elusive moose » Rømskog

Norway’s first holistic spa

admin — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 07:11:48 +0000

Zen Resort & Spa, Rømskog

admin — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 07:06:26 +0000

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

Østfold in Pictures: Haukenesfjellet, Rømskog

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:10:08 +0000

Haukenesfjellet Tower, Rømskog

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:07:10 +0000

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.