we discover Hamar, an outstanding Norwegian destination for experiencing a variety of exciting outdoor activities and sports in natural surroundings. Just over an hour’s train ride from Oslo, this small city is convenient not only to the capital, but also is an ideal base to reach popular ski resorts like Trysil and Hafjell.

 

 

Immersed in a Passion for Winter Sports
During our visit, we spent time participating in winter sports, including cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and snowshoeing. We meet many avid outdoor sports enthusiasts who are willing to share their experiences to help us improve our techniques. This outreach shows their willingness to share their knowledge and provide further insights into their sports. We feel welcomed when we are invited into their community. No doubt this strong emphasis on community togetherness prevails over much of the region.

 

 

Lakeside Walks and Historic Sights
In Hamar, we stroll along the lakeside promenade to view the Cathedral ruins under a spectacular glass structure. But our main interest is to experience some of the best cross-country terrain in Norway. Referred by Ingeborg Bjerke Myreng of Hamar Region Tourist Office, Amund is an expert Nordic skier and race coach, providing instruction to individuals of all ages, especially to children.

 

 

Cross-Country Skiing at Budor
Amund is enthusiastic that we, too, can become better at the sport. Loading our equipment onto his vehicle, he takes us on a scenic ride through fields and woodlands until he reaches a magnificent wilderness tract known as Budor. This is a major center for outdoor activities and sports and a gateway into the Hedmarksvidda plateau.

 

 

Under Amund’s guidance, we begin to glide along the groomed trails while feeling immersed in nature among the tall spruce, pine and birch trees.

 

 

Following this encounter, Amund’s idea is to ski the next day to show us the other side of the area. He asks us to join a group of adult skiers who are taking weekly instruction at the Gåsbu ski area at night. His group is composed of newly arrived Ukrainians who wish to learn how to cross-country ski. Serving as a facilitator, he easily switches languages to teach them in both Norwegian and English.

 

 

At the same time, hundreds of Norwegian children are training in ski clubs under the lights at the stadium. This is a lively setting with children happily showing off their newly acquired skills. These community ski programs are special and “not many tourists have seen this before,” Amund remarks.

 

 

The Norwegian Wellness Tradition
Along with race coaching, Amund maintains his own rigorous training. A daily schedule includes early morning running, then preparing for ice bathing that involves plunging into the frigid lake waters before taking a sauna. This is considered a healthy fitness activity that is followed up with a complementary relaxing finish to this invigorating experience. Many Norwegians regularly participate in this most stimulating pastime. Like many active Norwegians, Amund enjoys outdoor and indoor sporting activities, including climbing at a fitness center.

 

 

Snowshoeing and Team Building at Karset Activity Farm
For further outdoor activities, he connects us with Stine of Karset Activity Farm, who specializes in team building at her farm, and also does snowshoeing trips. But for us, she takes us on a snowshoeing adventure at Budor. This is an exciting excursion by snowshoeing through the forest and gazing at the ice formations on the trees.

 

 

This deep appreciation of nature is part of the Norwegian way of life that values everyone’s rights to roam freely on the land. This is an exhilarating trek through the woods and fields. As Stine says, it provides “so many different trails in one place, ranging from Nordic skiing and snowshoeing to dog sledding tracks.”

 

 

Budor also has a family-friendly alpine center for tobogganing and downhill skiing. For extended stays, comfortable cabins and apartments are surrounded by snow-covered evergreen forests. Hot, satisfying lunches and dinners are also available at the center.

 

 

Relaxation and Wellness in Town
Rest Wings Day Spa offers relaxing treatments that are customized for creating healthy, glowing skin. Consultations are also available to optimize skincare after receiving treatments. Owner, Carina Dahl Aspeli, is available to provide personalized and ongoing skincare to address individual needs. She and her spa therapists have extensive experience in beauty products and their applications for enhancing skin fitness.

 

 

The spa is easily accessible near Hamar’s train station at Parkgata 13, 2317 Hamar
Phone: +47 97 00 36 70
Email: post@hvilvingene.no
Website: https://www.hvilvingene.no

 

 

Scandic Hotel Hamar and Restaurant
The ideal location of the Scandic Hotel is close to the city centre and provides safe and comfortable accommodations in Hamar. The restaurant offers hearty Norwegian cuisine and hot breakfasts that are consistently good with great menu options. The food choices are quite extensive, ranging from simple to more high-end selections.

 

 

For further details, contact:

Hamar Region Tourist Office, +47 40 03 60 36; website: https://share.google/1nNmvqIslJHt8lA4Z;
Email: post@radareiseliv.no

 

 

Amund Hagen Kristiansen and Emilie Westli Kristiansen, Spreke Experiences, +47 41 65 13 70; website: https://share.google/Ofsql2j6R0PXhhyEM
Email:kontakt@sprekeopplevelser.no

 

 

Stine Karset Broen, Karset Activity Farm,
+47 91 85 93 08; website: karset.no
Email: stine@karset.org

 

 

Tormod Tvinnereim, Budor Cabin and Apartment Rentals; +47 95 09 96 76
Email: villaheidi.no