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Trainer Lasse Tufte loves nature based activities, but ideally without the hordes of visitors that tend to gather around the most well-known tourist attractions. His thing is calisthenics, which is a kind of training without gear, using your own body weight as resistance instead.
He is also the founder of the training parks Tufteparkene, which consist of more than a hundred free outdoor training spots equipped with uncomplicated apparatuses. His four books (Calisthenics volume 1 and 2, and Tren sammen (Training together) volume 1 and 2) are national bestsellers.
Lasse’s main focus on his many travels around Norway is to inspire people to spend more time in nature. His tips for less crowded spots, where you can go practically undisturbed, are where he feels at home. Sometimes these suggestions are alternative paths just a few minutes off the beaten track, in places where you can collect experiences and take photos from a fresh perspective.
Where: A quiet spot by the Hjørundfjord, with fewer tourist buses than in the rest of Fjord Norway.
Why: “For sure one of Norway's most beautiful, but lesser visited fjords, with alpine mountains and charming towns surrounding the fjord on all sides. Taking a picture here will look like a work of art from any angle. The Hjørundfjord is also good for exploring different activities, like SUP, as shown in the short film clip.”
Where: If you are in the Geirangerfjord area, go your own way.
Why: “The Geirangerfjord is probably the most famous fjord in Norway, visited by huge numbers of tourists each year. Yet few people know about the hiking possibilities there, which are more accessible than you may think. There are also plenty of short trips available that suit most people. In a few hours of walking you can reach Laushornet, which rewards you with a rare panoramic view of the Geirangerfjord.”
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Where: A beautiful place by the Norangsfjord, in the area of Ålesund and Sunnmøre.
Why: “The many ferries operating on the Norwegians fjords make it easy to travel between the small towns. Even if you miss the ferry and have to wait for the next one, you always have the spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and the possibility to go for a swim – jump off the ferry-port, like I do here!”
Where: In the immediate outskirts of Norway’s capital, Oslo.
Why: “Even in the busy capital of Oslo, you have the luxury of exploring forests and numerous lakes just a short trip by public transport from the city centre. In the huge forests of Nordmarka and Østmarka there are a network of well maintained paths where you can go biking, hiking or jogging, or why not try SUP (stand up paddling) on one of the small lakes, with few or no other people in sight.”
Where: A hidden hike by Norway's second most visited fjord, the Nærøyfjord.
Why: “With a spectacular view over the famous Nærøyfjord, and only a short drive from the equally recognised base-jumping site of Gudvangen in Aurland, Rimstigen is a lesser known hiking opportunity. Ask the locals where to find this spot at the end of a small road. A steep and winding path takes you to the top of the mountain, where you will discover a beautiful, hidden valley.”
Where: An uncommon rocky landscape in Telemark.
Why: “Telemark has some striking rock formations associated with entertaining fairy tales of how they were created by trolls. Easily accessible, you can usually walk to Gygrestolen within a few hours, depending on your exact location in the region. This area is little known and rarely visited by others than the locals who will be happy to give advice, or even guide you. Some enthusiasts also go climbing on these formations.”
Where: A lesser known path by the Briksdalsbreen glacier in Stryn.
Why: “Thousands of tourists visit the Briksdalsbreen glacier every year, but very few consider the hiking opportunities in the area. Halfway on the way to the glacier, you can choose to turn right into the woods and hike up to Kattanakken. This is a steep hike, but it is worth it all the way up to the top. Get a spectacular view of Norway’s largest glacier Jostedalsbreen, the Briksdalsbreen glacier and the surrounding mountains, with the added bonus of avoiding the crowds.”
Where: The adventurous parts of Finnemarka in Buskerud, close the city of Drammen.
Why: “There is no need to travel far to be adventurous in Norway. You are always close to a wood and small peaks with nice views, for your eyes only. Climbing trees are not just for kids, it is fun for everyone and if we stop doing it, we will slowly lose the ability. I encourage everybody to make use of the woods, lakes and mountains in a playful, adventurous and sustainable way.”
Where: Norway’s second largest island (after Hinnøya) in Troms county in Northern Norway.
Why: “Stroll along sandy beaches, go hiking in forests, visit fishing villages, and observe an unusual biological diversity both outdoors and at the restaurant table. On the huge island of Senja you will find nearly all the spice of life that Norway has to offer, just without the crowds that tend to stand in your way when you want to take that special photo.”
Return to hike another day
Norway is an incredible place to explore, with untamed mythical landscapes, mountains, valleys, and fjords. Before you enter the outdoors, get familiar with the nine simple rules of the Norwegian mountain code to help you stay safe.
1. Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected.
2. Adapt the planned routes according to ability and conditions.
3. Pay attention to the weather and the avalanche warnings.
4. Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips.
5. Bring the necessary equipment so you can help yourself and others.
6. Choose safe routes. Recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.
7. Use a map and a compass. Always know where you are.
8. Don’t be ashamed to turn around.
9. Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.
Take only pictures, keep only memories
Norway is a country of outstanding natural beauty. Preserving this landscape, its communities, and the way of life, is essential for locals and visitors alike.
Norwegian philosophy is very much that conservation is everyone’s responsibility.
The locals try to leave as small a footprint as possible. Leave it as you would like to find it is the mantra, regardless of where you are.
It is all about the quality of life. Not only now, but for the time to come as well.
Learn more about sustainability in Norway.
Return to hike another day
Norway is an incredible place to explore, with untamed mythical landscapes, mountains, valleys, and fjords. Before you enter the outdoors, get familiar with the nine simple rules of the Norwegian mountain code to help you stay safe.
1. Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected.
2. Adapt the planned routes according to ability and conditions.
3. Pay attention to the weather and the avalanche warnings.
4. Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips.
5. Bring the necessary equipment so you can help yourself and others.
6. Choose safe routes. Recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.
7. Use a map and a compass. Always know where you are.
8. Don’t be ashamed to turn around.
9. Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.
Take only pictures, keep only memories
Norway is a country of outstanding natural beauty. Preserving this landscape, its communities, and the way of life, is essential for locals and visitors alike.
Norwegian philosophy is very much that conservation is everyone’s responsibility.
The locals try to leave as small a footprint as possible. Leave it as you would like to find it is the mantra, regardless of where you are.
It is all about the quality of life. Not only now, but for the time to come as well.
Learn more about sustainability in Norway.
Find alternative paths away from the crowds.
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