EL CORAZÓN DE NORUEGA Newsletter no. 7

The Heart of is a network of companies working together with the goal to get more international guests to the region. To reach this goal one of the instruments is developing and presenting a set of proposals for new roundtrips with an extended stay in the heart of Norway.

The region stretches from Hamar in the south to in the north and westwards to Åndalsnes and Skjåk. Most of the area is known as the Inland of Norway.

#1 FITUR 2020

Øyvind Frich (Dale-Gudbrands Gard), Bjørnar Bråthen (Wood Hotel/ Frich’s AS) and Ole Georg Øye (Thon Hotel ) will be present at FITUR to promote “In the heart of Norway”.

You find us at Pavillion 4 Europe / Stand Number D07 A.

We really look forward to meeting you. Do not hesitate to contact us prior to FITUR, if you would like to pre-book a meeting with us. See you next week!

Øyvind Frich, [email protected] Bjørnar Bråten, [email protected] Ole Georg Øye, [email protected]

#2 DALE-GUDBRANDS GARD – THE PLACE TO ENJOY YOUR LUNCH

At Dale-Gudbrands Gard in Gudbrandsdalen, you experience tranquillity, peace and quietness.

Few Norwegian farms have such a rich cultural history as Dale-Gudbrands Gard at Hundorp. As far back as the Viking Age, the farm was a gathering place for powerful meetings and events. The first major meeting took place in the year 1021 between Olav den Hellige (St. Olav) and the farm owner Dale-Gudbrand. The meeting is described in Heimskringla by Snorre Sturlasson and marks the beginning of the introduction of Christianity in Gudbrandsdalen. Today, Dale-Gudbrands Gard consists of six buildings, which are used for accommodation, dining and conferences.

Our season has never started as early as now. We are very happy to say that we can welcome Spanish-speaking visitors every week from April for lunch, dinner and/or accommodation. We are also very proud of our kitchen and the positive feedback we get. Our menu is based on traditional dishes from Gudbrandsdalen valley. We use local Dale-Gudbrands Gard. Photos: Ian Brodie ingredients and the menu is seasonal. Enjoy your meal in our historical location. For booking; www.dale-gudbrandsgard.no or mail to [email protected].

#3 PREPARING FOR THE 1000TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE START OF THE CHRISTIANIZATION OF NORWAY

Dale-Gudbrands Gard and Pilgrim centre Dale-Gudbrand is preparing for the 1000th anniversary of the start of the Christianisation of Norway. Along with other national players the project “Norway in 1000 years” focuses on this part of the Norwegian history. There will be events and exhibition from 2021 to 2030 in different parts of Norway, ending with the 1000th anniversary of the Battle of Stiklestad.

At Dale-Gudbrands Gard we are preparing an exhibition that will be ready for this anniversary. See www.dale-gudbrandsgard.no for news.

#4 PILGRIMAGE AND OUR HISTORY Get inspired to walk the pilgrimage path towards Trondheim. Here from Fåvang/ Gudbrandsdalen. Last summer we opened the new point of interest at Dale- Gudbrands gard. It presents the thrilling story of this historic place by using audio guide for smartphones. Welcome to Dale-Gudbrands Gard and the pilgrimage centre for an insight into our history.

Read more about the pilgrimage walk through Gudbrandsdalen here.

#5 DOMKIRKEODDEN IN HAMAR

The museum at Domkirkeodden will be open from mid-May till mid-September, opening hours will be published at our website when they are scheduled: https://domkirkeodden.no/en/visiting. Please note that we welcome groups for guided tours all year; a Musical Tour in the Glass Cathedral may be a truly memorable and nice experience even in the midst of winter; ice covering the glass and candles lit around the ruins while the guide dressed in Medieval clothing performs Gregorian chanting, Norwegian folk tunes and other songs while telling the exciting story of Hamar from 1152 up to modern times. Photo: Anno Domkirkeodden/ Geir Ove Andreassen During summer season, there are always two guided tours included in your entrance fee; the Medieval Tour and the Musical Tour. In high season (usually late June – early August) there are another three tours included as well; the Herb Garden, the Folk Museum and a special tour focusing on legends and dungeons – the children usually love this one! For tour schedule, please see https://domkirkeodden.no/en.

#6 HEADING FOR GEIRANGER? SKEID KRO IS YOUR CHOICE TO STOP FOR A MEAL

“When guests arrive, only the best is good enough” Food traditions in Skjåk are generous, as are the people living here. We like to take good care of our guest, also when it comes to the food we bring to the table. We are fortunate and are provided with a rich pantry by nature. For us, quality is not a requirement, but an inherited part of our culture.

Heading west to Geiranger or east to Lillehammer and Hamar? We are happy to serve you lunch or dinner. For group prices and bookings, please contact us at [email protected].

#7 – CLIMB THE TREETOPS AT VALSØYA

Valsøya welcomes you. This spring new challenges are ready for you! Experience an exciting world in the top of our trees! Enjoy the day in our climbing park. Here are 5 different courses.

This climbing park has something for the whole family. Info about the climbing park. https://hoytlavt.no/en/valsoya

After an adventurous day in the treetops, you are welcome to stay in our newest apartments in the Olaus house. This is an old farmhouse refurbished into apartments.

Are you more of a glamping person? Check out our Pod House. This is a form of “glamping” or “glamorous camping”. The pod house has room for 2 persons, and you have a great view of the .

Look at all our alternatives here; www.valsoya.no/accommodation

#8 THON HOTEL SURNADAL - YOUR CHOICE BETWEEN TRONDHEIM AND

The best way to start the day is having a good breakfast! At our breakfast buffet you get a selection of homemade specialities such as marmalade and “sveler”. We do our uttermost to give you the best start as you deserve! Our kitchen provides seasonal menus with tasteful local experiences. It is important to us to use local food suppliers as much as possible.

During summer season there are several events in Surnadal. Øramartna is a festival focusing on Norwegian traditions, music and culture. In May there is the cultural festival, Vårsøg weekend. Poetry and art are the main focus with music and other entertainment. The yearly Salmon days (18 – 21st June) is arena for salmon fishing, music and nature experiences.

Thon Hotel Surnadal is situated between Trondheim and Kristiansund, at the gateway to the mountain area . For booking or enquiries, please contact [email protected]. Read more: www.thonhotels.no/surnadal.

#9 IN ANOTHER WORLD - THE OLD MINE (GAMMELGRUVA)

Join us on a trip underground and experience the construction work that is found in the mountain at Løkken Verk. You enter the mines and large rooms. When you enter the Old Mine and until you come out again you feel like you are in a completely different world. You walk in tight corridors and large rock halls, where you have mountains all around you. This old mine (Gammelgruva) is said to be Norway's most colorful mine.

To book a guided tour in this mine – check out www.oi.no. We also do lunches inside the mine, for groups that book prior to their visit. Please contact [email protected]

#10 TRAINS IN THE HEART OF NORWAY The Dovre railway and the Rauma railway are popular train journeys in the heart of Norway. A trip on Rauma Railway is a unique opportunity to experience one of the most spectacular scenic areas in Norway. Rauma Railway goes between Åndalsnes and Dombås with four daily departures all year, and the trip takes approx. 1,5 hours. The experience can easily be combined with a train ride on Dovrebanen, between and Trondheim. For ticket related question until 6th June 2020 - [email protected], https://www.vy.no/en From June 7th 2020 these railways are operated by SJ NORGE.

This newsletter is sent to you as a result of our previous communication at events and workshops organised by Innovation Norway in Spain and Norway. We have your contact information as a result of business card exchange. If you do not want to receive future newsletters from the HEART OF NORWAY, please contact us by sending an email to [email protected] .