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HI Norway's Snow- and Winter Guide

There are many places in Norway that are known for and offer fun and exciting snow- and winter activities. HI Norway is presenting a Snow- and Winter Guide for people who would like to experience the Norwegian winter with a combination of a hostel stay.

Foto: Tor Alvheim/ Høvringen Aktivitetsselskap
Fjelltur på Høvringen
Foto: Norske Vandrerhjem
Hundspann i Karasjok
Foto: Norske Vandrerhjem - Nordic Safari
Fisketur i Mehamn

HI Norway has previously presented this year's Alpine- and Snowboard Guide that shows an overview of hostels that are located closed to great Norwegian ski resorts. In this guide we are presenting some of the hostels that is not necessarily offering an alpine ski resort, but other snow and winter activities for people who loves being outdoors during the winter season in the snow, not necessarily wearing skis, and maybe even be at sea.

HI Norway presents this year's Snow- and Winter Guide:

Oslo Hostel Haraldsheim, Mjølfjell Hostel, Hamar Hostel og Brumund Vandrerhjem Treetophuts, Gjøvik Hostel, Røros Hostel, Høvringen Hostel, Mehamn Hostel and Karasjok Hostel.

Vinterstemning på Voss
Foto: Lene Engholm
Karasjok i nordlys
Foto: Norske Vandrerhjem
Tretopphyttene Brumund

Oslo


Oslo has an unique opportunity for combining winter sport activities and big city life. In only a half hour to an hour from the hostel there are unimagined possibilities for enjoying winter activities as cross country skiing, alpine skiing, snowboarding, skating, tobogganing and more.

Oslo most popular toboggan run, Korketrekkeren, starts at Frognerseteren and ends at Midstuen. The ride is 2 000 meters long and the elevation drop is 255 meters. You may rent sleds next to Frognerseteren Restaurant. Helments are rented for free!

In Oslo you might want to visit the Icebar Oslo. The Icebar Oslo is the 3rd in the world and Norway's 1st. The Icebar itself is built from 50 tonnes of natural frozen Torne river ice - giving guests a glimpse into the enchanting world of arctic winter in an urban setting. The entry is valid for 45 minutes and includes and ice drink served in an ice glass. An arctic cape is to keep you warm.
Contact information: Oslo Hostel Haraldsheim
E-mail: oslo.haraldsheim@hihostels.no Telephone; +47 22 22 29 65.

Mjølfjell


Mjølfjell is known for having lots of snow and stable winter conditions. The small town gives you first and foremost wonderful opportunity to go cross country skiing close to pristine and untouched nature. There are lots of prepared cross country trails in the area and there are trails for beginners and more advance skiers. For young people or advance skiers it is very popular to go to the top of the mountain and run at full speed down on your skis again. There is a free children's ski lift just outside the hostel door.

Stay at Mjølfjell Hostel you may put on your skis just outside the hostel door and you will enjoy your skiing trip. The Mjølfjell Hostel opens in mid February. Normally you will find snow until May. The hostel has in total 110 beds and 29 rooms. 19 rooms have private shower and toilet.
Contact information: Mjølfjell Hostel
E-mail; mjolfjell@hihostels.no Telephone;+47 56 52 31 50

Hamar Vandrerhjem and Brumund Vandrerhjem


If you choose to stay at one of these hostels, you may go skiing in the nearby area. Budor is an excellent location for cross country skiing and it offers over 300 kilometers of prepared trails. There is also a ski lift with 6 runs and 2 lifts. The small ski resort is particularly suited snowboarders, tobogganing and families.  

Hamar Hostel is located next to The Viking Ship Olympic Area, which is Norway's national area for skating. Every year The Viking Ship hosts events for skating.
Hamar Hostel offers 65 rooms and 225 beds. All rooms have private bath and breakfast are included.

Brumund Hostel consists of 3 different treetop huts, called The Pine Hut, The Larch Hut and The Gran Hut. The Gran Hut will be ready the summer of 2012. All cabins are located apart from each other in the middle of the forest and on top of a tree about 8 feet above the ground.

An accommodation in the woods can be combined with a cross country skiing, snow shoeing or hiking. But be prepared to make the tracks for yourself! In the forest, you will have a fantastic opportunity to find peace and see many different birds and animals. - Do not forget to feed the birds at the bird table!
Contact information: Hamar Hostel
E-mail; hamar@hihostels.no Telephone; +47 62 52 60 60
Contact information: Brumund Hostel Treetophuts
E-mail; brumund@hihostels.no Telephone; +47 90 93 33 56


Gjøvik


The Gjøvik region offers more than 1,500 km of prepared ski trails in different kinds of terrains, from forests to mountains, a 100 kilometre network of connected floodlit trails, ski centres, ski jumps and skating rinks. There are also a number of activity centers offering tobogganing, a warming drink in the forest, something to eat in old farm buildings or in the fresh air – or you could sit by a hole on one of the many frozen lakes and try catching a perch or two.

The region is not the first place where the snow falls, but once it comes, there are many possibilities. Hovdebakken, a small hill with a lift and 2 run, is situated just outside the hostel door. The ski trails starts from the hostel.

Gjøvik Hostel is located close to the city centre, with only a 10 minutes' walk from the railway station. The rooms are newly renovated and there is in total 37 rooms and 120 beds. 29 rooms have private shower/toilette. Breakfast and bed linen are included.
Contact information: Gjøvik Hostel
E-mail; gjovik@hihostels.no Telephone; +47 61 17 10 11

Høvringen


The mountain community of Høvringen lies 1 000 meters above sea level in the northern part of Gudbrandsdalen and is the gateway to Rondane from the west. The area is known for its stable climate and its good, varied skiing terrain. The marked skiing trails invite you to some fantastic natural surroundings. You can choose to climb high peaks, or take a short walk in the gentle terrain. There are 100 km of prepared trails which start at the hostel door and 150 km of prepared trails in total. The majestic peaks of Rondane will greet you when you arrive at Høvringen.

Høvringen Hostel offers rooms for 1 to 4 persons and family rooms. The hostel has a total of 17 rooms, which 5 of them are with en suite facilities. The hostel is a very popular place for a break for people who are skiing, because of good food and waffles. The hostel has also its own guest kitchen, sauna and hot tub. Cross country skis are available for rent if needed.
Contact information: Høvringen Hostel, E-mail; hovringen@hihostels.no Telephone; + 47 61 23 30 12

Rørøs

"Winter in Røros is something different. Especially the time before Christmas the mining town - Røros seems with its many colorful wooden houses at its best. Snow covers the streets, on top of the walls of the houses/buildings and lights up the polar night. True snow crystals are seen on the glass windows. The Christmas streets are decorated with handmade festoons of real spruce. "The Blue Hour" at Røros plateau is present. And you may hear the many stories whispered from the walls."

With such beautiful words Destination Røros invites everyone to experience the winter in Røros! Røros has an outdoor Christmas market, and we promise that you in Røros you will get in the Christmas spirit. The silence, calm and energy, which you may get while skiing in clean and fresh air on the plateau is an experience you will think back on with good memories.
Contact information: Røros Hostel Fjellheimen, E-mail; roros@hihostels.no
Telephone; +47 72 41 14 68

Mehamn


Mehamn Hostel offers a wide range of activities and packages for their guests. In cooperation with Nordic Safari Wildlife Adventure guests have the opportunities to get to know the northern Norway's spectacular wonders, as for instance the Northern Light and beautiful nature in combination with fun activities. Some of the activities that are offered are; snowshoeing, dog sledding and snowmobile safaris. Strap on your skis right outside the hostel door and take a ski trip in an amazing Arctic landscape. You may also enjoy deep water fishing if the weather allows it. Best time for skiing is from March to May. If needed, you may rent various equipments at the hostel.

Mehamn Hostel offers a total of 20 rooms and 43 beds, including 5 of the rooms, which have private showers/toilettes. Bed linen is included and the hostel has its own restaurant. As a member of Hostelling International you will receive 10 % discount on packages, tours and activities arranged by the hostel or Nordic Safari Wildlife Adventure.
Contact information: Mehamn Hostel
E-mail; mehamn@hihostels.no Telephone; + 47 97 42 19 00

Karasjok


Karasjok is the Sami capital and a cultural junction in Finnmark. Karasjok is located in the heart of Norwegian Lapland, 18 kilometres from the Finnish border, and is a natural and important stopping place on the way to the North Cape. It is also located in the area where the Northern Lights are most likely to be seen.

Karasjok Hostel is quite unique. The interior design for the cabins has been inspirited from the nature and it is simple beautiful! In total the hostel has 15 beds.  The also is a starting point for many different winter activities, including dog sledding trips, snowmobile tours, hiking on snowshoes or cross country trips. Maybe you would like to learn to drive your own dog sled team? The hostel is also the home for 40 to 50 well-trained sled dogs, which are used for long-distance dog sledding. At Karasjok Hostel you may stay in cabins with full board if you would like or joint a tour with a guide and his/her sled dogs.
Contact information: Karasjok Hostel
E-mail; karasjok@hihostels.no Telephone; +47 91 58 66 25
 
     
 

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