Summer in Femundsmarka

End of July, summer heat in most of Europe. Oslo has not been so hot as other cities, however even 25 degrees and sunny weather can be too much here. So it was great to escape for a few days to colder wilderness and show Lukas our favorite Femundsmarka. We stayed in Engerdal and made several trips around. 

First destination - Hognsjøen, relatively small lake above Engerdal. There are big (3 kg) trout and artic char swimming and they are not easy to catch. 

The gravel road (Nysæterveien) that goes along the north-east edge of Østre Blakksjøhøgda to the parking 3 km from Hognsjøen, offers great views over Femund and Kvisleflået. 

Second destination - 3,5 km path along Gutulisjøen  towards Gutulisetra offers a taste of Gutulia national park, the smallest one in Norway. While Lukas was taking a nap, I managed to get a nice trout in Gutulisjøen. 

Third destination - a round 11 km hike from Gløtvola to the top of Vardefjell. Amazing forest in lower parts, a lot of wind and nice views above the forest. 

Fourth destination - hike from Galten to Galtåsknappen and back (7 km in total). Fantastic views all around. The brochure with the selection of 20 hikes to the  mountain tops in the area (topptur) can be downloaded here. It seemed that Lukas enjoyed the trips (except driving) and we are looking forward to coming back soon.

Summer Oslo

A family visit provided us a reason to explore Oslo little bit more. For a week, we did daily whole-day trips, each of them was like a small expedition. And Oslo was very welcoming to us. I was surprised how much I enjoyed a week in the summer city. Below a sample of a few highlights. 

Deichman Bjørvika public library. The concept of "open library" is amazing. Great piece of architecture. And very child-friendly.

Kistefoss museum of contemporary art. One hour drive from Oslo, situated along the river Randselva. The temporary exhibitions by Paulina Olowska (Her Hauntology) and by Do Ho Sun are really good. And again, it is great place for kids, because a lot of open space and various sculptures located in the nature. 

Island hopping. There are several islands in Oslo fjord and some of them are connected with public transport ferries. So it is great idea to use the regular public transport ticket and spend a summer day visiting a few islands and enjoy nice beaches. Water in Oslo fjord was 22 degrees, ideal for bathing (bathing shoes recommended).

Museums (especially Fram if you are interested in polar expeditions) that are located on Bygdø peninsula are "a must-see". You can reach them for example with this small boat (the white larger boats behind are regular public transport boats - fully electric).

Recently opened Munch and National Museums are just behind the corner.

Kalvøya island next to Sandvika - another great place for bathing. 

Grefsenkollen restaurant/terrace offers great views over Oslo and serves very good pizza as well.

Nordmarka is just behind the door and it offers countless possibilities for outdoor activities. One day we took a train from Kjelsås till Snippen and walked back to Oslo, following Barlindåsen ridge (photo stolen from google maps), that has good view over Maridal and Oslo fjord + berries and mushrooms in the forest.  

Walking from Kjelsås along Akerselva to explore colorful houses in Rodeløkka (photo stolen from twitter) 

I like boller