Taking a consumer loan is a financial tool, that many people are using in both Norway and other countries. The rules for being able to take a loan and how it’s managed are something that can vary from country to country. Learn What you need to know about consumer loans in Norway.
That is why you should get yourself an overview in this article with both tips and advice, that will give you a better insight into how to take a consumer loan in Norway. There are a lot of things to consider when taking a consumer loan and that’s why we have gathered everything worth knowing, so you will have an overview of how it works.
Picking the right consumer loan – tips and advice There can be several reasons for taking a consumer loan, but no matter what the cause of taking it is, there are a lot of things to consider. These factors make sense to think about as useful tools, so you won’t get yourself into a situation, where the loan you might take will put you in an unfortunate situation. Here’s some of the best advice to think about when taking a loan.
Comparing loans is evaluated as being one the best things you can do in terms of figuring out how to pay the loan back. Photo: Melanie Dijkstra/Unsplash
Always compare before you choose. Comparison services, like com, have made it simpler than ever to find the best suitable loan. Comparing loans is evaluated as being one the best things you can do in terms of figuring out how to pay the loan back. It can be difficult to do these loan comparisons by yourself because there are a lot of factors and things to consider. Using an online comparison service that can help you might t the best thing you can do because it’s designed to find the most suitable loan for you. This means you don’t have to spend hours figuring this out yourself.
Check out the interest rates, fees, and total amounts. These are the three most important elements in terms of the loan. All of these will be visible in the terms and conditions, which are wise to read and understand. It’s easy to skim through the T’s and C’s but it’s not recommended and you should make sure you know what you’re in for.
In Norway, you have to be financially validated/checked to be able to obtain a loan, no matter what specific kind it is. Photo: Bruce Mars/Unsplash
Financially validated – Norwegian loans Many people might think that it’s possible for everyone to take a consumer loan and maybe it’s like that elsewhere, but not in Norway. In Norway, you have to be financially validated/checked to be able to obtain a loan, no matter what specific kind it is. There are loans you can get without a check for the people who don’t follow the rules, but this is certainly not recommended.
A part of the reason for the validation is a rule, that’s protecting the person wanting to take the loan. This is so that the person, cannot take a loan that they can’t afford to pay back and therefore avoid a bad financial situation.
It was a pleasure to visit the iconic property Aksjemøllen Boutique Hotel in Lillehammer and see why the occupancy and use of this 58-room boutique hotel and conference/event venue is continually running at full (or close to full) year-round capacity. You can stimulate all your senses at The Old Mill hotel in Lillehammer – Norway.
Mølla hotel in Lillehammer has an exciting history. The original mill was built in 1863 by Gudbrand Larsen, father of the even more famous August Larsen (Pipe-Larsen) founder of G. Larsen Pipefabrik (producing internationally acclaimed smoking pipes). His son, August, started building a relatively large mill operated with the help of so-called assault wheels, a technical solution that was both practical and economical where there was plenty of water. River Mesna in Lillehammer was the ideal location.
The original mill was built in 1863 by Gudbrand Larsen, father of the even more famous August Larsen. Photo: Classic Norway Hotels
The mill was modernized in 1900 and a larger grain chamber was built with a dryer and a rolling mill for sifting rye and wheat flour. At the same time, turbines were installed to replace the water wheel. In the 1920s, a flour warehouse was added and the entire company was converted to electric operation after the Mesna traps were expropriated. A silo was built in 1955. From then on, Lillehammer Aktiemølle could use a modern 1000 tons grain silo with automatic reception and grain drying.
The mill’s transformation into a hotel was rapidly taking place over a twelve-month period, to open in time for the 1994 Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer.
Converted into hotel The mill’s transformation into a hotel was rapidly taking place over a twelve-month period, to open in time for the 1994 Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer. The rooms were constructed from either one, two or three silos. It was the architects Halvorsen and Reine, from the company by the same name, who realized that the mill could be transformed into a hotel and extend the number of rooms seriously needed for guests during the Winter Olympics.
I loved walking the trail along the river.
“We got to join a bit of Lillehammer’s history and found walled niches and windows, secret rooms, narrow passages, mysterious transport routes and strange machines. And everywhere there was grain, flour dust and cliff. The property was for sale. Investors and banks were thrilled with the desire that both the whole and the details should underline the uniqueness of the business that had taken place here for generations,” said the architects.
The 58 rooms are relatively small, but comfortable and well equipped with Molton & Brown toiletries, luxurious bedding, selected teas and coffees, Wi-FI, TV and iron. Photo: Classic Norway Hotels
After 1 1/2 years of renovation, The Mølla hotel was completed in November 1992, ready to house guests during the Olympic Games in 1994.
Aksjemøllen by Classic Norway appeals to those who love history, pampering, and the beauty of nature. Here from reception
Aktiemøllen hotel is situated in the heart of Lillehammer, just steps away from Lillehammer’s lively shopping street (Gågata), and not far from Maihaugen and Sigrid Undset’s home (Bjerkebæk). Skiing and family fun can be found only15 km away at Hafjell Alpine Center and families can enjoy the Hunderfossen Adventure Park/Winter Park.
“Our intention was to emphasize the historical aspects,” explains hotel manager (Millmaster) Hanna Stenberg
In June 2021, Mølla hotel was acquired by the hotel chain Classic Norway Hotels which is specializing in hotels with historical charm and is in constant search for hotels in central areas. I had the privilege to meet ‘Mill master’ Hanna Stenberg, who was appointed hotel manager just in time to follow the total renovation of the hotel, and the opening of new Aksjemøllen by Classic Norway in January 2022.
You instantly feel the historical charm when entering into Aksjemøllen hotel.
“Our intention was to emphasize the historical aspects,” she explains. Charming old door keys are still being used. “They are too big to carry with you, so guests leave them at the reception, creating a personal contact and a friendly atmosphere,” says Hanna, who came to Lillehammer in 1996 to study tourism and never left.
“We have guests from all over the world visiting Lillehammer to experience the Olympic town and its surroundings,” she says and adds, “Recently we had a family from Australia here.”
Breakfast is served in the adjoining restaurant Egon. Here is Egon manager in Lillehammer, Kim André Molnes
Aksjemøllen by Classic Norway appeals to those who love history, pampering, and the beauty of nature, and Hanna is proud that the hotel has managed to maintain its soul and history. When asked what she is most proud of, Hanna says that her team members always are enthusiastic and that most of them have been working there for many years!
Stimulate All Your Senses at The Old Mill Hotel in Lillehammer – Norway, read on…..
She adds that she has been privileged to be on site during the whole renovation period and managed to remain the hotel open for guests without serious interruptions. After the renovation, the typical guest has become different from before. The shift from economy hotel to a boutique hotel has affected the typical visitor. Now, the guests are well educated adult people, friends and families and business people. There are also rooms allowing dog-owners to bring their pets. Today, Aktiemøllen is a captivating property and the hotel, and in particular the Toppen bar (Toppen Skybar) with professional bartenders serving signature drinks as well as old standards, is popular among the locals.
The 58 rooms are relatively small, due to the fact that this has been an old mill. However, they are comfortable and well equipped with Molton & Brown toiletries, luxurious bedding, selected teas and coffees, Wi-FI, TV and iron.
Freshly baked bread for breakfast in Egon restaurant.
“Many of our guests tell us how memorable the stay with us have been,” say Hanna.
I had a full tour of the property and surrounding sites and really loved walking along the Mesna River and the areas surrounding the Aksjemøllen hotel. I loved walking the trail along the river, talking to people and seeing everyone enjoying the area in their own way.
Stimulate All Your Senses at The Old Mill Hotel in Lillehammer – Norway, written by Tor Kjolberg
Have you heard the song Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen written by Frank Loesser for the 1952 film about Hans Christian Andersen (played by Danny Kaye)? ‘Friendly old girl of a town’, he sings. Copenhagen is as friendly today as it was back in 1952 – or in the lifetime of the fairytale king. Here’s just a few of the things you should experience.
The Capital of Denmark is packed with historic landmarks, stunning Scandinavian architecture, family-friendly attractions, tons of public parks and exceptional restaurants. ‘On this merry night, let us clink and drink one down to wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen’.
It’s not uncommon to see a pram with a baby dozing in it outside a restaurant while mother and father lunch inside. In this modern capital, there are far more bikes than cars – so, if you’re not a Dane, watch your steps as a pedestrian.
From local-led canal tours to lush urban gardens, and even floating hot tubs that sail the city’s famed canals, there’s no shortage of entertainment in Copenhagen. Whether you want to spend all day outside, or cozy up indoors, read on for our picks for what to do the next time you’re in Copenhagen – the ‘salty old queen of the sea’.
“But I’m home today / Singing Copenhagen, wonderful, wonderful / Copenhagen for me”
Be a biker Do as the locals and get around by bike. It’s impossible to miss the dominance of the bicycle in Denmark’s capital. All over the city, you’ll experience bikers in hundreds, and everywhere there is an endless ocean of parked bicycles used by commuters. Bike Copenhagen offers 2-hour guided tours or full-day rental for those who want to explore on their own.
Do as the locals and get around by bike. Photo: Kai Pilger/Unsplash
Copenhagen has the heart of a small town but the culture of a large city. ‘Once I sailed away, but I’m home today, singing Copenhagen, wonderful, wonderful’.
Museums and attractions
Design Museum Design Museum Copenhagen was founded in 1890, when Denmark’s industrial enterprises were celebrating the eminence of their Sponsored content products. In the course of the 20th century, Danish design – especially furniture design – achieved worldwide renown. After two years of renovation, Design Museum Copenhagen reopened in June 2022.
The National Museum
Denmark’s National Museum is a good place to spend the afternoon, diving into an overarching review of Danish history. There is a strong focus on the Viking Age. Highlights include the legendary Viking ship Roskilde 6, the treasure collection Fæstedskatten and a cinematic story of life in the Viking Age.
Elsewhere in the museum, the vast collection of Middle Ages and Renaissance artwork together with an honest review of the history of Danish colonialism are among the other highlights.
Botanical Gardens and Rosenborg Castle
The Botanical Gardens in Copenhagen is a part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark. Visit the rosarium, the perennials and a huge conservatory with tropical and subtropical plants. And just across from the Botanical Gardens is one of Copenhagen’s most attractive sights, Rosenborg Castle.This castle dates to 1606 when it was built as a royal summer house by one of the most famous Scandinavian kings, Christian IV.
Fredriksberg palace is today home to the Royal Danish Military Academy. Photo: Angelo Casto/Unsplash
Frederiksberg Palace
This Baroque residence and formal gardens served as the royal family’s summer residence until the mid-19th century. Recently restored, the palace is today home to the Royal Danish Military Academy. Copenhagen’s Frederiksberg Palace is surrounded by formal parkland popular with locals and tourists.
Guided tours of the impressive palace rooms are infrequent but the beautifully-kept lakes, canals and shrubbery of the English-style gardens are always open during daylight hours. Don’t miss the Chinese Pavilion and the Temple of Apis.
Instead of stairs, the Inside Rudetårn has a dramatic cobblestone ramp, with bright-white walls on either side, Photo: Daniel Rasmussen/Visit Denmark
Rundetårn Blazes in 1728 and 1795 licked and leaped along the straw-roofed houses and turned most of the half-timbered medieval town to ashes. Only a few solidly built structures survived – among them Round Tower (Rundetaarn). Instead of stairs, the inside is a dramatic cobblestone ramp, with bright-white walls on either side—wide enough to allow a horse and carriage to fit through. Along the way, there’s an art gallery and bell tower. At the top, you’re rewarded with a 360° view of Copenhagen’s rooftops, including other equally old steeples.
Cisternerne
As an extension of Copenhagen’s Frederiksberg Museums, the Cisternerne operates as a venue for exhibitions and events – but it’s the space itself that is the permanent exhibit and primary attraction. Once a subterranean reservoir filled with 16 million liters of water, the cistern has been filled by an unconventional museum. The cryptic underground cave — the only dripstone cave in Denmark – is a gloomy labyrinth filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
Assistens Cemetery The famous Assistens Cemetery is smack in the middle of Copenhagen’s hip Nørrebro district and doubles as a public park that people actually hang out at — and even sunbathe in. Pathways meander through gardens, meadows, and woods punctuated with tombstones of famous Danes. It’s very Nordic noir. Wander the grounds looking for familiar names on headstones, or simply appreciate the park for its lush natural beauty, peaceful gardens, and art sculptures.
Entertainment
Tivoli gardens Tivoli Garden’s 20 leafy acres feature carnival games, marching bands, and amusement rides (the creaky 1914 roller coaster is the same vintage as the merry-go-round of tiny Viking ships).
Dance halls, beer gardens, and a full schedule of mostly free open-air stage performances keep young and old entertained and coming back to Tivoli Gardens. Photo: Copenhagen City Pass
Dance halls, beer gardens, and a full schedule of mostly free open-air stage performances keep young and old entertained and coming back. There are dozens of restaurants and food pavilions – some of them very elegant but pricey. Traditional Tivoli fare of pølser (hot dogs with fried onions) is usually heaven enough for most.
Activities Copenhagen’s first ski destination
Designed by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, CopenHill is an artificial ski slope and recreational hiking area opened in the spring 2019, built on top of the new waste management center.
Each boat has one guide and 12 guests, max, keeping the experience intimate and personal. PR photo
Hey Captain
A canal boat might sound like a generic tourist activity, but Hey Captain offers a fun, intimate look at the city and a window into daily Danish life. That’s especially the case in summer, when locals laze on the docks and dive into the refreshing harbor water. Each boat has one guide and 12 guests, max, keeping the experience intimate and personal. The guides have extensive knowledge on the city, its history, and its architecture. They’re also hired for their personalities – the mood is light and enjoyable.
Walk down Pilestrædet and you’ll see a hundred stores worth browsing. Photo: Martin Heiberg/Visit Copenhagen
Shopping While Stroget, a walking street in the center of the city, is impressive, it’s also full of tourists and large chain stores you can find in most big cities. Go to Illums Bolighus and HAY Design Store, both in the center of Stroget, then duck into the side streets around it for some fantastic, unique shopping. We recommend DAY Birger et Mikkelsen on Pilestræde, and Munthe and Ganni both on Store Regnegade (just walk down that street and you’ll see a hundred stores worth browsing).
Kødbyen Fiskebar. Photo: Martin Heiberg/Visit Copenhagen
Torvehallerne Torvehallerne in Copenhagen, which opened 2 September 2011, situated right by Nørreport Metro Station is a foodie lover’s dream. Also known as the “glass market”. This market is housed in a modern greenhouse-like building and is filled with smørrebrod and cheese shops, as well as restaurants. Grab a beer at the Mikkeller Bottle Shop (there are no open container laws in Denmark, so you can walk down the street with an open beer in hand). We also highly recommend Hija de Sanchez for tacos. If you’re interested in interior, the design store *Stilleben is worth a visit.
‘Neath her tavern light / On this merry night’
Jægersborggade Jaegersborggade, a cobbled street fringed with colorful buildings, has a slew of great restaurants, bars, and shops. Even though the stretch isn’t terribly long, it’s the type of place where you easily could spend an entire day. Have a pastry at Meyers Bageri, a coffee at Coffee Collective, lunch at Manfreds, a beer at Mikkeller & Friends, and dinner at Relae. Or, just enjoy the browsing, strolling, and people-watching.
Eat & Drink Kødbyens Fiskebar is one of Noma’s first offshoots in the middle of Copenhagen. The fish and shellfish are excellent, and there’s a relaxed atmosphere. This extremely hip seafood restaurant, set in an old meatpacking factory, came up in nearly every guide, and it’s delicious – but it’s also expensive. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider Schanchez Restaurant right down the street. Chef and owner, Hilja de Schanchez grew up in the southside of Chicago and is a first generation Mexican-American. Her dream of making well prepared Mexican food in Europe lead to the opening of her taqueria in Copenhagen. The restaurant in Istedgade has room for 46 guests and the interior design company La Metropolitana from Mexico City has decorated the premises, just as they did, when Noma popped up in Mexico.
The entire meatpacking district in Vesterbro, where Fiskebar is located, is still very much a functioning industrial area (not quite like its New York equivalent), but is, as of recently, also home to loads of interesting bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. Enjoy Texas barbecue along with one of 22 craft beers at the WarPigs brewpub, tasting dishes at the trendy butcher-restaurant Fleisch, or cheap, homemade burgers at Tommi’s Burger Joint.
Original Mikkeller
At the Danish brewery Original Mikkeller, you can sit for hours, sipping glasses of Spontan Cherry and Vesterbro Spontanale (named for their spontaneous fermentation by wild yeast) and fitting right in with the other loud Americans and Danes paying their respects to the bar that started it all.
Smørrebrod is Denmark’s version of a sandwich – hearty rye bread piled high with vegetables, fish, or meat. Palægade is known for some of the best smørrebrod in the city, recommended for lunch. Try the shrimp with remoulade smørrebrod.
The Alchemist
Rasmus Munk is the name of the brave young man behind this restaurant, and if you can secure a seat at the 13-person counter where he serves dinner four nights a week, he will bombard you with a menu of culinary and liquid delights that totals over 47 courses. You will either be challenged or pleasantly surprised. The Alchemist isn’t the kind of place for a casual meal with the kids. On the contrary, it’s where you come when you’ve saved up for months so you can celebrate a truly special occasion.
Refshaleøen
Refshaleøen has some of the best restaurants in the city, like the Alchemist (see above), Noma and Amass as well as some lesser-known favorites like Lille Bakery and La Banchina. Copenhill (see activities above) is also at Refshaleøen.
With 15 Michelin star restaurants, Copenhagen is the undisputed culinary capital of the Nordic region. Booking in advance is essential to get into any of them, with waiting lists many months long for the three-star restaurants Geranium and Noma.
“I sailed up the Skagerrak / And sailed down the Kattegat
Through the harbor and up to the quay / And there she stands waiting for me”.
Th 17th-century harbor Nyhavn is one of the most iconic landmarks in Copenhagen. Photo: Simon Takatomi/Unsplash
Accomodation SP 34 is located right in the center of Copenhagen in the capital’s Latin Quarter. In this area there is room for diversity. You find the hotel in Sankt Peders Stræde, a small, local street with a world known bicycle shop, pastry shop, good restaurants and design stores.
On the other side of the hotel is the garden H.C Ørsteds Parken, a green oasis where you will run in to locals on their run or in the middle of a picnic. The reception is super cool, the design is right and we loved the organic breakfast.
For a room with a view, it’s hard to beat 71 Nyhavn, a historic, elegant hotel on the corner of Copenhagen’s most famous waterway, Nyhavn.
Th 17th-century harbor Nyhavn is one of the most iconic landmarks in Copenhagen. Lined with wooden ships, modern boats, multicolored townhouses, and seafood restaurants, this port is a must-see, and its storied quay is perpetually bustling with locals and visitors. This landmark is also a public space, so it’s easy to come and go as you please. Nyhavn attracts a crowd as diverse as its history. Over the bridge in the neighboring hood of Christianshavn, you’ll also find some of the oldest houses in Copenhagen. Stop for a coffee and pastry at 108 before exploring one of the oldest parts of the city.
Budget seekers should consider the various modern hotels under the Wakeup Copenhagen umbrella. Rooms are tight but so is the price, coming in at $100 per night with advance booking.
Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen, compiled by Tor Kjolberg
We will re-establish an all-year direct high quality, cost-efficient, low emission cruise-ferry route between Norway & England (UK), states Bergen Cruise Line. Learn more about thedirect ferry link between UK and Norway that will be re-established.
The startup Norwegian company Bergen Cruise Line has announced plans to launch a regular car, passenger and cargo ferry link between the U.K. and the west-coast of Norway. BCL has announced it would begin raising the funds to bring the route back.
The route will run between both Bergen and Stavanger on the west coast of Norway and Newcastle on England’s northeast coast.
The BCL concept is a large cruise ferry of 210 x 31 meters with the capacity of 2 380 passengers and 200 crew combined with a large car deck and cargo capacity. A concept designed for maximum capacity utilization in high and low seasons combined with extensive onboard cruise offerings and revenues.
The launch is expected to be in 2026, and the route will run between both Bergen and Stavanger on the west coast of Norway and Newcastle on England’s northeast coast. The company plans three weekly departures in high season and two weekly departures during the rest of the year.
The BCL team is co-operating with Fosen Yards and other premium suppliers ensuring solutions and quality adapted to the European market.
Since 2008 there has not been a ferry link between England and Norway after the old ferry between Bergen and Newcastle stopped operating. According to CRL’s webpage, this leading-edge cruise ferry concept is being developed by a highly experienced team with expertise in all aspects of designing and operating this type of ship. The team also has in-depth knowledge and experience with the planned UK – Norway route and market. The ship will be built at a highly competitive cost level by a leading shipyard. The BCL team is co-operating with Fosen Yards and other premium suppliers ensuring solutions and quality adapted to the European market.
The cruise ferry will feature a shopping street, several restaurants, casino, theater, beauty parlor, fitness center, and several bars including English-style pubs. An observation deck is planned for those who prefer a more relaxing voyage.
Direct Ferry Link Between UK and Norway to be Re-Established, written by Tor Kjolberg
Crab Apple trees grow in profusion all over Scandinavia. Learn more about Scandinavian crab apple.
Fruit growers cultivate them in orchards to facilitate pollination, as crab apple trees draw hordes of bees to their abundant blossom, and they are used for their extremely hardy root stock. Others plant them simply to enjoy their beautiful display of white, pink or cerise flowers in spring.
Crab apples (malus sylvestris) are not widely used in the kitchen any more. Photo: Wikipedia
Crab apples (malus sylvestris) are not widely used in the kitchen any more, but the small, slightly bitter fruits make an exquisite jelly, which is much more flavorful than jelly from ordinary apples, and is often richly colored (depending on the color of the cultivar).
The procedure for making jelly is very much the same, whatever fruit you decide to make it from: you can use the same recipe for ordinary apples, blackcurrants, redcurrants, gooseberries, medlars and quince. The most important factor is a high level of pectin.
the small, slightly bitter fruits make an exquisite jelly, which is much mor flavorful than jelly from ordinary apples. Photo: Pikist
Essentially a carbohydrate, pectin is transformed into sugar as the fruit ripens, which is why you must use unripe, tart fruit in order to make the jelly set. Most other fruit do not have enough pectin to make jelly unaided by commercial pectin. The latter is best avoided, as it suffocates the taste and often makes the jelly rubbery, instead of melting in your mouth.
Crab apple jelly The jelly is slightly bitter, but tastes wonderful on buttered roast, a decoration for any dessert with apples, or served with venison and game.
2kg crab apples
Sugar
Wash the crab apples (or other fruit) and remove any blemished ones. Place in a non-corrosive pan and barely cover with water. Bring to the boil and let the fruit bubble for around 20 minutes, or until it is soft, removing any scum from the top. Mash the fruit into a colander lined with a very clean cloth or muslin and place over a large bowl – the cloth must be big enough for you to tie a piece of string around it once it’s full of fruit, so you can suspend the whole thing for the juice to drip through. For the amounts given here, I suggest you hang the fruit from the tap and simply place the bowl in the sink. If you make a larger amount, you can tie the corners of the cloth to the legs of an upturned chair, with the seat resting on the table. Do not, under any circumstances, squeeze the bag, the juice must drip at its own speed. Leave overnight.
Once there is no more juice to come through, measure the contents of the bowl, then place in a large pan. Add 750g sugar per liter. At this point, you should also put a small stack of saucers or small plates into your fridge to cool
Boil the juice and sugar together vigorously, removing any scum. The setting point of the juice can be reached very fast, or take 20 minutes of boiling. Check by dripping a small teaspoon on to one of your cold saucers then replacing it in the fridge. Once it has cooled, run your finger through the jelly: if it runs, it’s not finished, if it wrinkles, it is. If your jelly has not set after 20 minutes of boiling, it probably never will – but you will have a lovely syrup for desserts and pancakes or for flavoring stews and marinades.
Pour the jelly into a sterilized jar and leave it to cool before putting the lids on. If you want to make sure that the jelly doesn’t grow moldy, add a little brandy or whisky to the jars beforehand and give them a shake (with the lid on, of course); remove, or drink the content before you add the jelly.
Do you desire to conquest the 376 highest mountain peaks in Norway, all more than 2,000 meters above sea level? Then Rondane mountains is a good starting point.
If you have four or five days at your disposal, and would like to experience Norway’s first national park, you should try this classic round trip through the Rondane mountains, says the Norwegian Trekking Association.
The hike takes you around Rondane’s biggest continuous area of mountains, separated by Rondvatnet lake, and Illmanndalen and Langglupdalen valleys.
Route: Spranget – Rondvassbu – Øvre Dørålseter – Bjørnhollia – Rondvassbu – Spranget The mountain tops in Rondane include Rondslottet, Storronden and Smiubelgen. The glaciers have deposited a lot of rock in this area, so you need good mountain boots for this hike. The description below is based on Rondvassbu lodge serving as the starting point, but you can also start the round trip from the lodges Bjørnhollia or Dørålseter, and the hike can be done in both directions.
Rondane’s continuous area of mountains, separated by Rondvatnet lake, and Illmanndalen and Langglupdalen valleys. Here from Rossvassbu. Photo: Anders Gjengedal/Visit Norway
Day 1: Spranget – Rondvassbu Cycle or walk to Rondvassbu DNT lodge from the car park at Spranget above Mysuseter. Follow a 7-km gravel road to the lodge. A walk of approx. 2 hours. This short leg is a nice, gentle start to the hike, giving you the chance to enjoy views of many of the mountain peaks in Rondane.
Day 2: Rondvassbu – Øvre Dørålseter From Rondvassbu, you head for Øvre Dørålseter private lodge. Start by taking the boat across Rondvatnet lake. From the end of Rondvatnet lake, it’s an approx. 3-hour hike to Øvre Dørålseter in easy terrain through the valleys Rondvassdalen, Bergedalen and Dørålen. If you don’t want to take the boat across Rondvatnet lake, you can walk via Rondhalsen (16,9 km, approx. 2 hours extra).
The timetable for the boat across Rondvatnet is available on Rondvassbu’s website.
From Rondane National Park. Photo: Nasjonalparkriket
Day 3: Øvre Dørålseter – Bjørnhollia You can choose between two routes on to Bjørnhollia from Øvre Dørålseter. You can hike across Høgronden (2,118 metres above sea level) where you are rewarded by fantastic views from the summit, but the hike is fairly challenging. Allow at least 9–10 hours for this hike (20,2 km). An easier option is to follow the route to Rondvassbu back to the path intersection above Bergedalstjønnen tarn and hike through Langglupdalen valley to Bjørnhollia. The hike takes roughly 7 hours (21 km).
Day 4: Bjørnhollia – Rondvassbu The final leg of this round trip is a 12-km hike from Bjørnhollia to Rondvassbu through the Illmanndalen valley. This is an easy and beautiful hike along a number of lakes mixed with a huge moraine across the valley. Allow approx. 4 hours for this leg (12,4 km).
Langlupdalen Valley. Photo: Eivind Haugstad Kleven/Norwegian Trekking Association
Day 5: Rondvassbu – Spranget The same route as Day 1. Return to Spranget by foot or bike.
On a three-hour Oslo fjord cruise on board a three-mastered schooner, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Oslo fjord coastline – and eat as much shrimps as you can. Enjoy prawns – the Oslo Fjord style.
Experience the waves soothing your senses, admire the picturesque islands in the inner part of the Oslo Fjord and eat as much shrimps as you can. It’s no better way to enjoy a summer’s night in the capital of Norway, and for those visiting Oslo, they’re in for a treat.
S/S Christiania. Oslo Town Hall in the background
We asked Kristian Quigstad, Chair of the Board at Norway Yacht Charter AS, when and how the prawn cruises started.
S/S Christiania is one of Europe’s largest sailing ships.
“From 1984 to 2000, we arranged evening trips exclusively for enterprises in Oslo and the travel industry. The entire list of stock enlisted companies in Oslo were on our customer list, in particular interested in summer closing cruises on the Oslo fjord. This was and still is a large industry, and we’ve always been market leader in this area. Other clients of ours are the conference market and the Norwegian parliament.
S/S Christiania – Akershus Fortress in the background.
In the winter of 2000, the traditional Oslo company Båtservice Sightseeing was advertised for sale, including the Bygdøy ferries. We managed to buy the company and today the tourist market represents two thirds of our turnover.
Passing Dyna Lighthouse.
However, the tourists wanted to experience the sailing ships that otherwise had been reserved for companies only, so these are now the ships most used for our sightseeing trips.
In 2003, we started our evening prawn cruises, and the following year music entertainment cruises. It took about 10 years before the inhabitants of Oslo discovered these tours, but now, tourists and locals alike mingle at the same benches, eating and drinking and get to know each other.”
Oslo Fjord afternoon mood,
We experienced the same, being next to the company of visitors from Paris on board the S/S Cristiania. They were on a five-day visit to Oslo, and were recommended the Prawn cruise by the receptionist at their hotel. “I really wanted to go on this prawn cruise,” they said, “and I don’t regret it.”
Passing one of the many beautiful islands in the Oslo archipelago.
Along the way, we could all admire the picturesque islands in the inner part of the Fjord and sail through the bustling Oslo harbor, passing Hovedøya, the Dyna Lighthouse and the peninsula of Bygdøy, home to many interesting museums, among them the Maritime Museum and the impressive Fram Museum, and wonderful beaches, like the Huk beach. Oslo, with its superb location, offers unique opportunities on and around its fjord which stretches almost into the city centre.
The captain ensuring the guests have a good time.
S/S Christiania, fully restored to its former glory, was sailing through narrow inlets and into sheltered bays and gave us fabulous photo opportunities as you can capture the capital from many different angles. S/S Christiania is one of Europe’s largest sailing ships, and also the last one built as a cargo ship. It was bult in Finland in 1947, but the then poor country couldn’t afford to buy an engine.
Children admiring the charismatic captain “Sildakongen” (King of Herrings).
During our cruise, a local Norwegian buffet of shrimps was offered, and in the bar, we could purchase a wide range of both hot and cold drinks. The “Shrimp buffet Fjord Style” with bread, butter, lemon and mayonnaise is extremely popular, and we watched people going down to the vessel’s storeroom to fill up their plates more than twice.
Enjoying the fjord in exceptionally good summer weather with shrimps in abundance, wine and beer and locals and tourist mingled together, what can be a more pleasant evening in Oslo? The skipper on board this evening was the entertaining and charismatic Sildakongen (King of Herrings).
Madonna and Quigstad cathcing Madonna’s children. (Private photo)
Quigstad has collected a number of good stories over the course of 37 years. Personally, he was the skipper of his own ship the first time the KGB met the CIA in Oslo. They were on a three days meeting in the 90s after the end of the Cold War. 30 lively guys enjoyed their lunch and were fishing together on the Oslo fjord.
Quigstad has also been responsible for arrangements in connection with the Crown Prince’s wedding, a Pope’s visit, not to mention celebrities like Madonna and Bruce Springstein.
“Yesterday, somebody sent me an old picture from Swedish Aftonbladet, showing me catching Madonna’s children,” Kristian Quigstad told us.
Enjoy Prawns – the Oslo Fjord Style, written by Tor Kjolberg
The Nordic countries have some of the world’s best healthcare systems. Norway, Denmark, and Sweden all rank among the world’s best countries for healthcare. There are various reasons why the Scandinavian healthcare system is so advanced – high-quality medical centers and hospitals, qualified and board-certified doctors, the government’s attitude to ensure that everyone can afford high-end treatments, and also the impressive Scandinavian life style that focuses on exercising, and eating healthy foods. Learn more aboutNordic Healthcare: Why Scandinavians Are So Healthy?
Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, Greenland, Åland, and Faroe Islands make up the Scandinavian countries. Many believe that the Swedish health system is the best among them all. Health services in the other countries are also equally impressive.
The Swedish system is mostly government-funded. It is decentralized and universal for all the citizens.
Let us take a deeper look to find out why the medical treatment and health system are so advanced and what makes the Nordic people so healthy.
History of Healthcare in Scandinavia Like many European societies, the pre-modern healthcare of these countries was also mostly dependent on charities and churches at one time. After the Reformation, this became the responsibility of the local and national governments. There were no private hospitals. Mental health care, dental care and health insurance were all non-existent.
The 19th century for the first time gave us scientific medicine. The responsibility of public health began to be shared by public hospitals and private doctors for the first time. Local and national governments started to expand their roles. Health insurance was also introduced for the first time so that the common people could access health and medical care. However, the public hospitals and charities were still looking after most people. It was only in the early 20th-century that healthcare insurance became really accessible to most people, largely through public legislation. Life in Scandinavia became better as a result.
The structure if health care services have mostly remained unchanged since 1945. Patients select their physicians and the doctors work like gate-keepers, guiding them on whether hospitalization is required. People depend on hospitals for emergency care. There are on-call systems too for rapid access. Usually, the hospitals are the responsibility of regional health authorities or local governments. University teaching hospitals are partly under national control.
The building blocks of personalization hero recangle.
In recent years, many private specialized hospitals have come up. They are becoming very popular as well. Now, there is private health insurance for dental and non-critical medical care too. Thanks to health management reforms carried out over the years, private companies can now make inroads into servicing and managing hospitals, particularly in Sweden. All this has improved the Scandinavian lifestyle and health of the people.
Cost of Healthcare Health care in Scandinavian countries is publicly financed. This ensures that everyone has access to the region’s best medical facilities at no direct or minimal patient cost. Easy access, treatment, and also public health are the three important elements of the healthcare structure in these countries. These elements are all handled both at the local and national level by the Scandinavian health care system. It is the same throughout.
In Denmark, hospital treatment is free. If we carry out a Norway healthcare system overview and the ones in the other countries in the region, we will see that they follow an out-of-pocket co-payment system.
How does Sweden pay for healthcare? The Swedish system is mostly government-funded. It is decentralized and universal for all the citizens. However, there are also private medical care services. The country’s healthcare system is funded mostly through the collection of taxes, which is carried out by the municipalities and the councils.
Typically, anything between 75% and 85% financing comes from the tax revenues. There are patient co-payments too in Sweden. For instance, adult patients will have to share the cost towards prescription drugs. There is a cap on this for modest levels. It is waived for some chronic conditions and for those in the low-income group. Dental care is free for all children. For adults, however, this can be a major expense. For relief, there is private insurance for dental care.
The health care costs have gone up 6rapidle in the last few years in the region like in many other parts of the world. However, despite this, the overall economic burden has remained stable. In Iceland, for example, it is 8.5% as a share of the GDP whereas in Sweden it is 10.9%. This too is less because in the US it is around 40% more.
Health Professionals in Scandinavia There are high-quality healthcare professionals in the Nordic countries, which ensure that people in the region have access to the best quality healthcare in the world. You will find many board-certified professionals with years of experience in every field, even in cosmetic procedures. For example, you can find more info about back coolsculpting, how the procedure works, its benefits, and the private clinics in the region for such treatments.
Coolsculpting back
Scandinavian health care problems are ably taken care of by the professionals. This is why you will rarely find the citizens going to other countries to get treated. Most of them have complete trust on Nordic care.
Nordic Diet One major reason why Nordic health is good is because of the diet the people follow. The diet is rooted in tradition. It goes back to the time of the Vikings and comprises of fresh natural foods. They eat nutrient-rich foods with a lot of vegetables like –
The region grows limited fruits. Thus, berries are the main source of fruits. Popular grains include barley, oats, and rye.
In Norway, people like to have their dinners early. They eat together as a family. Most people work between 8 and 4 in the afternoon and eat their dinner around 5 PM. They pick up the kids while returning from work and go home to eat their dinner together. It is the day’s biggest meal.
Nordic diet. Photo: David B. Townsend/Unsplash
Active Lifestyle The healthy Nordic lifestyle is also responsible for the good health of the citizens. Exercise is a way of life of the people. People work out regularly. 30% of Swedes and Danes regularly cycle to work. This is no ordinary achievement as many of them have to commute for around 8 miles.
Exercise and good health are also a part of the workplace culture. Almost all companies have health policies. Many also invest in exercise and healthy food for their employees. Many companies have their social sports groups that are into soccer, running, and biking. Other companies often pay their employees for the gym memberships.
Nordic Healthcare: Why Scandinavians Are So Healthy? A promotional article from laserbodysculpring.ca
Going to Scandinavia but don’t know how to make the most of your trip? Here are some of the top Scandinavian attractions and activities you cannot miss in 2022!
Scandinavia is the one place on Earth that you can go to and experience activities and places that just feel like they’re out of a fairytale. The only problem most people tend to face while exploring Scandinavia is the fact that it’s tough to narrow things down to which attractions and activities you make sure to be a part of while you’re there.
That’s exactly the problem we’re here to fix! In this post, we will be going over some of the top attractions and activities you cannot miss if you’re in Scandinavia in 2022!
Art at Stockholm subway. Photo: Nazrin Babashova/Unsplash
Experience four underground attractions in Stockholm, Sweden Go underground in Sweden and experience world-unique installations from war-time hangars and silver mines to contemporary art beneath a modern-day city to a mysterious underground church. Learn more here.
Northern lights. Photo: Lightscape/Unsplash
Watch Northern Lights While bright blue skies get a lot of the world’s praise, nothing comes even remotely close to the magnificent wonder that is watching the Northern Lights in Norway. Northern Lights may look like an artificial light show, but it’s all the Earth’s natural wonder! The particles from solar winds get caught up in the Earth’s magnetic field. When these particles bounce off the atmosphere, the chemical reaction makes them light up, and the sky goes from being a dark stormy night to a bright glowing wonder that’s best seen in Norway!
Spend a weekend Skiing If you like to stay active during your vacation and want to experience the adventurous, fun side of things, you need to go to Lillehammer. The destination was originally grounds for the 1994 Winter Olympics but has since transitioned into a fantastic place anyone can go to for a weekend, or even longer, of some snowy adventure filled with activities!
Crown ring from Story Jewellery
Go Souvenir Shopping A visit to Scandinavia is incomplete if you don’t pick up some souvenirs and forever pieces to remember your trip by. Some of the most popular souvenirs you can pick up are Glerups, which are the most comfortable pair of shoes you’ll ever wear. Georg Jensen Silverware would probably be more for display than actual use because of how intricately they’re made, and finally, jewelry pieces! Delicate jewelry pieces like a cross bracelet or crown ring are small and dainty enough for you to keep on at all times and still make for a great souvenir you can keep around forever!
A Must-Visit Destination for Everyone With all of the information outlined in the article above, you will be able to plan out the best Scandinavian holiday, hitting some of the major hotspots and prime locations without having to worry about making sure you’re missing out on anything. Just study the post, take the things that match your interests, and make sure you get all those experiences during your trip!
Top Scandinavian Attractions and Activities You Cannot Miss in 2022, a promotional article from Story Jewellery.
Founded by a wife-and-husband-team, but presented to the world through the silhouette of two iconic sisters, Anna and Clara, Søstrene Grene – the Grene Sisters in Denmark – is living proof that a smart, committed and focused company can turn from a local Danish store to a global operation in only ten years.
The fictional Anna and Clara are your hosts in Søstrene Grene and have been so since the opening of the first store in the Danish city of Aarhus in 1973. The company was founded by husband-and-wife team Inger Grene and Knud Cresten Vaupell Olsen.
With close to 250 stores in 15 different countries inside Europe, the company has experienced exponential growth in the last ten years.
It is, however, the two sisters Anna and Clara who has been the driving force behind the success. Anna is a creative aesthete, while her sister Clara is practical and organized – together, they represent all that Søstrene Grene is and has to offer.
With close to 250 stores in 15 different countries inside Europe, the company has experienced exponential growth in the last ten years.
Mikkel Grene and Carsten Grene
The founders’ sons run the company today, with Mikkel Grene as the CEO and Cresten Grene as the creative director. Claus Tjærby is Chief Business Development Officer of the company.
Some years ago, the company realized that they had few shops in a lot of markets and wanted to change its strategy and focus on fewer markets with more stores.
Since March 2020, the company has offered its customers an online universe where the products can both be viewed and purchased. The web-shop is available in six markets and the company itself says that it has been overwhelmed by the large number of customers who visit the web-shop.
Kitchen category
The company is currently improving the digital experience for the customer and seeks to expand the range with even more exciting products. Regardless of whether you visit the physical stores or the web-shop, Søstrene Grene want to create a space where the pace of everyday life slows down for a bit. The stores are designed to inspire body and soul by means of classical music, creative product displays, aisles of ‘hygge’ and with surprises around every corner. A visit to Søstrene Grene must always be full of ‘hygge’.
The stores sell Scandinavian design, home accessories, kitchenware, gifts, stationery and interior furnishings and much more. The extension to online business is considered an omnichannel project as the company wants its online and outline sales to go hand in hand. It is not yet sure if all physical stores will open for online business, since there are some moods which are difficult to reshape on the internet, e. g. ‘hygge’.
Regardless of whether you visit the physical stores or the web-shop, Søstrene Grene want to create a space where the pace of everyday life slows down for a bit.
Søstrene Grene focus on the natural joy and aesthetics of the little things in life. In their stores, you will always find a wide range of products – many of which have been designed by the company with inspiration from its Nordic origins. Aesthetics are in the detail and are therefore always mindful of the importance of the choice of materials and colors. The company firmly believes that being surrounded by high aesthetic quality will bring you joy in your daily life.
The first Søstrene Grene store opened in 1973 on the first floor of Søndergade 11 in Aarhus. The chain expanded with stores in Aalborg and Herning in 1989, and the expansion continued throughout the 90s and 00s. In 2005, the chain opened in Reykjavik in Iceland, while the stores in Stavanger, Norway, and Malmö, Sweden, opened in 2006. The biggest store outside of Denmark is found in Dublin, Ireland.
During 2015, the company opened 20 new stores in Denmark. Today, Søstrene Grene is located on 15 different markets: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, The Netherlands, France, The Faroe Islands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Belgium.
From Local Danish Store to a Global Operation in Only Ten Years, compiled by Tor Kjolberg
