstenhallen, Fredrikstad. The outdoor swimming complex (Olympic pool, 2 extra pools, slide and 10m diving board) is always packed on hot summer days, and for a reason. The indoor pool is nothing special, but cheap. Just outside Gamlebyen at Trosvikveien 12. Tel: 69 95 82 98. Prices: 45Kr adults, 30Kr children (indoor swimming pool), 50Kr and 40Kr outdoors. Open 7 days a week, times vary, ring for info.
- Mossehallen, Moss. Slightly tired-looking pool in need of renovation, but the only option in Moss. One 25 x 12,5m pool, but nothing specifically for children. Kafeteria on site. Tel: 69 24 33 42. Prices: 60Kr and 30Kr. Closed Sundays, times vary, ring for more info.
Did you know? Wolves in Norway
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors on January 13, 2010
- There are wolves in Rømskog, Aremark and Halden, Østfold – they move around quite a bit, and often cross the border with Sweden.
- A recent study of the wider Scandinavian wolf population concluded there were 120 individuals at the most, causing great concern for the genetic health of the population.
- Because of increasing shortage of natural prey, wolves are sometimes forced to give up their pack-hunting habits, and scavenge for food around villages and farmhouses.
- An adult wolf is about 75cm tall and weighs between 30 and 60kg, while females are usually 20% smaller than males.
- Wolves have been protected under the Nature Conservation Act in Norway since 1971, but ‘licensed killings’ or culls do occur, mainly to protect livestock in particular areas. How wolves should be handled is an issue that has always divided Norwegians, and people on both sides feel strongly about it.
- Several wolves appear in Norse mythology: Fenrir (also known as Fenrisulfr), a giant wolf that will devour Odin at Ragnarok (Doomsday) and be killed by Odin’s son, Viðarr; and Geri and Freki (also Gere and Freke), Odin’s two faithful companions.
More on wolves in Norway here http://www.environment.no/Topics/Animals-and-plants/Large-carnivores/Wolf/
Christmas treat ideas for all budgets
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on December 20, 2009
- Fine-dining: Enjoy a romantic dinner with a loved one at Refsnes Gods, Moss. Good food, good wine and good company – what more could one possibly want? www.refsnesgods.no
- Pampering: Treat yourself to a relaxing and revitalising weekend at Zen Resort in Rømskog. New year, new you! www.zenresort.no
- Shopping: Splash out and get yourself a Christmas present you really want. What about a piece of art for something really original? Visit the Østfoldkunstnersenter for some inspiration, or check out links to local artists on their website. www.kunstnersenter.no/oks/ (Norwegian only)
- Family: Take the kids to a hockey match. Sparta plays against Vålerenga on 22 Dec in Sarpsborg, while Stjernen takes on Storhamar Dragons on 28 Dec in Fredrikstad. www.sparta.no and www.stjernen.no (Norwegian only)
- Entertainment: Looking for something more festive? It’s not too late to catch a Christmas concert. The Parkteatret in Moss puts on its annual concert on today (20 Dec), 19.00; or you can hear Ole Paus in Østre Fredrikstad Church in Gamlebyen on 22 Dec 18.30. www.parkteatret.com