Natural Crafts Norway

It can be reached from Longyearbyen, after a three-hour navigation. The glacier is 5 km wide, 30 km long and almost 50 m high, so it is very impressive, especially when you approach it by kayak. The name of the glacier comes from an old name of Sweden. Of course, one does not venture there without a guide, except for extreme adventurers, in which case you may not have this guide in your hands! Don't get too close because of the frequent ice falls. You will be surprised by the noise that a glacier makes!

Around Narvik there are several caves that can be visited and where it is possible to go caving in summer. Information at the tourist office for times and days. A sporting activity for those who are not claustrophobic of course! The Trollkirka cave, for example, is known to be quite extraordinary, with waterfalls, holes shaped over the years by water and ice, cracks here and there. May be also not recommended for people who are afraid of heights, ask your guide!

Do you want to get some fresh air, walk in nature without going far from the capital? Do you like the idea of getting a great view of Oslo, the fjord and the surrounding mountains? Would you like to find a quiet place to have a drink/lunch/waffle/dinner with a great view (Grefsenkollen Restaurant!)? Or you just want to find a nice place to go for a jog? Then Grefsen is a small, unspoiled area of Oslo (off the beaten track but accessible) that is probably for you!

The majestic Finnkirka cliff comes into view as you enter the Kjøllefjord. It's often compared to a cathedral, because it certainly looks like one. This imposing work of nature has withstood the test of time, cold and waves. For many years, it served as a sacred site for the Sami people. The lucky ones can discover it at night, when it is illuminated. Others can try their hand at climbing. One thing's for sure: from up there, the view is breathtaking. Don't forget your equipment.

Trollstigen, the famous Norwegian troll road, offers a different view of the mountains at every turn. The rock formations that frame it are visible at every panorama. The highest point, Store Trolltind (the highest) is perched at 1,788 m above sea level. The most beautiful part of the road is called Ørnevegen (the eagle road). From here, you will have the most beautiful view of the region. The difference in altitude is so important in some places (more than 9%!) that it can give some cold sweats to the most experienced drivers and motorcyclists!

At the end of this path, it takes about 20 minutes to walk to the highest point of the waterfall. The route goes through a wild and impressive mountain landscape until you reach the Mardalsvatnent lake. From the lake it is a 20-minute walk along the river to the highest point of the waterfall. On a clear day, the panoramic view of the Mardalsfossen waterfall and the Eiksdalen valley is breathtaking. This waterfall, the highest in Northern Europe, was the subject of much discussion in 1970 during environmental protests.

Tvindefossen Falls are 152 metres high and can be seen from the road. They stand white on the ledges formed by the rocks. It is said that bathing in the waterfall gives you strength and sexual vitality. Up to 200,000 visitors a year (mainly from the USA, Japan and Russia) come to admire the waterfall and of course to fill small (or large!) containers. The Danish-Norwegian painter Johan Christian Dahl painted it in 1830.

The largest desert in all of northern Europe where the winds have piled up the sands into large dunes. When the mine was active, almost all the forests around the town were cleared to supply the copper smelters. In the late 18th century, as part of a reforestation programme, attempts were made to plant the sands with branches and peat, sow them with grasses and then plant them with pine and birch. Most of the White Sands is now devoid of vegetation.

Bymarka is quite simply the garden of the people of Trondheim. This vast 80 km² coastal natural area is home to a wealth of natural beauty and some 200 km of hiking trails! It's a meeting place for locals in fine weather, but also in winter, when the cross-country ski trails (some of which are illuminated for night-time use) are open. There are several refuges and cafés on the reserve to welcome you for a break. It's easy to get here by public transport, via Sverresborg, Kyvatnet or Lian.