A visit to Sanngrund in Norway...

Hope you are staying warm during these cold January days! What a season of cold temperatures this has been across the country, even into the southern states...crazy! Want to cozy up by a fire and take a little visit with me to Norway? 

Now that the holidays are over, I want to share with you several of the lovely places we stayed in Norway last September. Late last fall I shared several posts of the charming home and places we visited in France (here, here, here, and here). Truly such a lovely part of France to see and enjoy! Flying from Toulouse to Paris, my friend Lois and I caught a flight into Oslo, Norway. What a wonderful surprise to be greeted at the airport by our friend, Heidi!

After renting a car, Heidi guided us to her family's resort named Sanngrund, just outside of Oslo in Skarnes. Heidi's parents, Roger and Audni Ferger, owned and ran this resort for many years and now two of Heidi's siblings and their spouses are in charge. Though they humbly call it a "campground" and "cafeteria", the resort is made up of a lovely grouping of well appointed cabins, several camping spaces, and a lovely restaurant with a gift shop. Lois and I met up with her husband, Lyle (my cousin), and daughter, Rachel, and stayed in one of the lovely cabins for two nights. 

Though I had visited Sanngrund for a day many years ago, I had not known at the time that my paternal grandmother, Signe Fritsvold Stenberg, grew up in Skarnes, the local town where Sanngrund is located. What a delightful surprise when I learned this fact after speaking with cousins who had been to Norway a few years ago! Contacting several relatives of my grandmother Signe still living in the Skarnes area through the research of another cousin, we all met for dinner at the Sanngrund restaurant for a truly delicious meal. The food at Sanngrund is a scrumptious treat! 

The resort is located on the banks of the Glomma river...

A river side view of the restaurant...

Inside the beautiful restaurant, just recently remodeled and designed by Heidi's brother, Freddy. 

Gracia, Lyle, Audni and Roger Ferger, Rachel, and Lois...

Tiles along the ceiling depict the types of work locals were engaged in over the years...

After our wonderful dinner, the next day we were invited to lunch at the home of one of our relatives, Kjell and Liv. (I will save that post for another day, since I want you to see their lovely Norwegian home.) 

We spent the greater part of a day in Oslo after our day spent with our relatives. Since the four of us had all been to Oslo before, we skipped over some of the typical spots most tourists see, like the famous Vigeland Park, Norsk Folkemuseum, Thor Heyerdahl's Kon-Tiki Museum, and Holmenkollen, the famous ski jump used in former Olympic games. Since our time was limited, we chose to walk along Karl Johan's Gate, the main city street of Oslo, stopping to do some shopping, and check out the King's Palace at the top of the hill. 

A must stop is a shop that sells the famous Dale Norwegian sweaters...

The Royal Palace, the official residence of King Harald V and Queen Sonja. 

Heidi and me...

Though the Palace was closed to visitors on the day we were there, we were able to visit the Queen's riding stables, which have been turned into an Art Gallery. The current show featured modern artists...so fun to see!

The view looking back down the hill at Karl Johan's Gate...

Aren't these colorful buildings lining Karl Johan's Gate lovely? Many spots to stop for a meal...

Rachel and me...

We all were so incredibly thankful to have Heidi as our tour guide and interpreter! She just happened to be visiting her family for her sister Betty's birthday during our visit. How gracious she was to take the time to accompany us. Norwegians are known for their hospitality and Heidi and her family represent their home land well!

If you are dreaming of or planning a trip to Norway soon, I highly recommend staying at
Sanngrund. At the very least, stop by for a delicious meal and shop for a fun gift or clothing at their gift shop. You will be so happy you did!

I'll be back soon with a post of beautiful farmhouse in Skarnes. Stay tuned! Hade...(bye). Warmly, Gracia