Straand Hotel

Boat trip with M/S Fram

There's always a great travel offer at Risskov, so why not plan a car holiday in Norway and experience the beautiful and magnificent scenery of Telemark on a cheap self-drive holiday to Norway. Set aside a day for a trip on the vintage boat 'M/S Fram' from Vrådal. The boat sails into the islands of Nisser and Vråvatn and there are also lock tours included. The veteran boat M/S Fram sails from May to October, so don't miss out on this wonderful trip when you go to Vrådal.

Vrådal Panorama Ski Centre

Telemark is probably Norway's most accessible ski area for most people, it is centrally located, only 3 hours drive from Oslo and Bergen and it is also the closest alpine centre to Denmark.

'Vrådal Panorama Skisenter' is one of Telens largest alpine ski centres with five lifts and fifteen slopes, and there is never a queue as there is room for eight at a time. Have a nice trip!

Horse riding tours in Kviteseid

Should you want to go horseback riding in the forest, this can be arranged at Straand Hestesenter, which is open every day from 10:00 - 17:00. Horses are fed from 13:00-15:00.

On with the snowshoes in Kviteseid

Not everyone is born skiing like the Norwegians, and if skiing isn't your thing, there are other ways to get out on the snow. So if the dream of a winter wonderland experience is lurking, try a 'trot' or a snowshoe tour. Snowshoes can be rented at the Quality Straand Hotel, which also organises snowshoe tours around Kviteseid.

The snow shoes have a large wearing surface, but you have to get used to walking in the snow with them first. In fact, just strap them on with a pair of straps and rubber laces and you're ready for a hike in the snow. The snowshoe was actually the predecessor of the ski and was developed many thousands of years ago by northerners who also needed to get across the snow on two legs, at a reasonable pace.

Seljord Festival

The Seljord Festival is held every year in July and features good old balcony concerts with, among others, the famous Ole Ivars band and Vikingarna. There are deep traditions of folk music in Telemark, and during the summer days it draws around 10,000 of visitors to the main stage.

The rest of the year there are smaller events with music from dance bands. Ask at your hotel and they will be able to tell you where there is music and dancing in the neighbourhood.

Morgedal - a winter adventure

Morgedal is often referred to as the cradle of skiing and the ski museum presents Norwegian ski and polar history from around 2000 BC to today's snowboarders.

Highlights include Morgedal in the 1850s, the story of Sondre Norheim, the race to the South Pole and Olympic fire.

The museum café is open all year round, except in January. The café serves homemade food based on good quality ingredients.

Vrådal

Vrådal is a small village in Telemark county and there are no more than perhaps a little over 500 inhabitants in this small idyllic area. Despite this, for hundreds of years many visitors have come here, primarily to experience the countryside, with beautiful walks, beaches and good sailing. But there's also berry picking, skiing, cycling and, not least, the forest and mountains are the big draws where outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in plenty of superb outdoor activities. There are several marked trails, and with a little help from the GPS, it's easy to find even more attractive spots, ready to be explored.

Vrådal Golf

On the small island, located in the island of Nisser, there is a 9-hole golf course, right between the forest and the mountains. Weather permitting, golf can be played from May to October.

There is also a café at Vrådal Golf, where lunch can be ordered. Should you need golf balls or other golf equipment, this can also be arranged.