Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Norway
A holiday with maritime luxury If you are looking for a more luxurious fishing holiday by the sea containing boat trips and great recreational areas, Kvalheim Fritid can offer all that within an hour’s drive from Bergen. By Marte Eide | Photos: Kvalheim Fritid
“We are easily accessible from both Hordaland and Sogn & Fjordane, and people can even arrive with their own boat at our dock,” says general manager AnnSophie Lindahl. Kvalheim Fritid overlooks Hjeltefjorden, which is recognised in Norway for being one of the fjords containing the largest variety of fish, including catfish, cod, monkfish, haddock and mackerel. Large quantities of shellfish and molluscs on the seabed make it a paradise both for those who love to fish and for those interested in diving. There are guided tours and the staff are more than willing to help guests in tracing down the best fishing spots. “A lot of our guests come back year after year,” says Lindahl. Kvalheim Fritid offers high-standard cabins for rent, all with a Jacuzzi on the
terrace and opportunities to smoke the fish freshly caught from the fjord. “Most of our guests during the summer come from abroad for one to three weeks to rent boats
and go fishing,” explains Lindahl, “whereas during the other seasons we have mostly locals from Bergen visiting for a weekend.” On site there is also a restaurant, Kapteinen, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. “The shellfish buffet is very popular,” says Lindahl. “In nice weather, the food can be enjoyed on the big outdoor terrace with views over the fjord.” Most definitely a relaxing way to spend the long Norwegian summer nights.
For more information, please visit: www.kvalheimfritid.no
Bringing new life to old power plants The Norwegian fjords are a mecca for clean energy with their numerous waterfalls. It is no wonder that Norway’s hydro energy adventure started here, or more precisely in Tyssedal. Today most of the plants are neatly built into the mountains, meaning that the old plants are used for something completely new, ranging from classic museums to hiking routes. By Helene Toftner | Photos: Norsk Vasskraft og Industrimuseum (NVIM)
The Norwegian Museum of Hydro Power and Industry in Tyssedal, Odda, runs the old power plants in the area, including the iconic Tyssedal Power Plant. The building is an architectural gem with a mix of influences. “It is like a cathedral or a palace to us,” says information manager Anne Gravdal. While visiting the building is a must, Gravdal notes that more and more people are using the old tunnels as hiking paths. “Tyssedal and Odda more broadly are known for two things, namely the power plants and the Trolltunga hike. Many hikers are now walking ‘Lilletopp’, translating as the ‘Little Peak’, in preparation for the big Trolltunga
hike or as a smoother alternative,” she says about the hike that once used to be for the navies accessing the water works. The visitors are indeed excited, with one writing in the guestbook that ‘The view is better than on Trolltunga – magic! Much easier and, most importantly, this place is much less touristy’. The trip can be booked via the museum and is mainly for groups or families. For more information and to book guided tours and excursions, please visit: www.nvim.no
Issue 91 | August 2016 | 47