Eastern Norway – Lillehammer

The eastern corners of Norway are somewhat off the beaten track. It doesn't, that they are less attractive to visitors. Arriving here, we can enjoy the view of the green valleys, clean lakes and dammed mountain ranges. The place, which cannot be omitted, wandering through these parts of the country, is Lillehammer – city, which is inherently associated with winter sports. Organized here in 1994 r. The seventeenth winter Olympic Games made, that it has gained an international reputation. Coming east of downtown Lillehammer, we will reach the ski jumps. From their top, we can see a beautiful panorama of the city and its surroundings. The coat of arms of the city informs us about the centuries-old skiing traditions of Lillehammer, depicting the figure of a skier. As reported in the 13th century, in year 1206 local highlanders saved Prince Hakon Hakonsson, carrying him across the mountains to a safe hiding place. Today, each year in March, a 55-kilometer long ski run is organized in memory of these events – Birkebeinerrennet, z Rena do Lillehammer.

An unquestionable attraction of Lillehammer is the open-air museum in Maihaugen. It was established in the 19th century. thanks to the passion of one of the residents – Anders Sandvig. The enthusiast collected antiques and bought old country huts. He decided to collect them together, then 175 he moved similar buildings to a place called Maihaugen. This is how De Sandvigske Samliger was born – the largest existing museum of a Norwegian village. In addition to the old architecture, you can see everyday items and tools belonging to Norwegian peasants. Animals are also kept in the open-air museum, which visitors especially like. Driving further north, we absolutely must stay longer in the Jotunheimen National Park. Rest in this place is a treat for all mountain climbing enthusiasts. From a distance, you can see the peaks of Norway's highest mountains – Scandinavian mountains. They are intersected by snow-white glaciers and crystal clear lake surfaces. The highest peak of the mountains is the Rising Galdhopiggen 2469 m n. p. m.

One might infer from Norway's geographic location, that in its northern parts it is as cold as in Greenland or Alaska. Therefore, coming here, we may be surprised by the temperature and climate. The warm Gulf Stream has a soothing effect on the climate in Norway (Golfstrom) – the most powerful stream of warm water in the ocean. Initially, it flows as an extension of the Florida current, along the shores of North America, and then, as a North Atlantic current, it flows to the shores of Western Europe and beyond, as a Norwegian current, reaches the shores of the Scandinavian Peninsula. As a result, the northernmost Norwegian ports never freeze.

Rock carvings from before 4000 years suggest, that this country is the home of skiing. Prehistoric drawings show characters on skis, what can speak for this, that it was in this northern part of Europe that man first came up with the idea of ​​attaching skids to shoes. Skiing has already been mentioned in the old Scandinavian sagas. They were ridden for pleasure in the 18th century., and in the next century, annual ski competitions were organized. The first competition was held in the year 1892 w Holmenkollen – it was an 18-kilometer run and a jumping competition.