2_1_ScanMag_69_Oct_2014_Text:Scan Magazine 1
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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Autumn and Winter Experiences in Norway
Create memories with real wildlife experiences In Vest-Agder County located southwest in Norway, you find Sirdal – originally an isolated and impoverished community but rich in natural and unvarnished beauty. It’s the place where Odd Kvinen in 1989 decided to establish Active Wilderness Adventure, that later became Sirdal Huskyfarm. although all the winter activities are valuable to him, the intangible experiences that connect him with each participant’s feelings are of much greater importance to him.
By Anette Fondevik
For more information, please visit: www.sirdalhuskyfarm.no
Photo: Michael Matejka
The farm offers a full-fledged centre for culture, nature and cuisine. Kvinen wanted to give people real experiences in a genuine environment. “I have years of interest in nature and the outdoors and enjoy meeting people from different countries with different cultural backgrounds,” he says. The Huskyfarm offers customised programmes for teambuilding, training and job conferences. Kvinen has accommodated groups of up to 150 people, but says that tailor-made programmes for smaller groups are also available. During the winter season activities include dog sledding, snowshoeing, dog sledding tours with accommodation in cabins or tents in the wilderness camp, ice climbing or snowmobiling. Still, the huskies are a main attraction. “The dogs are our most important trademark and we have over 30 years of experience with them. They are well trained, safe and like to socialise with people,” says Kvinen. He is the only one in the area keeping huskies, and
A visit to Sirdal Huskyfarm promises adventure, fresh air and exciting activities, ensuring that every guest leaves with memories of rich and authentic experiences.
Winter adventures in Femund Engerdal It has an average height of 700m above sea level with more than 900 lakes, creeks and rivers in the district and 50 mountains that are over 1,000 metres high. The area is one of the last areas of complete wilderness in Europe. The area has a continental climate with very little precipitation, something that almost guarantees cold and snowy winters. This is the southernmost part of Sápmi (Lapland), the land of the Sami (Lapps). Several herds of reindeer and their herders live here. This is also a place where bears (hibernating in the wintertime), wolves, lynx, wolverines, moose or their tracks can be seen. Winter tourists who visit Femund Engerdal can do cross country skiing in groomed trails, lighted trails or off-piste. Visitors can either book their trip individually or contact Norway Outdoors, a travel agency that offers tailor-made trips for individuals or groups. At Johnsgård Tourist Centre you can try out biathlon, ice bathing, sleeping in a snow
cave or staying in a Sami tent. Other facilities include two outdoor tubs and a wood-fired sauna – well-deserved indulgences after you’ve had a go at the activities on offer. In February, Femundløpet, an extremely challenging long-distance dog sled race, is arranged.
The race starts in the historic mining town of Røros, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It runs through eight municipalities, one checkpoint situated in Drevsjø in Femund Engerdal, before returning to the finish line in Røros.
For more information, please visit: www.femundengerdal.no
Photo: Oyvind Lund
Femund Engerdal is located between Trondheim and Oslo, with large areas designated to two national parks.
By Anette Fondevik
Issue 69 | October 2014 | 113