2_1_ScanMag_80_Sep-Oct_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 15/09/2015 19:39 Page 92
Photo: Kjartan Trana
Attraction of the Month, Norway
Up close and personal with the king “One result of the increased urbanisation is that people have less experience of nature and co-existing with wildlife,” suggests Turid Bredesen, general manager at Namsskogan Familiepark. By Andrea Bærland
It is therefore the aim of the wildlife park, located between Trondheim and Mosjøen in central Norway, to give visitors an authentic Norwegian wildlife experience. “One of our main goals is to spread awareness and make people feel safe in their interaction with nature, as well as to squash some myths,” says Bredesen.
has recently installed a climbing tower – the first of its kind in Scandinavia – with 36 different obstacles across three different levels of difficulty. “It’s not only a fun family activity, it’s also popular with companies on team-building trips. It can definitely be a bit of a muscle workout,” Bredesen smiles.
Something for everyone
But the wildlife park is not just for the sporty type. Every summer craftsmen such as blacksmiths and glass blowers show off their craft in the park and produce unique souvenirs for purchase. Moreover, Namsskogan Familiepark makes a contribution to art through its
The crew at Namsskogan Familiepark is dedicated to offering a range of physical activities suitable to a forest environment, including ziplining, kayaking, bungeetrampolines and alpine racers. And if you really want to work up a sweat, the park
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annual scholarship Bamsestipendet, granted to a different artist every year. The artists spend two weeks in the park and return the following summer to exhibit the result of their inspirational stay. “This summer Truls Espedal showcased his oil paintings, while next year’s artist, who just finished his stay, is a videographer,” Bredesen explains. Performing arts is taken care of by Rebella Hex, the popular witch that puts on a children’s rock theatre every summer. “It is important for us that visiting the park is something children, mums, dads and even grandparents can enjoy – that’s why we offer such a wide range of activities,” says Bredesen. Predators and petting zoo As autumn and winter approach, the majority of the activities close down. The an-