http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18557 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18557 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17319 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17319 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16546 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16546 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16545
The guesthouse's situation gives you a good opportunity to drink in the magnificient scenery and, if this whets your appetite for getting up close and personal with nature, an adventure sports company based at Vasstun offers all sorts of outdoor thrills and spills.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16545 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16544
During the winter this sizeable mountain plateau is a cross-country skier’s heaven. In summer, when the snow melts, the land takes on a slightly barren and desolate appearance but a network of marked trails and rest huts open it up as a hiking destination. A popular jaunt is the six-hour round trip to the Trolltunga (Troll’s tongue), a dizzying outcrop of rock where those with a strong stomach can stand and enjoy an impressive panorama.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16544 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16543
Gavle took over the farm after the previous occupants were murdered in a botched robbery. The absence of a proper road linking the farm to the main highway probably increased its vulnerability and isolation so the man-mountain simply built one himself and then set about making the restaurant he runs with his wife, Marit, a success.

The couple ensure a jolly atmosphere, although the revelry is overseen beadily by several excellent example of taxidermy, including an enormous moose head and a prehistorically-sized crow, the latter lending a suitably gothic touch given the building’s history. Anders also doubles as an enthusiastic local historian and archivist and will proudly show off his impressive collection of old photographs.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16543 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15470 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15470 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15426 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15426 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15327 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15327 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14975 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14975 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14500
We have just returned from a week hiking in Jontunheimen and cannot praise the DNT highly enough. I have never seen such an organisation so successful at making the wilderness accessible with minimal disturbance to the natural environment.

The trails are well-marked and maintained and where we used trails not maintained by the DNT, staff were nevertheless able to advise on them. The level of service at the fully staffed lodges we used was extraordinary and not too expensive (by Norwegian standards!). And how good is it to come off a mountain, knowing that a comfortable bed, three course meal, hot showers, and effective drying room are waiting for you? The DNT prides itself in never turning anyone away.

We were walking as a family with two under twelves, so didn't undertake any really major climbs, but the DNT also organises tours of the high peaks etc.

All the activities we undertook, we could have done as non-members, but joining the DNT meant serious discounts on accommodation costs as well as the ability to secure beds when the lodges were nearly full. If you are venturing deeper into the mountains and staying at unstaffed lodges, I think you need to be a member to get a key to the lodges.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14500 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13686
Fantastic hotel Finse 1222 with great views over glacier. The walks along the old navvy road are excellent.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13686 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13677 Use Hotel Finse 1222 as a base for adventures in the Norwegian mountains.

There are excellent walks and cycling opportunities along the old Navvy Road. Ask the stationmaster for the best routes by hopping from station to station - they are spaced about 15km apart.

The walk from Hallingskeid to Myrdal, down through the tree line, is unmissable, while, the railway museum at Finse is incredibly informative.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13677 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13667
Near the University.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13667 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13666
Very welcoming.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13666 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13475
There are many campsites, however, and most also have basic cabins sleeping two, four, or more people — useful for the occasional evening of lounging around and drying out.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13475 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13425
If you go at the right time you can get a comfy seat right by the window, the best vantage point. Apart from the urinals apparently - they are right up against the glass so you can enjoy the view whilst, you know. Oh, and in the ladies' there is one cubicle with two toilets in it - in case you and a friend need to finish a conversation, especially urgently I suppose?!

Drinks aren't as expensive as I'd feared - it was around 300kr for two (small) bottles of beer and two glasses of red - pricier than the UK but that's to be expected I think.

When we went there was an especially good bar tender - she paid loads of attention to getting drinks just so and gave us some free peanuts!

A great atmosphere, stunning views and perfect company meant the Summit bar was the highlight of my trip to Oslo.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13425 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13382
It was built in the 1930s, and is located near to the sea, close to Aker Brygge.

It stands out because of the two unusual block brick towers. First impressions are not so positive, but it grows on you.

The building has several sculptures on the walls depicting labourers at work. By the main entrance there is a fountain with a sculpture of a bird. From a distance it appears like a normal brick building, but on
closer inspection you observe various unusual patterns in the brickwork.

The interior walls are decorated with striking artworks in different bright colours. From the first floor there is an amazing view of the Oslo Harbour and the scenic fjord.

It's worth your while spending time slowly looking at the details both inside and out.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13382 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13185
You shouldn't expect Norway to be an easy cycling country though. I went through snow, fog, rain, wind and the brightest sunshine within 10 days. And the roads tend to climb very steeply. Norwegian camping sites are mostly good and the Norwegians themselves are very nice and helpful. And the scenery is great! I surely will go back and do some more cycling there!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13185 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13137 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13137